KENNESAW, Ga. | Sep 6, 2024

Growing up in India, Joachim James saw his mother and father designing houses during their free time, as they worked as civil and electrical engineers.

Looking to grow his own engineering skills and career, James took the advice of his cousins who attended Kennesaw State University and enrolled in the Master of Science in Civil Engineering program. Today, he plays a critical role in research that could change the way engineers address lighting inside tunnel systems.

James was drawn to KSU’s graduate civil engineering program because it provides comprehensive training in critical areas such as structural, geotechnical, water resources, environmental, and transportation engineering. Students benefit from hands-on experience with cutting-edge technologies and research methodologies, preparing them for leadership roles in a field expected to grow by 5% by 2032, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

At KSU, James became a graduate research assistant in the Southern Polytechnic College of Engineering and Engineering Technology and focused on analyzing how daylight penetrates tunnels using a simple two-dimensional model, under the guidance of professor Tien Yee.

 "We developed a formula and numerical code to determine how bright it will be inside a short tunnel based on the amount of light outside," James said.

The research aims to improve safety and energy efficiency in short tunnels by determining how much daylight enters and where additional lighting might be needed. The work addresses a key safety issue, as recent data indicates that short tunnels often have higher crash rates compared to longer ones. James' formula will help ensure tunnels are adequately lit during the day, reducing the need for artificial lighting and enhancing driver visibility.

James’ research has been well-received, culminating in presentations at the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) conference and contributing to his academic portfolio through his thesis defense and ongoing publications.

Before joining KSU, James earned a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering in India and worked briefly as a site engineer. Motivated by the success of his cousins who graduated from KSU, he chose to further his studies. However, adapting to life in the U.S. posed significant challenges, including overcoming language barriers and adjusting to a different climate.

"The biggest challenge for me was the language. I wasn’t used to speaking English that well," James said.

Despite these obstacles, his drive to succeed has never wavered.

Joachim attributes much of his success to the support and mentorship he received from KSU faculty, including Professors Yee and Sunanda Dissanayake, who played a crucial role in his research and personal life, and Professor Parth Bhavsar, who provided valuable insights, job recommendations, and academic support.

Looking ahead, James aims to secure a job and prepare for the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam, with the goal of becoming a licensed Professional Engineer (PE) within four years. He will soon be joining a reputed civil engineering company as a Transportation Design Engineer, which will be a significant step in his career. Reflecting on his journey, James advises fellow international students to remain patient and persistent.

"First, it will be very challenging, but eventually, you will get used to it. You need to spend time on your academic activities and research, which will pay off in the long run," he said.

Professor Dissanayake, chair of the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, said James serves as a model for other students seeking to advance their careers.

“Joachim is a shining example of hard work and motivation,” Dissanayake said. “His pursuit of excellence and his ability to overcome numerous challenges truly reflect his commitment to civil engineering. His success is a result of his exceptional work ethic.”

– Story by Raynard Churchwell

Photos by Darnell Wilburn

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 45,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.