Dr. Ramdhane Dhib

“To be an engineer,” says Ramdhane Dhib, “confidence is essential.” He’s not referring to bravado or ego, of course. The confidence that Dhib knows has true value is the kind that comes from education, training and application. “It gives your words conviction, and it signals to your employers and peers that they can trust you.”

Dhib attributes his own confidence as a professor to his 20 years in the classroom. The key, he says, is to keep students active by asking lots of questions, and giving them opportunities for training in areas that will ensure they’re in demand when they graduate. “I make sure my grad students know how to run experiments, and do simulations and high-level computer programming.”

And when it comes to developing self-assuredness in undergraduates, Dhib is quick to champion the value of the chemical engineering department’s co-operative education program. “Because of the work experience they get here, our students know they have tangible skills to offer industry.” This means they’ll feel comfortable enough to present their own solutions and ideas, even in their first few months on the job. “What a positive way to begin a brand new career,” he says.