In the Spotlight: Ali Golabchi
Meet Dr. Ali Golabchi, Faculty of Engineering Postdoctoral Fellow with the CIC.
What’s one thing you can’t live without?
Hope. For me, life is unimaginable without hope. Oh, and of course, coffee!
What’s the best book you’ve read so far this year?
The Infinite Game by Simon Sinek.
What is one important skill that you think everyone should have?
Common sense! I think if everyone would just make sure to use common sense, the world would be in much better shape!
What is one of your greatest personal or professional achievements?
Immigrating to Canada and building my life here! It was quite challenging for me to move to the US for my graduate studies when I was 22, far from home and family. But I am happy that I was successful in completing my studies there and then moving to Canada and building my life here despite all the challenges.
You can invite anyone—living or dead, real or fictional—to an activity of your choice. Who would it be, and what would you do?
There are so many people I can think of! One of them is Leonardo da Vinci. I don’t think there needs to be any special activity involved; I would just listen to him talk about everything! I would also ask him how he feels about the world we live in right now!
If you could solve any problem in the world, what would it be?
I think the first problem that comes to mind is hunger and access to clean water. And then, of course, education.
What three words best describe your personal values?
Integrity, love, and health.
What does “innovation” mean to you?
“The execution of ideas that are creative and add value”.
What activity helps you relieve stress?
Working out.
What is your favourite inspirational quote, and who said it?
“The man who says he can and the man who says he can’t are both right.” — Confucius
What is the best piece of advice you have been given?
“Treat others the way you would like to be treated.”
About Ali Golabchi
Ali Golabchi is a postdoctoral fellow at the Construction Innovation Centre (CIC). Ali received his PhD in Construction Engineering and Management from the University of Alberta in 2018 and his MSc from the University of Michigan in 2012. His research over the years has focused on integration of productivity and safety into workplace design, the use of sensing and automation for safety analysis, the development of motion-capture based ergonomic assessment and biomechanical simulation, and the adoption of virtual reality for prevention through design. He is highly interested in facilitating the partnership between academia and industry to effectively improve productivity and safety of workplaces through innovative, evidence-based solutions.
