Muhammad Rafiq Abuturab
In this installment of Senior Member Insights, OPN talks with Muhammad Rafiq Abuturab, an assistant professor of physics at Maulana Azad College of Engineering and Technology Patna, India. Abuturab received his B.Sc. (Hons.) and M.Sc. in physics from L. N. Mithila University Darbhanga, India, and his Ph.D. in physics from Magadh University Bodh Gaya, India. His research currently focuses on optical signal processing, optical information processing and optical cryptography.
What first interested you in pursuing science?
My desire to understand natural phenomena drove me towards science. Science has always been my favorite subject in school. But later, I started to get more attracted to the applied aspect.
What aspect of your current work do you find the most interesting or exciting?
I have developed optically inspired cryptographic techniques, so the optical implementation of these techniques is the most exciting aspect of my work.
What tips for successful networking do you have for early-career professionals?
The conferences and meetings are two major professional resources for direct interactions with the experts. Networking resources are alternative approaches to connect with the research community.
What’s the best career decision you’ve ever made, and why?
In 2011, I decided to work independently, and it later paid off. Thus, an independent research career was started and stimulated to work with new ideas freely.
What skills do you think are most important for someone interested in a career like yours?
One must be trained in theory, simulation, and experiment.
Describe a major turning point in your career. Was there a specific action/ accomplishment that got you there?
A major turning point in my career was my decision to work on optical information processing. My vision of optical techniques in information security systems got me there.
What is one piece of advice that you wish you were given as a student/early in your career?
Self-learning and hard work are the keys to success.
What have you learned by being a mentor to others, and what have you learned from mentors who helped shepherd your career?
Mentoring is to motivate individuals with different backgrounds according to their attitudes. I learned how to evolve them. I appreciated my mentors’ inspiration. I learned how to face challenges.
At this point in your career, what are you most looking forward to next?
I am looking forward to running my laboratory. I am interested in developing optical cryptosystems for multiple purposes.
Outside of work, what is your favorite thing to do in your free time, and why?
Watching and listening to moral-valued talks to recharge myself.