Alumni Profile
Memorial University of Newfoundland
Dr. Kshama Roy
Fry Family Foundation Graduate Leadership Award/MUN Chancellor's Graduate Leadership Award, 2013 and 2018
Fry Family Foundation Graduate Leadership Award/MUN Chancellor's Graduate Leadership Award, 2013 and 2018
I was born and raised in Dhaka, the capital city of Bangladesh. Growing up in such a densely populated city meant facing intense competition from an early age. Both my parents and school teachers consistently pushed me out of my comfort zone, encouraging me to excel academically and actively participate in extracurricular activities while maintaining my position as the top student in my class. I am very grateful to them for fostering skills and passions at an early stage of my life that have been instrumental in my professional development.
After finishing as the top student through grade 10, I was admitted to Notre Dame College, one of the top colleges in Bangladesh for grades 11 and 12. Having been the top student for eight consecutive years at my school, I expected to be the smartest student in college as well. However, to my surprise, in my first class, I discovered that almost all my classmates were among the top five students from their respective schools, each possessing unique qualities that set them apart. So, I once again had to prove myself in an intense phase of competition. I believe my intense hard work and perseverance through grade 12 laid the foundation for my success to date.
I completed my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), the topmost engineering institution in Bangladesh. Following that, I served as a Lecturer for approximately a year at the University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS). Then I came to Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) to pursue my Master’s and Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering. I am a proud Memorial graduate and my graduate studies at MUN have profoundly impacted my life, both academically and personally. Immersing myself in a rigorous academic environment, I gained advanced knowledge and research skills that have prepared me for a successful career in my field.
I was incredibly fortunate to have a diverse supervisory committee comprising my main advisor, Dr. Bipul Hawlader, along with Dr. Shawn Kenny from Carleton University and Dr. Ian Moore from Queen’s University. Their consistent encouragement to think creatively and dare to dream the impossible was invaluable. Additionally, I was privileged to benefit from mentors such as Dr. Leonard Lye, former associate dean of graduate studies at the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and Dr. Greg Naterer, former Dean of the same faculty, who played pivotal roles in nurturing my leadership abilities.
Equally transformative has been my experience with the people of Newfoundland. Known for their warmth and hospitality, Newfoundlanders welcomed me into their community, making me feel at home despite being far from my roots. Their resilience, humor, and strong sense of community have inspired me and enriched my personal development. The friendships and connections I've made here have not only broadened my cultural horizons but also provided a support system that has been crucial throughout my academic journey. Together, these experiences have shaped me into a more knowledgeable, empathetic, and resilient individual, ready to contribute positively to society. St. John’s is a place where you can meet some of the sweetest people in the world, and I am proud to call St. John’s my Canadian home.
After spending nearly seven years in St. John’s, I relocated to Calgary to join Northern Crescent Inc., a Calgary-based engineering firm. There, I established the company’s pipeline integrity team and research and development department from the ground up, leading the creation of eight automated software programs. Two years ago, I joined DNV, one of the world’s leading independent experts in assurance and risk management and a recognized advisor for the energy value chain including renewables, oil and gas, and energy management. I also hold the position of Adjunct Professor at MUN’s civil engineering department. Prior to this, I served as an adjunct professor at the University of Manitoba from 2020 to 2023 and as a sessional lecturer at the University of Calgary from 2021 to 2022.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive over 50 prestigious awards, including the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) Early Accomplishment Summit Award, Pipeline and Gas Journal’s Innovative Thinker Award, and Canadian Geotechnical Society’s Early Achievement Award.
I am a passionate researcher for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. I understand the critical importance of collaboration in developing innovative, effective, and transformative solutions to combat the natural hazards posed by climate change. My research illustrates how the interaction between soil and structures, combined with both fundamental research and practical application, can play a significant role in mitigating risks and enhancing the resilience of infrastructure against these hazards. I firmly believe that fostering a collaborative approach between industry and academia drives creative thinking and often results in transformative solutions.
I am deeply passionate about volunteering and making a difference in the community. In addition to my numerous volunteering roles within the professional communities, the most rewarding aspect of my life has been the ability to positively impact the lives of those who need it most. Along with my family members, I spearheaded the establishment of the ‘Kshirode Chandra Roy Memorial Fund’ in memory of my late father. Through this initiative, me and my wife are working as moral parents for seven unprivileged female students in Bangladesh by providing their full educational and living costs. We have also partially adopted two orphan elephants in Kenya.
I am immensely grateful to the Fry Family Foundation (FFF) for their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in my potential. The scholarships they have awarded me have not only provided financial assistance but have also profoundly influenced my life and academic journey. The support from FFF has been transformative, enabling me to pursue my educational and leadership aspirations with greater confidence and focus. Beyond the financial aspect, their encouragement has bolstered my determination and reaffirmed my belief in my abilities. Their recognition of my efforts has served as a validation of my hard work and dedication.
I have faith in humanity and strive to cultivate a compassionate network of individuals dedicated to improving the world. To those who believe in a similar ideology, I suggest three strategies:
One quote that resonates deeply with me is by Lao Tzu, a Chinese Taoist philosopher: "A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."
Kshama
After finishing as the top student through grade 10, I was admitted to Notre Dame College, one of the top colleges in Bangladesh for grades 11 and 12. Having been the top student for eight consecutive years at my school, I expected to be the smartest student in college as well. However, to my surprise, in my first class, I discovered that almost all my classmates were among the top five students from their respective schools, each possessing unique qualities that set them apart. So, I once again had to prove myself in an intense phase of competition. I believe my intense hard work and perseverance through grade 12 laid the foundation for my success to date.
I completed my bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology (BUET), the topmost engineering institution in Bangladesh. Following that, I served as a Lecturer for approximately a year at the University of Information Technology and Sciences (UITS). Then I came to Memorial University of Newfoundland (MUN) to pursue my Master’s and Ph.D. degree in Civil Engineering. I am a proud Memorial graduate and my graduate studies at MUN have profoundly impacted my life, both academically and personally. Immersing myself in a rigorous academic environment, I gained advanced knowledge and research skills that have prepared me for a successful career in my field.
I was incredibly fortunate to have a diverse supervisory committee comprising my main advisor, Dr. Bipul Hawlader, along with Dr. Shawn Kenny from Carleton University and Dr. Ian Moore from Queen’s University. Their consistent encouragement to think creatively and dare to dream the impossible was invaluable. Additionally, I was privileged to benefit from mentors such as Dr. Leonard Lye, former associate dean of graduate studies at the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, and Dr. Greg Naterer, former Dean of the same faculty, who played pivotal roles in nurturing my leadership abilities.
Equally transformative has been my experience with the people of Newfoundland. Known for their warmth and hospitality, Newfoundlanders welcomed me into their community, making me feel at home despite being far from my roots. Their resilience, humor, and strong sense of community have inspired me and enriched my personal development. The friendships and connections I've made here have not only broadened my cultural horizons but also provided a support system that has been crucial throughout my academic journey. Together, these experiences have shaped me into a more knowledgeable, empathetic, and resilient individual, ready to contribute positively to society. St. John’s is a place where you can meet some of the sweetest people in the world, and I am proud to call St. John’s my Canadian home.
After spending nearly seven years in St. John’s, I relocated to Calgary to join Northern Crescent Inc., a Calgary-based engineering firm. There, I established the company’s pipeline integrity team and research and development department from the ground up, leading the creation of eight automated software programs. Two years ago, I joined DNV, one of the world’s leading independent experts in assurance and risk management and a recognized advisor for the energy value chain including renewables, oil and gas, and energy management. I also hold the position of Adjunct Professor at MUN’s civil engineering department. Prior to this, I served as an adjunct professor at the University of Manitoba from 2020 to 2023 and as a sessional lecturer at the University of Calgary from 2021 to 2022.
Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to receive over 50 prestigious awards, including the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) Early Accomplishment Summit Award, Pipeline and Gas Journal’s Innovative Thinker Award, and Canadian Geotechnical Society’s Early Achievement Award.
I am a passionate researcher for sustainable and resilient infrastructure. I understand the critical importance of collaboration in developing innovative, effective, and transformative solutions to combat the natural hazards posed by climate change. My research illustrates how the interaction between soil and structures, combined with both fundamental research and practical application, can play a significant role in mitigating risks and enhancing the resilience of infrastructure against these hazards. I firmly believe that fostering a collaborative approach between industry and academia drives creative thinking and often results in transformative solutions.
I am deeply passionate about volunteering and making a difference in the community. In addition to my numerous volunteering roles within the professional communities, the most rewarding aspect of my life has been the ability to positively impact the lives of those who need it most. Along with my family members, I spearheaded the establishment of the ‘Kshirode Chandra Roy Memorial Fund’ in memory of my late father. Through this initiative, me and my wife are working as moral parents for seven unprivileged female students in Bangladesh by providing their full educational and living costs. We have also partially adopted two orphan elephants in Kenya.
I am immensely grateful to the Fry Family Foundation (FFF) for their unwavering support, encouragement, and belief in my potential. The scholarships they have awarded me have not only provided financial assistance but have also profoundly influenced my life and academic journey. The support from FFF has been transformative, enabling me to pursue my educational and leadership aspirations with greater confidence and focus. Beyond the financial aspect, their encouragement has bolstered my determination and reaffirmed my belief in my abilities. Their recognition of my efforts has served as a validation of my hard work and dedication.
I have faith in humanity and strive to cultivate a compassionate network of individuals dedicated to improving the world. To those who believe in a similar ideology, I suggest three strategies:
- Connect your long-term goals to your core values
- Break your long-term goals into short-term tasks and make daily progress, even if it’s as simple as reading something or reflecting on your plan
- Avoid getting stuck in the ‘messy middle’ by maintaining a high-level perspective.
One quote that resonates deeply with me is by Lao Tzu, a Chinese Taoist philosopher: "A leader is best when people barely know he exists; when his work is done, his aim fulfilled, they will say: we did it ourselves."
Kshama