Mohamed Osman, Civil Engineering Alum

Degree(s) 

PhD (2016), MSCE (2009), BSCE (2006)

Current Residence 

Germantown, TN

Current Employer 

TDOT, University of Memphis (Adjunct)

What influenced your decision to attend Herff College of Engineering? 

After researching several local and surrounding to the Memphis area colleges and their engineering programs, I found that the University of Memphis offered the strongest program to meet my academic and career goals. The Herff College of Engineering stood out to me, not only for its academic reputation but also for the incredible support I received from the faculty and academic advisors. As a new student, their guidance and encouragement helped me succeed in my studies. Their dedication to my success made a significant impact on my experience at the University of Memphis. The Herff College of Engineering stood out to me as a place where I could continue my education and build a solid foundation for my future in engineering.

How did Herff prepare you for your career? 

Herff College of Engineering provided a comprehensive and diverse set of courses that were instrumental in shaping my career. The program's strong emphasis on transportation-related courses was particularly valuable to me, as it aligned with my interest in the field and prepared me for my roles in civil engineering and later over the years into my career as a civil engineer, I realized even more that my graduate studies and research at the Herff were very beneficial to me in relation to the different practical roles I adopted. In addition to the transportation focus, Herff also offered classes that were essential for graduate school preparation, especially I was interested in furthering my education past a Bachelor degree and pursuing a Masters and a PhD in Civil Engineering. The combination of practical, career-oriented courses and research-driven academics gave me a solid foundation to succeed in both professional and academic pursuits.

What skills or knowledge did you learn throughout the program that you found most helpful in your career? 

During my undergraduate degree, I built a solid foundation of core engineering principals such as mechanics of materials, structural analysis, and fluid dynamics, all of which are essentials for any civil engineer. I developed my analytical skills through hands-on projects and lab work. I gained technical communication skills through writing reports an presenting findings which are essential for working with teams. I developed a sense for project management by managing a small project such as senior design project from aspects such as managing project timeline and team coordination. 
During my graduate studies, I built a decent advanced technical knowledge through diving deeper into specialized areas such as transportation systems, traffic safety and operations, etc. I started building my research skills through being exposed to research methods and analytical techniques, preparing for roles in academia or advanced technical roles. I deepened my understanding of Problem-Solving techniques through looking at more complex, real-world problems in the field of transportation safety and operations. I learned how to master designing and conducting original research, contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the transportation field, and successfully accomplished several publications in very well-known and reputable Transpiration Engineering Journals. I additionally gained skills in mentoring graduate students both seeking Masters and PhD degrees in Civil Engineering. Finaly, I developed skills of leading or co-leading research efforts across multiple universities working with those top tier professional in the Transportation field both on an academic level as well as professional practical levels.

Who was your most impactful professor? Why? 

I would have to say Dr. Sabya Mishra, Civil Engineering Professor at the Herff College of Engineering. I have worked closely with Dr. Mishra throughout my PhD Degree years at U of M. Dr. Mishra has patiently provided me guidance and support every step of the way. Dr. Mishra has taught me principals of research, supported and connected me with help across the U of M as well as several others from other universities nationwide and internationally. I am forever thankful to Dr. Mishra and grateful for any and every opportunity he has supported me in. Dr. Mishra continues to provide such support to date. For the record, I must state the contributions and efforts of several other professors, within the Civil Engineering Department, to my journey.

Were you involved in student groups? If so, which one(s)? 

I was not. Not that I would have not loved to be part of student groups, however time was scarce.

What support(s) did you have during your time as a college student? How did you keep focused on the goal? 

I had full support of my family, professors, and staff at the U of M. During my graduate studies, I continued to have the support of my family and my professors. This was a dream for me to be able to conquer both academia and practical professional worlds. This was through continuing my education to the highest Engineering degree, becoming a licensed engineer, and advancing in my career as a civil engineer. Although it was not an easy goal to accomplish, I was determined to stay focused on to the highest level.

What was your greatest memory from your time at Herff? 

There have many great memories at the Herff, especially over a span of 3 degrees. I would have to say that the moment the felt greatest for me was the day I defended my PhD dissertation. It was a day that combined all of those who have been waiting patiently with me for this day, advisors and committee members, family and some friends, and other students from the U of M all in one room attending and witnessing results of all the hard work that took place.

What advice would you give those considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering?  

My advice to anyone considering enrolling in Herff College of Engineering is to take full advantage of the exceptional opportunities this school offers. Herff is not just a place to earn a degree—it’s a gateway to becoming a problem-solver, innovator, and leader in your field. The college provides a strong foundation in engineering principles while allowing you to specialize in areas that align with your passions, such as transportation, environmental engineering, or research. Becoming an engineer opens doors to a wide range of industries where you can make a real impact on society. Whether it’s improving infrastructure, designing sustainable systems, or advancing technology, the skills and knowledge you gain at Herff will equip you to tackle complex challenges and drive progress. Take advantage of the resources available to you such as faculty support, research opportunities, and hands-on learning to eventually shape your own path and build a rewarding and meaningful career.

What do you know now that you wish you had known during your time at Herff? 

Looking back, one thing I wish I had known during my time at Herff is the importance of networking and building connections early on. While the academic knowledge and technical skills I gained were invaluable, over time I’ve come to realize that relationships within the engineering community, whether with professors, peers, or industry professionals, can be just as valuable for career growth. These connections often open doors to opportunities that may not be immediately visible, whether it’s landing a job, collaborating on a project, or simply gaining new insights into the field.
I would have also  taken more advantage of research opportunities and outside class activities. Engaging more actively outside of the classroom could have significantly broadened my perspective and helped me apply what I learned in real-world contexts. It’s not too hard to focus on coursework, but I feel that exploring these other avenues could have greatly enriched my educational experience.

Was your Herff experience worth the price? If you could do it over again, what would you do differently? 

My experience at Herff College of Engineering was absolutely worth the price. The education I received laid a strong foundation for my career as a civil engineer. The program offered both the depth and breadth I needed to thrive in the transportation field, and it prepared me not just with technical skills but also with critical thinking and problem-solving abilities that have been invaluable throughout my career. If I could do it over again, I would focus more on building a strong professional network early on. While the academic experience was excellent, I’ve since realized that relationships within the engineering community are a must to continue advancing further and can truly open doors to great opportunities. Networking early would have provided valuable insights into career paths and practical experiences that could have accelerated my professional growth. I’d also take more advantage of internships, student organizations, and interdisciplinary collaborations to broaden my connections and perspectives.