 |
|
January 19, 2007 Vol. 77, no.
2S
 |
| PEG SKORPINSKI
PHOTO |
Professor Minute with CEE professor Samer Madanat
CEE professor Samer Madanat is director of the Institute of Transportation
Studies. He received his Ph.D. from MIT in 1991 and joined the Berkeley
faculty in 1996. Madanat’s research interests focus on civil
infrastructure systems management, with emphasis on utilization of
analytical methods in modeling facility performance and optimizing
life-cycle management decisions.
What first inspired you to go into
engineering?
I was about seven or eight years old. A large apartment building was
under construction near our house. My father explained to me the role
of the site engineer, whom we could see directing the construction
crews: He was the master organizer, in charge of keeping everything
on track and on schedule. That seemed like a great job!
To date, what has been the most memorable moment in your career?
Being offered a faculty position at UC Berkeley. I felt like I was
the luckiest person alive.
If you had a few extra hours, what would you do?
Go for a hike at the Point Reyes Peninsula. This is one of the best
ways of getting exercise while enjoying great views.
What should engineering students make sure they do at Berkeley before
they graduate?
Explore this university to the fullest extent possible. At UC Berkeley,
you are surrounded by excellence whichever way you look, so take courses
in the social sciences, the humanities, the arts. Don’t limit
yourself to engineering.
What are you currently reading?
Robert Fisk’s The Great War for Civilization, which describes
his 25 years of reporting on conflicts and wars in the Middle East.
He is probably the most knowledgeable English-speaking correspondent
in the region.
What is one thing you would like to learn how to do?
Play the guitar. My three-and-a-half year old son is totally into that
instrument, and I would like to be able to teach him when he grows
up.
If you would like us to feature your favorite professor, please e-mail
his or her name to engnews@coe.berkeley.edu. |
|
