Major: Ph.D. Engineering Education
Advisor: Gloria Kim, Ph.D.
Department: Engineering Education
Hassan Tanvir came to the University of Florida to pursue a Ph.D. in engineering education with a background unlike many in the department.
Tanvir was born and raised in Pakistan to a supportive family that valued education and service.
This translated into serving in the Pakistani military, completing his bachelor’s degree in computer science and master’s in software engineering, spending a decade teaching and mentoring hundreds of students in engineering and computer science and serving as the chief operational officer of an education-tech startup in Pakistan.
“Leading an ed-tech startup taught me to creatively solve problems and persevere,” he said.
At the ed-tech startup, he said, “we digitalized K-5 textbooks into interactive videos and designed formative assessments to make education more engaging. Today, these resources are utilized by more than 80 schools across Pakistan, making education more engaging and accessible for young learners in the country,” he explained.
Currently a third-year Ph.D. student in the Department of Engineering Education (EEd), Tanvir discovered the main challenge in his new academic journey was shifting from a “professor” mindset to a “learner” mindset. At UF, he embraced new ways of thinking, asked questions and became comfortable with uncertainty.
“My service experience strengthened my discipline, adaptability and teamwork, qualities that continue to guide me in my Ph.D. research today,” he said. “By seeking mentorship from UF’s exceptional EEd faculty, staying organized and continually learning, I am successfully navigating these challenges.”
His faculty adviser, Gloria Kim, Ph.D., agreed.
“Drawing on his faculty experience, he orientates new students by sharing best practices that demystify the unwritten norms of academic life,” she said. “Even as his faculty adviser, I have benefited from his thoughtful insights, which have helped me mentor students from a broad spectrum of cultural backgrounds.”
Here is more about Hassan, his work and his time at UF:
What inspired you to pursue your specific field of study?
My decade of teaching experience and my ed-tech leadership role showed me how powerful innovative pedagogy and technology can be in transforming learning. I became motivated to pursue engineering education to explore how we can lower barriers to complex fields like quantum information science and better prepare students for the future.
What are your academic goals?
Advance research and design innovative interventions in engineering education.
What is the most interesting class you’ve taken so far?
The most interesting and challenging class was focused on stealth assessment. The course was fascinating because it explored how to evaluate student learning in real time and unobtrusively use interactive tasks, games or digital activities that embed assessment within the learning process. What made it particularly challenging was learning how to design assessments that are both valid and engaging, ensuring they measure student understanding without disrupting the learning experience.
What advice would you give students who are considering EEd?
Bring your curiosity and openness. The program provides you with the opportunity to integrate your background, creativity and research into meaningful contributions to education.
What has been the best part about studying at UF?
Access to its exceptional resources that support research and innovation. The community. The faculty and collaborative opportunities at UF have made my Ph.D. journey challenging and deeply rewarding.
What are your career aspirations?
My long-term goal is to secure a tenure-track faculty position at an R1 research university, where I can combine my passion for teaching, research and mentoring. My short-term goal is to secure a post doc at an R1 University in the USA.
What are you most excited about for the future?
Contributing to the next generation of engineers and scientists, especially as quantum and AI technologies reshape education and society.
Outside of school, what are your hobbies and interests?
Traveling, photography and exploring new cuisines. I also like to keep up with emerging technologies. I love making service shadow boxes, which allows me to honor military service, preserve memories and combine creativity with meaningful storytelling.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
The power to manipulate time is perfect for research deadlines and reliving memorable moments.