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Top > Vol.1 - Dzevo Alibegic
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 Name: Dzevo Alibegic |
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Nationality: Slovenia |
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| Affiliated research center/ school in Waseda |
Applied Chemistry
Department of Chemical Engineering,
Hirata － Tsuneda laboratory. |
| Affiliated research institution at home country |
Diploma (B.Sc. with Honors) from University of Ljubljana, Slovenia.
M.E. and Ph.D. from Waseda University |
| The period of your stay at Waseda |
From 04/1999/ to 04/2006/
(as a researcher from 04/2003 － 04/2006) |
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Subject of research
Environmental protection: Remediation of water and air polluted with volatile organic compounds applying UV techniques.
Research life at Waseda
UV-BCR(UV Bubble Column Reactor) on picture is our originally developed photochemical reactor - utilizing the mass transfer of pollutant from the gas phase and oxidizing it in the liquid phase with the help of OH radicals. |
It was October 1997 when I arrived to Tokyo. The weather was warm and sunny, and the excitement of starting my studies in one of the best Japanese universities was overwhelming. After obtaining my doctoral degree, I got the opportunity to work in the Environmental laboratory of Waseda University as a research associate. Even though the laboratories of famous professors like Hirata and Tsuneda can sometimes be crowded (we had as much as 80 students at some points) I realized that working environment of Waseda, the "Harvard" of Japan, was very good for my further growth as a person and a researcher. It was clear to me that the opportunity to continue my career here was a chance not to be missed. The school's reputation along with the high status of my professors opened many new doors for me and helped me to establish a great professional and academic network while presenting our results at international meetings. It seemed like most of the distinguished professors knew my supervisor and were willing to talk to me.
Due to the nature of my research - photochemical oxidation of organic pollutants from drinking water and air, combining chemical engineering with photochemistry, mass transfer, radical reactions, system design, analysis and integration, I needed to cooperate with professors from different departments very often. They always seemed to be happy to take time, give advice, and provide support. In addition, materials needed for research are obtained without any problem and sophisticated analytical equipment is readily available at the Environmental safety center. Since most of our work was done in cooperation with industry, solving real problems and learning about economic analysis of project was certainly a big plus to my stay here and is another distinguishing characteristic of conducting research at Waseda.
Team work is important, things are usually well planned in advance and confrontation is avoided as much as possible. While it is important to understand and respect the aspects of Japanese culture, one should keep own identity in order to make international exchange work in both ways. I guess my friends in the laboratory got some insight into the concept of "improvisation" while associating with me. Japanese people rarely talk about their private life outside the walls of the laboratory but they would happily spend time with you after the work and teach you to find your way to get through the life in one of the world's most expensive cities. After taking advice from your friends, you just need to accept Tokyo lifestyle and as proverb goes: "When in Rome － do as the Romans do."
Future plan
After my tenure, I am planning to continue to promote the scientific, economic and cultural exchange between Slovenian and Japan within the framework of Japan － Slovenian friendship association. From the professional point of view, I am planning to work for the United Nations Environment Program, applying my experience and knowledge about environmental protection together with broad professional and scientific network to the work toward the greener future, human welfare and sustainable development of our society and for future generations. At the same time I would like to establish links with Japanese and European investment institutions with the aim of leading the investments primarily in safe water supplies infrastructure development in Asian region, putting my knowledge of engineering, culture and communication styles of Asian and European people to the creation of new bridges and promoting the cross-cultural understanding between Japan, Europe and Asian countries.
Comments
Life and work at Waseda can surely become a very strong springboard at a start of your international career. Studying and working in Japan I truly unique, life enriching experience. No where else in the world can you get such professional, social and cultural feast of opportunity. The experience and friends you will make here will last for times to come. Even though Japanese people might seem shy at the beginning, they will cheer you to work harder, help you in on every step and you will soon find yourself absorbed in a new environment and truly hooked to people and a culture that might have seemed distant before coming here.
Related Publications
Alibegic, D., S. Tsuneda and A. Hirata, Oxidation of Tetrachloroethylene in a Bubble Column Photochemical Reactor Applying the UV/H2O2 Technique, Can. J. Chem, Eng. 81 (3-4) 733-740 (2003).
Alibegic, D., S. Tsuneda and A. Hirata, UV-Bubble Column Reactor (UV-BCR) for Photolytic Removal of Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) From the Vapor Phase. Methodological Approach, J. Chem. Eng. Jpn. 36 (2) 178-186 (2003).
Alibegic, D., S. Tsuneda and A. Hirata, Kinetics of Tetrachloroethylene (PCE) Degradation and Byproducts Formation During UV/H2O2 Treatment in UV-Bubble Column Reactor, Chem. Eng. Sci. 56 (21-22), 6199-6207 (2001).
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Farewell Party |
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