Research Student Spotlight March: Mahbub-Ul Alam
Our monthly spotlight on the work and lives of the next generation of water@leeds researchers.
This month we spoke with : Mahbub-Ul Alam
PhD Title: Behavioural determinants of household wastewater management in urban Dhaka, Bangladesh
School: School of Civil Engineering
Supervisors: Dr Paul Hutchings, Professor Barbara Evans
Tell us a bit about yourself:
I was born and raised in Dhaka, Bangladesh. After completing my postgraduation in Anthropology, I joined the International Centre for Diarrhoeal Disease Research, Bangladesh, as a qualitative researcher. Later, I pursued a Master of Public Health (MPH) at BRAC James P Grant School of Public Health, strengthening my ability to lead mixed-methods studies as an independent researcher. My research interests lie in water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH), menstrual hygiene and health, antimicrobial resistance, and wastewater management.
Why did you choose Leeds University?
The Water, Public Health and Environmental Engineering Group at the School of Civil Engineering is renowned for influencing global WASH policies. I was motivated to join the Water-Wiser student cohort, working on versatile WASH projects across three universities, with access to incredible training opportunities. The University’s strong commitment to attaining SDG6 goals aligns perfectly with my research interests, making it the best place for me to pursue my PhD.
What is your research about?
My research is focused on exploring the barriers to sewer connection despite the availability of sewer and developing an intervention to increase the uptake of sewer connections in urban areas. I proposed an intervention that combines educational efforts, behaviour change strategies, active community participation, and infrastructural improvements, which can successfully overcome barriers to sewer connections. My research's practical recommendation would support the water and sanitation authority's implementation of the sewer program more effectively.
What inspired you to undertake your PhD project?
Access to safe sanitation remains a challenge in urban areas globally, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. As a researcher, I have experienced that in cities like Dhaka, Bangladesh, despite efforts to expand sewer connections, uptake among households remains low. Since then, I have been curious to investigate the barriers to sewer connections among households and interested in developing context-specific, well-developed interventions to promote increased adoption.
Find out more about Mahbub's research:
Photograph courtesy of Shajedul Islam: Mount Snowdon, Wales