Adib Amini

Program director,
University of Wisconsin–Madison

Age: 36

Education: Ph.D. environmental engineering – University of South Florida; graduate certificate – entrepreneurship - University of South Florida; M.S. environmental engineering – University of South Florida; B.S. engineering – James Madison University

Wife: Darajun Amini 

Children: Taraz, Kalim, Naim

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Tell us four of your proudest accomplishments or accolades.

I serve as program director at University of Wisconsin-Madison in the College of Engineering’s Office of Interdisciplinary Professional Programs (InterPro). We provide courses for professionals throughout the country focused on the fields of drinking water, wastewater, stormwater and sustainability. 

I collaborate with professors and students at Iowa State University, helping bridge students' undergraduate experience with professional practice.

I helped found the FRESHwater program, which brings together high school students from across Iowa to spend a week on the Iowa State University campus to learn about the field of water, perform laboratory experiments, tour treatment facilities, learn from working professionals and explore career paths in the field of water.

I have served as an engineering consultant, providing drinking water and wastewater engineering services for cities throughout the Midwest.

What's your biggest passion, and why?

My passion is supporting others and bringing benefit to our communities. Much of what I love about my professional positions is that they are about helping others succeed, whether it be the professionals who take our courses at UW-Madison, the undergraduates I teach, my colleagues or the communities I serve.

How do you define success, both personally and professionally?

My hope is to have lasting benefit to the field of water and those who work in it, which of course affects all of our communities, as water is essential to every city and town. I also hope to provide for my family and build strong, loving relationships among my family and community. I believe that at the end of the day, our connection to each other is our wealth and success.

Tell us about an issue you think more people should know about.

Water professionals are unsung heroes. These professionals and the water infrastructure that are critical to every city are often unseen and underappreciated. The more that the public can learn about and value our water treatment systems, the more benefit it will bring to our communities. Something that anyone can do is that whenever decisions come up at the city level to invest in water, we should support it. Investing in water is investing in our health and the economic benefit of our cities. Every investment we make today will benefit us, our children, our grandchildren and everyone around us for many years to come.

What's an experience or memory that influenced how you saw the world or what you wanted to do in life?

Between high school and university I spent time volunteering at a UNESCO world heritage site with other volunteers from over 80 countries. I was able to experience the beauty when people of various backgrounds came together. I learned that unity is not about being the same, but it's about bringing together people, sometimes from extremely different backgrounds, for the benefit of all. I decided at that time that I wanted my career to be of benefit to others and I'm grateful that I've had so many opportunities to do that in the field of water.

What are your aspirations for the future?

I hope to help cities and communities have well-designed water systems that benefit the city and its citizens. I'm always happy to meet and talk with city staff and elected officials to support them. I also hope to help more people appreciate the wonder and importance of our water infrastructure and bring more people into the water profession.

What's one piece of advice you'd give to a young professional?

The advice I would give is to connect with people with the goal of supporting them. It's best to create relationships where we all want others to succeed and we lift each other up. Our culture and school system often promote ideas of competition and survival. But life is already hard enough as it is. When we create environments of collaboration instead of competition, working to lift each other up, it makes life worth living.

What's one regular habit that's made you successful?

I think that no one achieves "success" or anything worthwhile alone. We all rely on others and the more you can build a positive community around you, the more likely you will be healthy, happy and successful.

What is one thing you would like to see Central Iowa leaders address, and why?

Our water treatment systems and infrastructure are typically unseen yet are critical to almost all economic growth, personal activities and community well-being. It's critical to our existing citizens and business as well as necessary to attract new jobs and industry to our communities. Central Iowa leaders can benefit our communities by helping others understand the need to continually invest in our water infrastructure. Leaders and elected officials can show the public that higher water and sewer rates are one of the best things they can do to invest in their communities. When we invest in water, none of that money goes to waste and directly benefits every single person in the community.

What's one fun fact about you?

I live in a home that's over 100 years old and always needs work, so I've become my own contractor by necessity.

Hobbies:

I enjoy spending time with my family. We have young children who are fun and challenging and the cutest and sweetest, sometimes all at the same time. We often get together with other families and neighbors and like to have people over for dinner and to spend time together. I'm also involved in nonprofits that support building community and we love creating connections among our neighbors.

What is one word that best describes you?

Purposeful.

What’s one food (meal, snack, dessert, whatever!) you think people must try in the Des Moines area?

I suggest you try pho! Our favorite place in Des Moines is Pho 515, which is inside the C Fresh grocery store. In Ames, our favorite is Pho & Tea, which is near North Grand Mall.

What’s the funniest or most surprising thing that’s happened to you recently?

At the zoo my wife pointed out the wallabies to our youngest. He counted “1, 2, 3, 4 ‘wobbolies.’”

What’s your favorite tradition to participate in locally?

We enjoy going to the Ames Farmers’ Market in the summer. There are always friends and interesting things to experience, and our kids enjoy the live music.