By Office of Communications and Public Affairs
Dr. Nurul Husna Hassan has joined the School of Engineering and Technology (SET) at the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT) as an Assistant Professor in the Water Engineering and Management Program, Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering (WREE).
She earned her Ph.D. in Engineering and M.Sc. (by Research) in Civil Engineering from Universiti Tenaga Nasional (UNITEN), Malaysia. Her research focuses on hydraulic and hydrologic engineering, hydraulic structures, computational fluid dynamics (CFD), fluid–structure interaction (FSI), hydraulic physical models, and energy sustainability. By combining advanced numerical modeling with experimental approaches, her work addresses key challenges in river engineering, dam safety, and hydropower system management.
Before joining AIT, Dr. Nurul was actively engaged in research and consultancy projects involving sedimentation studies of major hydroelectric schemes in Malaysia and hydraulic physical modeling of spillways and dams. She has published widely in Scopus- and ISI-indexed journals, presented at international conferences, and collaborated closely with industry and government-linked companies on applied hydraulic engineering research.
In this interview, Dr. Nurul shares her thoughts on her research journey, her vision for advancing water engineering education, and her aspirations at AIT.
1. What inspired you to join the Asian Institute of Technology (AIT)?
I have always admired AIT for its international reputation in advancing research and education in sustainable engineering. The institute’s strong focus on interdisciplinary collaboration and its impact on addressing regional and global water challenges deeply resonate with my own aspirations. I was particularly inspired by AIT’s legacy in nurturing professionals who play significant roles in water resources management across Asia. Joining AIT provides a unique opportunity to engage with a diverse community of scholars and students while contributing to innovative solutions for water-related issues that transcend national boundaries.
2. How do you plan to contribute to the growth of the Water Engineering and Management Program and the Department of Water Resources and Environmental Engineering?
I plan to contribute by integrating advanced modeling and analytical tools into the curriculum and research activities. This includes expanding the use of CFD and FSI applications in hydraulic and environmental systems to better simulate real-world engineering challenges. I also aim to strengthen the link between academic research and industry needs by developing collaborative projects with government agencies, consulting firms, energy companies and other relevant stakeholders. Moreover, I hope to enhance the visibility of the program through joint publications, research grants and active participation in international networks related to dam safety, river management, and hydropower systems.
3. Your research covers areas such as CFD, FSI, and hydraulic structures. How do these fields help address modern challenges in river and hydropower system management?
CFD and FSI provide powerful tools to analyze complex flow behaviors, energy dissipation mechanisms and structural responses under varying hydraulic conditions. These approaches enable engineers to simulate scenarios that are often difficult or costly to reproduce through physical models. For example, in river and hydropower management, CFD helps optimize spillway design to reduce vibration and cavitation risks, while FSI allows us to assess the interaction between water flow and structural components such as gates and baffle blocks. Together, these methods support data-driven decisions to enhance safety, efficiency and sustainability in hydraulic infrastructure.
4. Could you share one research project that you found most rewarding or impactful?
One of the most rewarding projects I worked on was the hydraulic physical modeling of the spillway for a major dam in Malaysia, which was experiencing vibration and energy dissipation issues during high-flow events. Through a combination of laboratory-scale modeling and numerical simulations, we were able to propose design modifications that significantly improved flow performance and reduced vibration impact on nearby structures. The project not only contributed to safer dam operations; it also demonstrated how integrating CFD, FSI and experimental studies can lead to practical, implementable solutions for complex hydraulic problems.
5. How do you see opportunities for collaboration between AIT, regional partners, and industry in advancing sustainable water engineering solutions?
AIT’s strong network across Asia provides an excellent platform for multi-stakeholder collaboration. I envision joint initiatives focused on climate-resilient infrastructure, sedimentation management, and sustainable hydropower operations. By combining academic expertise with the technical experience of industry partners, we can develop innovative approaches to flood risk management, dam safety monitoring, and river restoration. I also see great potential in applying digital tools such as AI-based modeling and sensor-based monitoring systems to improve decision-making and operational efficiency in water engineering projects.
6. What advice would you give to students and young researchers who wish to pursue careers in water engineering and hydropower system management?
Be curious, resilient and open to interdisciplinary learning. Water engineering is evolving rapidly with the integration of digital technologies and sustainability principles. It is important to build a strong foundation in fundamental hydraulics and hydrology, but equally important to embrace new tools like numerical modeling, data analytics and environmental assessment. Engage in real-world projects whenever possible whether through internships, research collaborations or fieldwork as these experiences will shape your understanding of practical challenges. Most importantly, stay passionate about contributing to solutions that ensure safe, efficient and sustainable use of water resources for future generations.
