A Shawki Saad Scholar on Solving Geohazard Challenges and Inspiring the Next Generation
09 April 2025
" This programme is helping me build the skills I need to make a real impact in my community and beyond. "
Ethelbert Mezie joined the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering as a PhD student, supported by the Shawki Saad Scholarship. Originally from Nigeria, he was working as a Graduate Assistant at Nnamdi Azikiwe University, where he also completed his master’s degree in Civil Engineering.
“I want to rise to the peak of the profession,” he says. “This programme is a pathway to that – it’s helping me develop my research skills and prepare to contribute through teaching, research, and community service.”
Addressing Geohazards in Southeastern Nigeria
Ethelbert's PhD focuses on applying the principles of unsaturated soil mechanics to address gully erosion and rainfall-induced landslides in southeastern Nigeria – a major geohazard in the region. “Partial saturation of soils is often linked to rainfall-triggered landslides. My research looks at how we can use these principles to develop sustainable, cost-effective mitigation strategies, especially in tropical regions.”
While unsaturated soil mechanics is a growing field globally, its practical application remains limited – particularly in the areas it’s most needed. Ethelbert hopes his work will raise awareness and provide data that can inform both design and policy: “My research can also help with other engineering challenges, like shallow foundation design and sustainable waste disposal.”
A Journey of Determination and Academic Excellence
Ethelbert’s journey to Imperial was inspired by one of his undergraduate lecturers – Reverend Dr Chidozie Maduabuchukwu Nwakaire, an alumnus of the Department – whose teaching style left a lasting impression. “His methods were practical and different from anything I’d experienced. It made me want to understand what made an Imperial education so unique.”
" It was a proud moment. I met researchers from around the world and learned about cutting-edge work in my field. "
Determined to follow in those footsteps, Ethelbert applied to Imperial. “I was so grateful to be offered a place – and then to receive the Shawki Saad Scholarship was an incredible moment.” He first learned about the scholarship during the application process: “Being that the scholarship was coming from the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, where I have long aspired to study, I did not have to think twice before putting together my application documents. I believed it was indeed a great opportunity to be trained at Imperial College,” he says. “My supervisor encouraged me to go for it. Her support made all the difference.”
Ethelbert describes the application process as straightforward but competitive. “A strong personal statement, research proposal, and CV are key – along with contacting a potential supervisor,” he says. “I was impressed by the quick feedback. I encourage future applicants to give this scholarship not just a fair trial, but an excellent one.”
Since joining Imperial, Ethelbert has already presented his work at the Young Geotechnical Engineers Symposium hosted by the British Geotechnical Association (BGA), and received the BGA Fund Award to support further aspects of his research. “It was a proud moment. I met researchers from around the world and learned about cutting-edge work in my field.”
Inspiring the next generation
Outside of his studies, Ethelbert enjoys reading adventure novels, watching football and athletics, and staying connected to fellow African students. “I’m part of the Black Doctoral Network and a newly formed group of Africans in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. These communities help us support each other and share our experiences.”
Looking ahead, Ethelbert plans to return to Nigeria to help train the next generation of geotechnical engineers. “Eventually, I hope to establish a dedicated laboratory for unsaturated soil testing at my home university. The foundation I’m building here at Imperial is helping me work towards that goal.”
About Ethelbert: Ethelbert Mezie is a PhD Candidate in Geotechnics. He runs the blog MyCivilLinks, dedicated to sharing knowledge in the field of Civil Engineering.
About the Scholarship: The Shawki Saad Scholarship supports talented PhD students from Sub-Saharan Africa to undertake research in the Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. Visit the Imperial scholarships search tool to find out about other scholarships we have available.
