Pronob Kumar Biswas studies human factors and ergonomics as a student in the doctoral program offered by the Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering at Texas A&M. |
Image: Courtesy of Pronob Biswas
Real-world engineering is complex by nature. Whether an engineer designs buildings, creates innovative medical technologies or develops vaccines, a diverse skillset in multiple engineering fields is often required. Realizing this, Pronob Kumar Biswas chose the Doctor of Philosophy program offered by the Department of Multidisciplinary Engineering at Texas A&M University.
“I chose this department due to its unique offerings,” said Biswas. “Through this program, I can comprehensively combine knowledge and techniques from multiple engineering disciplines, allowing me to tackle complex problems that require a multidimensional perspective. This unique opportunity also helps me generate creative solutions by integrating diverse concepts and methodologies, ultimately boosting my career opportunities and personal growth.”
Biswas completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial and production engineering from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, before he began his doctoral studies at Texas A&M in fall 2022.
Biswas studies human factors and ergonomics — the study of human interactions within a system and the creation of products and technologies that work and better these systems. In a field that requires a deep understanding of human behaviors and engineering principles, Biswas felt he needed a degree plan matching his research's interdisciplinary nature. In addition to being a student in the doctoral program, Biswas is also a graduate assistant researcher at the Texas A&M Ergonomics Center.
“Human factors and ergonomics are a multidisciplinary science that incorporates anatomy, physiology, psychology and engineering,” said Biswas. “Economically designing products and workplaces while ensuring the appropriate fit of the worker's job requirements and personal capabilities requires diverse knowledge that cannot be obtained from traditional majors.”
According to Biswas, a unique aspect of the program is the ability to design his doctoral plan according to his likes and interests. For example, he has taken classes in various fields, such as mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, environmental and occupational health, epidemiology and statistics.
“I chose this department due to its unique offerings,” said Biswas. “Through this program, I can comprehensively combine knowledge and techniques from multiple engineering disciplines, allowing me to tackle complex problems that require a multidimensional perspective. This unique opportunity also helps me generate creative solutions by integrating diverse concepts and methodologies, ultimately boosting my career opportunities and personal growth.”
Biswas completed his bachelor's and master's degrees in industrial and production engineering from Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Bangladesh, before he began his doctoral studies at Texas A&M in fall 2022.
Biswas studies human factors and ergonomics — the study of human interactions within a system and the creation of products and technologies that work and better these systems. In a field that requires a deep understanding of human behaviors and engineering principles, Biswas felt he needed a degree plan matching his research's interdisciplinary nature. In addition to being a student in the doctoral program, Biswas is also a graduate assistant researcher at the Texas A&M Ergonomics Center.
“Human factors and ergonomics are a multidisciplinary science that incorporates anatomy, physiology, psychology and engineering,” said Biswas. “Economically designing products and workplaces while ensuring the appropriate fit of the worker's job requirements and personal capabilities requires diverse knowledge that cannot be obtained from traditional majors.”
According to Biswas, a unique aspect of the program is the ability to design his doctoral plan according to his likes and interests. For example, he has taken classes in various fields, such as mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, computer science, environmental and occupational health, epidemiology and statistics.
My career goal is to be a distinguished researcher who can contribute to the betterment of humankind through ergonomically designed products and workplaces, as well as cutting-edge ergonomics research.
Additionally, he works alongside renowned faculty members with knowledge in his field. Particularly, Biswas chose Texas A&M to work with Dr. Mark E. Benden, professor in the Department of Industrial & Systems Engineering and multidisciplinary engineering department, director of the Ergonomics Center and head of the Department of Environmental and Occupational Health.
“I believe this is the best doctoral degree program anyone could dream of if they want to pursue a non-traditional degree program,” Biswas said. “I am extremely confident that this program will add maximum value to my professional career. Additionally, with the expertise and mentorship from my advisor, Dr. Benden, who is one of the leading experts in the field of ergonomics, I feel confident to explore new ideas and possibilities.”
Biswas believes this program has helped him diversify his skillsets by providing him with knowledge in various engineering and philosophical disciplines. He also believes it has helped him generate creative solutions to real-world problems by integrating diverse concepts and methodologies, which will ultimately help him further his personal and career growth.
“My career goal is to be a distinguished researcher who can contribute to the betterment of humankind through ergonomically designed products and workplaces, as well as cutting-edge ergonomics research,” he said. “My mission is to enhance occupational health and safety, ensuring every worker is safeguarded and protected. I aspire to reduce human errors, boost productivity and enhance overall satisfaction in the workplace. In my dreams, I envision a world where safety and satisfaction are inherently embedded into every job and every piece of equipment.”
“I believe this is the best doctoral degree program anyone could dream of if they want to pursue a non-traditional degree program,” Biswas said. “I am extremely confident that this program will add maximum value to my professional career. Additionally, with the expertise and mentorship from my advisor, Dr. Benden, who is one of the leading experts in the field of ergonomics, I feel confident to explore new ideas and possibilities.”
Biswas believes this program has helped him diversify his skillsets by providing him with knowledge in various engineering and philosophical disciplines. He also believes it has helped him generate creative solutions to real-world problems by integrating diverse concepts and methodologies, which will ultimately help him further his personal and career growth.
“My career goal is to be a distinguished researcher who can contribute to the betterment of humankind through ergonomically designed products and workplaces, as well as cutting-edge ergonomics research,” he said. “My mission is to enhance occupational health and safety, ensuring every worker is safeguarded and protected. I aspire to reduce human errors, boost productivity and enhance overall satisfaction in the workplace. In my dreams, I envision a world where safety and satisfaction are inherently embedded into every job and every piece of equipment.”