In this edition of our alumni spotlight series, we are proud to introduce Ing. Dr. Gabriel Jonathan Amissah (PhD), P.E., Director of the Centre for Renewable Energy at Cape Coast Technical University, Ghana. He is a distinguished alumnus of the University of Szeged, where he earned his PhD in Earth Sciences.

How would you introduce yourself and your connection to the University of Szeged?
You can simply call me Gabby, but professionally, Ing. Dr. Gabriel J. Amissah, a proud alumnus of the University of Szeged.

How did your PhD in Earth Sciences at SZTE shape your research in civil engineering?
Civil engineering in the natural environment and physical geography are siamese twins. They are interconnected and inseparable. It gave me more perspectives as an engineer to align more with the natural environment as it held the key to a more sustainable emgineering of the built environment.

What stood out to you in the academic environment at Szeged?
From the perspective of my department, everyone is willing to help in any small way to help you with challenges you may fave in your work. The collaborative spirit!

When did you decide to pursue civil engineering, and what led you to academia?
Civil engineering was a dream from my younger years. But the academia was a decision I took after my Bachelors degree. I believed I would make a better impact on society by teaching others.

What are your best memories from your time at the University of Szeged?
The annual christmas party hosted by my professor for all her PhD students, past and present. It was a time to have fun and draw on knowledge of others while discussing past PhD experiences and events.

Do you explore any interests beyond engineering that influence your teaching or research?
My department at Szeged was "Physical Geography and Geoinformatics". This aroused my interest in remote sensing and GIS. I still have plans to incorporate a lot of GIS/RS in my research.

Is there a quote or idea from your studies at SZTE that still guides your work today?
My professor made a profound statement, but I have paraphrased it to suit the context:
"Assume nobody is willing to help you, and plan on how best you can achieve your goals".

How has studying and working internationally impacted your perspective as an engineer and educator?
Diversity always presents different angles to the same solution based on sociocultural undertones. This makes it critical to respect opinions that are not necessarily aligned to yours.

Interviewer: Talha Khalid
Photos: Ing. Dr. Gabriel J. Amissah

Earlier this year, the University of Szeged delegation visited Cape Coast, Ghana, where they signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the University of Cape Coast (UCC) to foster academic collaboration in areas such as vocational and technical education, economics, and tourism.

During their visit, the delegation also encountered several former SZTE students, including Dr. Amissah - and we are always delighted to hear stories of alumni crossing paths and reconnecting across the globe.

Photo: Timothy Yaw Acheampong