Abolfazl Najar
Hometown
Iran
High School
Shahid Beheshti
Degree
PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Data-Driven Approaches
Expected Graduation
December 2028
What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?
My favorite thing about being a student at UGA is the incredible environment. Everyone is highly motivated and eager to learn. From undergraduate Freshman to fellow PhD candidates, students constantly challenge themselves with unexplored questions and strive to find the right answers. This shared curiosity is contagious, and it truly motivates me. I really enjoy being part of such an inspiring community.
Why did you choose engineering?
To me, engineering means creativity. I have always loved creating things, so the engineering department was the natural place for me. I am so fascinated by the whole discipline that sometimes I find it hard to choose between fields—part of me wishes I could be a civil or mechanical engineer, too! Ultimately, engineering is about creating tools that impact people’s lives in countless ways. We often use these daily innovations without noticing the immense hard work behind them. I truly enjoy being part of projects that positively influence people’s daily routines.
Why is it important for the university to have an inclusive community?
Diversity is the origin of different mindsets. We need diversity to contribute to solutions in multifaceted ways during projects and to create high-quality products. I find that some people are incredibly accurate and can dive deep into specific tasks, while others excel at understanding the big picture and directing the team to reach the ultimate goal. I believe a diverse environment helps members thrive, allowing them to communicate better, share unique ideas, and reach a point where they can truly help each other toward a shared objective.
What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?
One of the most challenging parts of collaboration for me has been learning how to identify the different abilities within a team and figuring out how to align those strengths with our research group’s objectives. A person’s unique skills often only reveal themselves in specific moments, so recognizing them takes effort. To overcome this, I made a point to engage more deeply with my colleagues. I ask about their goals, what matters most to them, and their strategies for facing challenges. I then use this feedback to better understand their capabilities and how we can work together most effectively.
What have you learned that has made a difference for you?
I’ve learned that the biggest innovations, ideas, and solutions are shaped by simple equations, relationships, and their repetition. Because of this, I believe that if you want to create something truly impactful, you need to master the basics first. If you can fully understand a baseline and its weaknesses, you will be well-equipped to improve upon it in the future.
Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?
I want to thank my lovely wife and my dear family. They have always supported me through challenges by providing inspiration, mentoring, and emotional support. I truly believe that without their support, none of this would have been possible. I deeply appreciate them.
What is your favorite spot on campus and why?
I love Lake Herrick the most. It is somewhere I can sit for hours, just listening to the sound of the wind and the waves. I love feeling the cool breeze coming off the water on my face, and sometimes I even meet new friends there. Everything is so calm; it really helps me relax and think more deeply about my plans.
What has been your favorite class at UGA?
My favorite class was Cyber-Physical Systems, taught by Dr. WenZhan Song. It was such a great course. I met people with brilliant ideas, and they did incredible things for our class projects. I believe it was one of the most fruitful classes I’ve ever taken because I saw a massive amount of creativity from the students.
What has been your best memory at UGA?
I have so many wonderful memories at UGA, but I particularly love the start of the fall semester. Seeing the students return and the campus bustling with energy again is such a great feeling. It almost feels like one big, campus-wide ceremony.
What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?
Always ask questions and push the boundaries of your creativity. Never hesitate to propose an unconventional idea. While not every concept will be viable, the most groundbreaking solutions almost always sound impossible at first glance.
How do you hope to impact society with your engineering degree?
I hope to reach a point where I can use what I have learned to help society achieve big goals. I want to be a contributing part of a greater whole, while truly enjoying the work I do.
