Ali Zare Hosseinzadeh, a Ph.D. student working under the guidance of Professor Francesco Lanza di Scalea in UC San Diego's Department of Structural Engineering, has been awarded the Structural Engineering (SE) Diversity Fellowship, recognizing his unwavering dedication to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). The SE Diversity Fellowship is granted annually to a small number of Ph.D. graduate students who have shown exceptional dedication to promoting DEI within the department. 

Hosseinzadeh’s recognition is a testament to his consistent efforts in championing diversity. Through his teaching roles, he has left a lasting impact on both students and the academic community as a whole.

For Hosseinzadeh, diversity goes beyond mere acknowledgment; it has profoundly influenced his life, broadening his understanding of the world and fostering an environment where he can contribute effectively to his team's goals, while also appreciating the unique attributes of each team member.

"Diversity, to me, means recognizing the unique qualities and values that individuals bring to a community based on their background, experience, and culture," Hosseinzadeh explained. "It has enriched my academic and professional experiences, highlighting the incredible value of teamwork."

During his roles as a teaching assistant, a summer session instructor, a lab assistant, and a guest lecturer, Hosseinzadeh has been at the forefront of DEI efforts within the university.

"In both my positions as a student and instructor, I realized that brainstorming sessions among diverse groups lead to creative and brilliant ideas," Hosseinzadeh noted. "Furthermore, I implemented various DEI practices in the classroom, such as maintaining a positive environment, respecting students' opinions, and boosting student confidence through lively and respectful classroom discussions."

Hosseinzadeh attributes his passion for DEI to his supervisor, Professor Francesco Lanza di Scalea, who shares similar values and actively promotes DEI efforts within the classroom. Hosseinzadeh summarized his belief in diversity: "Diversity is a golden key to growth.” 

The SE Diversity Fellowship will enable Hosseinzadeh to participate in professional meetings and conferences, empowering him to advance equity, diversity, and inclusion within the Department of Structural Engineering. His current research focuses on non-destructive evaluation and smart sensing, where he leads projects ranging from high-speed rail inspection to enhancing ultrasonic imaging methods for defect localization.