What I learned from Hatem Amli during his PhD

I am delighted that Hatem decided to do a PhD in the School of Mathematics and Physics at the University of Lincoln, UK under my supervision. Normally students talk about what they’ve learned from the their supervisors, mentors and teachers. Over the past 18 months since Hatem started his PhD I’ve learned a lot from observing him.

So here are some of the things in no particular order.

1. Always be impeccable. Hatem is always exceedingly polite, behaves in an exemplary manner with everyone in the school, university and widely across society, He’s always smartly dressed and his work is of a very high standard.  I’ve received numerous complementary comments from people who have found out he’s my student and told me how impressed they were with him.
2. Think big. When I first met Hatem he said he wanted to do research that will change the world and be world class. This was challenging for me. I thought what can I do to support him. I decided, to be the best you have to work with the best in your respective field. I set up visits for him to Cambridge and Liverpool where the best research was being done at that time. This culminating in a 6 month Research Fellowship at the Graphene Research Institute and Cavendish Labs at the University of Cambridge where his project was designed and background work was carried. His project was designed in collaboration with world leading scientists. Currently, Hatem is on research placement at the Stephenson Institute for Renewable Energy in Prof Vin Dhanak’s Surface Science Lab.
3. Expand your circle of influence. Hatem is a consummate networker. In addition to his research collaborations I am impressed with his wide circle of friends and associates not only across the university and UK but worldwide. He always surprised me by introducing me to new people constantly. Sometimes, I wonder how he finds the time to connect with such a wide circle. He must utilise Facebook, Twitter, Instagram etc much more efficiently than me.
4. Be a global citizen. We live in one world where everyone has the same basic human needs and desires. I’ve always found Hatem to be open and receptive to other cultures and customs. He maintains interest by regularly attending events that keeps him up to date and informed.
5. Work hard to improve yourself. Hatem’s diary is always full. He’s usually going to an event, meeting, working in the lab, going for a run, attending meditation classes, doing a Yoga class etc. Whenever I meet him he’s going to something different. He is also always constantly trying to improve himself mentally, physically and emotionally and also his research.
6. Help and support others. Regardless of the setting or activity Hatem always offers constructive ideas that beneficial to others. He is always helpful and supportive of everyone. Hatem was instrumental in the running of the Egypt Summer School on “Applications of Nanotechnology in Architecture” where he was a key figure all the technical and social activities.
7. Keep abreast of the latest technologies and trends. I am always impressed with Hatem’s knowledge and awareness about the latest trends in technology, social, fashion trends, etc. If I want to do something and ask him for advice, he always has a solution i.e. you can use this software for this and that.
8. Always fulfil your promises. We live in a world where people promise you the moon and end up delivering dust or nothing, Hatem always delivers on his promises. If he agrees to do something he always delivers. I appreciate his reliability.
9. Be a good example. Your actions speak louder than your words. We can teach other more through our example than through lecturing and telling them what to do. I have found that Hatem is always a good example for me. He never tells me to do something he does not do himself.
10. No one is perfect. We all have our deficiencies and weaknesses and we need to strive constantly to get better. I can only give Hatem 9/10. If he wants to get 10/10 he needs to watch the youtube video on the 5 second rule by Mel Robbins and implement it with the Nike slogan Just Do It.

To make it easier for him here is the link.