Growing up in India, Joachim James was no stranger to the world of engineering. He watched his parents, both civil and electrical engineers, sketch designs for houses during their downtime, which planted the seeds of inspiration in him.
Eager to grow his own engineering skills and career, James took the advice of his cousins who attended Kennesaw State University (KSU) and enrolled in the Master of Science in Civil Engineering program. Today, he’s at the forefront of research that could reshape how engineers approach the lighting in tunnels so that the safety of all road users could be improved.
James chose KSU’s graduate civil engineering program for its well-rounded training in diverse fields like structural, geotechnical, water resources, environmental, and transportation engineering. Here, students get hands-on with innovative technologies and research methods, preparing them for leadership roles in a field expected to grow by 5% by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
James took on the role of a graduate research assistant at the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology. He’s been working on a project, funded by the Georgia Department of Transportation, that looks at how daylight makes its way into tunnels, using a two-dimensional model under the mentorship of Tien Yee, a professor in Civil Engineering.
“We developed a formula and numerical code to determine how bright it will be inside a short tunnel based on the amount of light outside,” James shared.
Interestingly, recent data shows that shorter tunnels often experience more car accidents than their longer counterparts. James’ research focuses on improving safety and energy efficiency in short tunnels by accurately assessing the amount of daylight that enters these tunnels and identifying spots where extra lighting might be necessary.
His formula could help ensure tunnels are sufficiently illuminated during the day, reducing reliance on artificial lighting and potentially lowering accident rates.
Altogether, the research has been well-received, leading to presentations at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) International Conference on Transportation and Development, which have bolstered his academic portfolio through his thesis defense and ongoing publications.
Before making his mark at KSU, James earned his bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in India and briefly worked as a site engineer. Inspired by the achievements of his cousins who graduated from KSU, he decided to continue his studies here. However, moving to the U.S. and adjusting to life wasn’t without its challenges.
“The biggest challenge for me was the language. I wasn’t used to speaking English that well,” James reflected.
Yet, through it all, his determination remained steadfast. He credits much of his success to the guidance and encouragement he received from KSU faculty, including Professors Yee and Sunanda Dissanayake, who offered invaluable insights on both research and life. Professor Parth Bhavsar also played a key role in helping him navigate job recommendations and academic challenges.
Looking ahead, James is gearing up to secure a position and prepare for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, which is the first step toward becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) within the next four years. He’s set to join a well-respected civil engineering firm as a Transportation Design Engineer. As he reflects on his journey, James has some advice for fellow international students: stay patient and persistent.
“First, it will be very challenging, but eventually, you will get used to it. You need to spend time on your academic activities and research, which will pay off in the long run,” he said.
Professor Dissanayake, chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, noted that James serves as a model for other students seeking to advance their careers.
“Joachim is a shining example of hard work and motivation,” Dissanayake said. “His pursuit of excellence and his ability to overcome numerous challenges truly reflect his commitment to civil engineering. His success is a result of his exceptional work ethic.”
If Joachim’s story inspires you, take a look at how other KSU students are blazing their own paths.
