With a career spanning two countries, multiple degrees, and a remarkable list of patents and publications, Adel brings a wealth of knowledge, curiosity, and passion to the field of geotechnical engineering. His academic journey includes a part-time postdoctoral research role, followed by the start of a second PhD at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) in 2022.
Alongside his studies, he joined Tetra Tech Coffey in early 2024 as a Geotechnical Engineer, contributing to the M6 Motorway tunnel excavation and supporting geotechnical courses as a casual academic staff member at UNSW. In 2025, Adel took the next step by relocating to Queensland to join our Brisbane office as a Geotechnical Engineer. Blending academic rigor, technical innovation, and practical insight, he is now working on some of the state’s most complex infrastructure projects.
With a career shaped by international experience, deep academic research, and hands-on engineering, Adel brings a unique perspective to the Tetra Tech Coffey team. Now based in our Brisbane office, he shares what drives his passion for geotechnical engineering, how he balances study and practice, and why he believes in inspiring the next generation of engineers.
Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in geotechnical engineering?
Absolutely. My career began in Iran, where I completed a Master’s in Geotechnical Engineering at Sharif University of Technology (SUT). My first industry role was with IBA Co, where I worked on MSE walls and geosynthetics design. That early exposure to applied engineering helped build a strong foundation for what would become a very research-rich and hands-on career.
You’ve balanced industry, research, and teaching—how have those experiences shaped you?
Each has offered something different. At Global MTM Co, I worked for six years on the design and development of geotechnical lab equipment, while completing a part-time PhD focused on wave propagation and unsaturated soils. That work led to approximately 10 patents and nine scientific papers. I’ve always loved the challenge of converting theory into something practical and impactful. Later, I held a postdoctoral research position and began teaching geotechnical engineering at university, which I still do casually today.
What brought you to Australia, and specifically to Tetra Tech Coffey?
I moved to Australia to pursue my second PhD at UNSW, and in 2024, I joined Tetra Tech Coffey as a casual Geotechnical Engineer, supporting the M6 Motorway project during the tunnel excavation phase. I was drawn to Tetra Tech Coffey because of its depth of geotechnical expertise and its reputation for working on technically complex, large-scale infrastructure projects. The ability to learn from highly experienced colleagues while also contributing in a meaningful way made it an ideal environment.
You’ve now moved to the Brisbane office—what are you looking forward to in this next chapter?
Joining the Brisbane team as an Experienced Geotechnical Engineer is a big step forward. This region has a strong pipeline of exciting infrastructure and development projects. I’m particularly inspired by the opportunity to apply Tetra Tech Coffey’s Leading with Science® approach—where technical excellence, innovation, and risk-informed thinking are at the heart of what we do. I’m looking forward to being part of a team that’s trusted to solve ground challenges in critical projects.
What inspires you most in your career today?
Honestly, it’s the chance to keep learning and contribute at the same time. Every project has new ground conditions, new variables—and with that, new opportunities to apply what I know and to grow. Working at Tetra Tech Coffey has given me the platform to explore both the science and the solutions. It’s also inspiring to be in a position where I can mentor or support early-career engineers, especially through teaching, which I continue to do at UNSW.
You’re currently studying, teaching, and working—how do you balance it all?
It’s definitely a juggle! But I’ve learned that being organised, focused, and passionate about what I do helps a lot. Each aspect—study, teaching, and engineering practice—complements the others. Teaching challenges me to explain concepts clearly, while working keeps me connected to real-world application.
What advice would you give to the next generation of engineers?
Stay curious and open-minded. Don’t be afraid to explore different paths—research, fieldwork, design—they all teach you something valuable. Surround yourself with people who challenge and support you. And if you can, give back—whether by mentoring, teaching, or just sharing what you’ve learned. The profession is always evolving, and we all have a role in shaping its future.
Adel is as part of our Brisbane geotechnical team—bringing academic excellence, technical rigour, and a passion for mentorship to everything he does. His journey is a testament to what’s possible at Tetra Tech when engineering, curiosity, and innovation come together.