Meet Kashif Liaqat. Liaqat is a first-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Rice University. Liaqat is from Pakistan and is a Rice Graduate Ambassador. Ambassadors are students who represent the university and help prospective students gain knowledge of student life as a graduate student at Rice.
Liaqat chose Rice as a graduate school because he wanted to specialize in renewable energy systems and contribute to the ongoing research in the field. His research allows him to design and optimize technologies to create electricity by using energy from the sun.
When he is not conducting research, he serves in various leadership roles within the Rice community. He is a part of the Rice Pakistani Student Association (RPSA) on campus.
Liaqat advises prospective students that one of the most important decisions they will make in graduate school will be one of the very first decisions they make after picking a school.
“The most important decision you will make as a prospective graduate student is choosing the right faculty advisor who aligns with your research interests and will support you throughout your Ph.D. journey,” said Liaqat. “It's crucial to be diligent and take your time to find the right fit.”
Liaqat also advises current students to maintain a healthy work-life balance while in graduate school.
“As a current graduate student, it's important to prioritize your mental health and well-being by finding a healthy work-life balance,” said Liaqat. “Engaging in activities outside of research, like exercise or hobbies, can help you recharge and stay motivated.”
Outside of academics, Liaqat enjoys the diversity Houston provides and the food. “I've visited more than 20 states, and the most authentic Pakistani food I have had so far in the USA was in Houston,” said Liaqat.
A fun fact about Liaqat is he grew up in the most culturally diverse city in Pakistan (Quetta) and is fluent in six languages.
Graduate ambassadors can be contacted via email at gradambassadors@rice.edu. Kashif Liaqat can be contacted directly by email at KL112@rice.edu.