May 1, 2026 | Erin Bluvas, bluvase@sc.edu

Mahbub Alam began studying environmental sciences more than 15 years ago, when the young student was passionate about understanding the environmental and public health challenges that arise in a rapidly developing country like his native Bangladesh.

“I quickly realized that environmental contamination is not just an ecological issue, it directly affects human health and communities,” he says. “Over time, this perspective evolved into a strong motivation to bridge environmental science with public health, using advanced analytical techniques to better understand exposure pathways and risks.”

Though he officially graduates this month, Alam has been using this intersecting background since January as an Environmental Engineer at Siemens Energy in Charlotte. In this role, he works to minimize the company’s environmental footprint, ensure regulatory compliance, support sustainability and decarbonization initiatives, and contribute to a strong Zero Harm culture across operations.

“My doctoral training has equipped me with strong analytical, problem-solving and research skills, which I now apply to real-world industrial challenges,” Alam says. “This transition allows me to bridge research and practice – translating scientific knowledge into actionable solutions that protect both human health and the environment.”

Alam came to USC after earning bachelor’s and master’s degrees in environmental science from Jahangirnagar University. He then completed a second master’s degree in environmental science and engineering at Istanbul Technical University and taught at Bangladesh University of Professionals for a few years.

When he began looking at doctoral programs, Alam was drawn to the strong reputation of the Arnold School’s Department of Environmental Health Sciences (ENHS) and its location in a school of public health. The interdisciplinary nature of the program, access to advanced analytical facilities, and collaborative/supportive environments were also key factors in his decision.

“From the beginning, I found a strong sense of mentorship and community that helped me grow both academically and professionally,” says Alam, who found mentors in his advisor Mohammed Baalousha as well as ENHS faculty Geoff Scott, Sean Norman, Dwayne Porter, Daniel Kilpatrick, Tom Chandler, and Tara Sabo-Attwood, and executive director of operations and accreditation Lee Pearson. “Dr. Baalousha’s guidance has been instrumental in shaping both my research and professional career, and his passion for scientific discovery and commitment to excellence have inspired me to think critically and pursue impactful, meaningful research. The mentorship, encouragement and leadership I’ve received from the rest of the faculty and staff have also played an important role in my academic journey, and this strong network has helped me grow not only as a researcher but also as a well-rounded public health professional.”

During his time in the Ph.D. in Environmental Health Sciences program, the Norman J. Arnold Doctoral Fellow has gained experience as a graduate research assistant in the Center for Environmental Nanoscience and Risk as well as through his role as the Lab Manager and Safety Officer for Baalousha’s Environmental Nanoscience and Analytics Laboratory. As a result of these hands-on experiences and his coursework, Alam’s resulting research interests focus on the environmental fate and health impacts of emerging pollutants, including incidental nanomaterials and environmentally persistent free radicals generated from wildland–urban interface fires.

“I am particularly interested in understanding how contaminants like incidental nanomaterials, micro- and nanoplastics transform in the environment and how they may pose risks to human health,” he says.

Alam graduates with four peer-reviewed journal articles published as a first author and seven as a co-author in prominent scientific journals. He has also presented his research at three major conferences across the United States, reflecting both his independent research contributions and collaborative work.

Beyond his doctoral research, he has engaged in multiple international collaborations, including with colleagues in Bangladesh, contributing to a broader body of work totaling over 40 publications in high-impact journals. This is an impressive feat for any doctoral student but particularly for one who is juggling high-level research and lab management (working with complex environmental samples and sophisticated instrumentation) while adapting to a new country and culture.

He says that remaining focused yet adaptable was key to his perseverance and helped strengthen his problem-solving skills. The comfortable and accessible lifestyle offered by South Carolina’s capital city also offered some balance to his rigorous academic pursuits – as did the sense of community among students and faculty.

“USC has been a place where I not only developed as a researcher but also as a professional ready to contribute to the field of public health,” Alam says. “As I transition into industry, I remain strongly committed to research and collaboration. I believe that integrating scientific research with real-world applications is essential for addressing today’s complex environmental and public health challenges and for creating meaningful, sustainable impact.”

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