The Researcher.Life Ambassador Program is a global community of researchers who wish to give back to their academic communities through mentoring and collaboration with other researchers. Researcher.Life Ambassadors empower themselves and their fellow researchers with advanced tools and services from Researcher.Life that help them do more, be more, and succeed more. Every month we spotlight one Ambassador who has gone the extra mile in supporting their academic community.
Ambassador of the Month: Dr. Shervin Hashemi
Dr. Shervin Hashemi is a Senior Researcher at the Institute for Environmental Research, Yonsei University College of Medicine, South Korea. He is also an Honorary Research Associate: Durban University of Technology, Faculty of Management Sciences, South Africa. He is a Member of the Editorial Board of the journal, ‘Sustainability’. His awards and recognitions include – Winner of the Energy Globe Republic of Korea National Award 2019, Winner of the Leaving No One Behind Innovation Award 2019, and IWA Global Water Award 2021 Nominee.
Could you tell us a little about your research?
I conduct research to develop solutions for sustainable access to safe and adequate water and sanitation. I also conduct research on public health focusing on smoking risk assessments.
How did you get interested in this field?
I became interested in studying sustainable access to clean water and sanitation when I was a M.Sc. student. It began on a beautiful sunny day in April 2013. I was passing through the main gate of my university, near which there was a bus stop and an entrance to a stunning mountainous area. That morning, I saw a bus driver getting out of his bus and walking toward the mountain. He then stopped, looked around, and proceeded to urinate in the open! I was surprised at how such a thing could happen in South Korea, which is a culturally developed country. It was then that I understood what “Sanitation for All” means. Regardless of gender, access to appropriate sanitation facilities is a human right. Yet, about 2 billion people worldwide lack these basic services! From that time, I began to think seriously about creating a sanitation system with the goal of “Sanitation for All.”
Why did you decide to become a Researcher.Life Ambassador?
I used CACTUS services for about 8 years (since 2014), especially the Editage platform. When I got information on Researcher.Life Ambassador Program, I thought it is an exciting idea to join and expand my network.
What is the best part about working in research?
It is always exciting to find new aspects of something unknown. It is even more exciting when you share it through publication.
And the most challenging part about working in research?
Money, money, and money! Funding is always a headache and limitation. Sometimes, research proposals are too good compared with the truly small amount of the provided funds.
What is the one thing you want people to know about Researcher.Life?
In the Researcher.Life Ambassador platform, I can help others and receive help. This is an “everybody happy” process, which I like so much.
How has Researcher.Life Ambassador Program helped you in empowering the research community?
I love helping others, especially researchers. The Researcher.Life Ambassador helped me to find several new friends. I also got positive responses when I promoted my webinars or other announcements. I also tried to be useful to this community by providing a presentation on desk rejection.
Would you like to give back to the academic community like Shervin?
Consider becoming a Researcher.Life Ambassador – apply today!
Learn more about the Researcher.Life Ambassador Program here.
