Brilliant mind set to graduate this weekend

Talal on a recent visit overseas

For most people completing one degree is a big enough achievement for one life-time, but not for Dr Talal Yusaf.

The Iraqi born engineer is preparing to graduate from his second PhD this weekend, and said despite raising a young family and supervising PhD students his determination never wavered.

'During my last two years of my PhD study, I have been under tremendous pressure due to my other responsibilities within the faculty; actually Professor David Buttsworth and I jointly were supervising four PhDs while I was doing my second PhD.

'With my three young children (twin seven-year-old boy and girl and five-year-old boy) and my busy wife (medical doctor at Toowoomba Base Hospital), it was a challenging take for me, but I was very determined to successfully complete my second PhD.'

Dr Yusaf is a senior lecturer at the Faculty of Engineering and Surveying and the Director of USQ’s International Sponsorship Engagement and member of the University’s National Centre for Engineering in Agriculture. Dr Yusaf studied under the supervision of Professor David Buttsworth and said he decided to undertake more study to enhance his knowledge of biotechnology.

'This research experience will allow me to expand my knowledge in the area of cell technology and allow me supervise PhD students in this field.

'My first PhD was in the area of using alternative fuel in diesel engines in 1999, while the second one is related to microorganism (in dairy product) disruption using ultrasound technology.

'Special thanks goes to my Dean Professor Frank Bullen who was very supportive during the last year of my PhD project.

'I wish to have a third PhD in education if I can, but it would be very difficult unless I go two years full-time as a student, which is not possible.'

Contact Details:
Connie-Louise Rego, USQ Media, +61 7 4631 2977