Syed Mustafain Haider
Loughborough University
Project
An Ill Wind: Modelling the Impact of the Proposed Newhurst Incinerator on the Urban Health Index (UHI) of the East Midlands
Supervisors
- Richard Hodgkins
- Helen Glanville
PhD Summary
My project is focused on modelling the environmental impacts of waste incinerators, with a particular emphasis on assessing air quality / Urban Health Index (UHI) of Loughborough and East Midlands regions. Waste incinerators, regardless of their location, significantly impact various environmental factors, with air quality being of utmost importance. My research will not only comprehensively analyse the existing challenges but also aims to propose strategies to enhance the efficiency of waste incineration processes. The CENTA studentship presents an appealing opportunity to further explore and contribute to this field of study, given its commitment to interdisciplinary research and provision of extensive resources.
Previous activity
Before starting my PhD, I was working as Environment Health & Safety (EHS) Manager in M/S Global Waste Management (GWM) in Lahore Pakistan for the last 8 years. The Company owns and operates a dedicated Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA’s) approved and certified hazardous waste Incinerator and has been disposing / managing the industrial hazardous waste as per EPA’s guidelines for the last 23 years.
Why did you choose doctoral research?
After my MSc. Degree in Environmental Monitoring for Management from Loughborough University (2015), I spent the gap years working as HS&E Manager at M/S Global Waste Management Lahore Pakistan. In these years I have gained a vast experience in managing and mitigating the environmental impacts of the Waste Incinerator, through incorporation of various air pollution control devices and techniques, in the company owned hazardous waste incinerator. I have also been involved in the Safe Operations and Maintenances of the Government Owned Infectious Hospital Waste Incinerators in Lahore Pakistan as well. This studentship will greatly enhance my skills and knowledge about latest environmental modelling techniques present for the assessment of the environmental impacts of the waste incinerators. After this PhD, I believe that I would be a helpful resource for my home country, possessing advanced knowledge to eradicate the issue of Environmental Pollution and Smog which is prevalent right now Pakistan.
Why did you choose CENTA?
Over the past 11 years, I have been actively involved in a specific field, both during my undergraduate and master’s studies, as well as in my professional experience. This sustained commitment has provided me with a deep understanding of the subject matter and a comprehensive skill set.
CENTA has caught my attention as an ideal platform for furthering my education to the highest level. The program aligns perfectly with my academic and professional background, offering an opportunity to advance my knowledge and skills in the field that I have been associated with for an extended period.
Moreover, what sets CENTA apart is its commitment to providing boundless resources related to various fields of studies among which mine is one. The availability of unparalleled resources, including training sessions, workshops, and other educational materials, positions CENTA as a unique platform that goes beyond conventional learning environments.
In conclusion, my decision to apply through CENTA is driven by the platform’s potential to propel my education to new heights and its commitment to offering extensive resources tailored to my field of interest. I am confident that this studentship will serve as a catalyst for my continued growth and contribution to the chosen field.
Future plans
Studying here holds immense potential for shaping my future endeavours. My goal is to contribute significantly to either the academic or industrial domain, leveraging a specialized technology or technique. My emphasis lies in uncovering a technology or methodology that can effectively mitigate or eliminate the environmental and air quality impacts of incinerators. I am dedicated to researching and developing a solution that not only diminishes the environmental footprint of incinerators but also introduces a cost-effective and environmentally friendly approach to solid waste management. I aim to collaborate with environmental protection agencies, specifically Pakistan’s EPAs, to integrate these innovative solution (which I believe I would be able to chalk out at the end of my PhD) into their Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA) processes. Securing necessary approvals and endorsements, such as a No Objection Certificate (NOC), will be pivotal in mainstreaming the adoption of this technique or technology on a broader scale. Through these efforts, I intend to contribute meaningfully to both environmental conservation and sustainable waste management practices.