By Yasrab Jehangir | Former Awardee of OeAD, Ernst Mach Grant to study at an Austrian University of Applied Sciences (PAF-IAST)
Current Organization: Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), Pakistan
Position: Management Trainee Engineer – Chemical Process
Research Interests: Organic fertilisers, environmental sustainability, circular economy in fertiliser production, innovation in process design
Building My Foundation in the Industrial Sector of Pakistan
I am based in Mansehra, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, Pakistan. Having completed my BE Chemical Engineering at the department of Chemical & Energy Engineering, Pak-Austria Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology (PAF-IAST), Haripur, Pakistan, I am currently working as a Management Trainee Engineer at Fauji Fertilizer Company (FFC), Pakistan’s leading name in the fertiliser sector. My focus is on engineering systems involved in chemical manufacturing, with particular emphasis on P&IDs, process optimisation, and environmental compliance. Previously, I worked at House of Habib: Dynea Pakistan Limited, another chemical manufacturing company, where I utilised various industrial software tools to bring innovation and modernisation to plant operations. In addition, I contribute to projects aimed at reducing emissions and promoting environmentally friendly processes.
My Research Interests
During my academic journey, I worked on an innovative research project, on recycling lithium-ion batteries, where I explored hydrometallurgical simulations as well as the broader environmental and economic impacts of battery reuse. Currently in my professional journey, my interests lie in making fertiliser plants more sustainable and economical. I find this work particularly exciting because it allows me to address critical issues such as closing energy gaps, optimising complex P&ID systems, and developing solutions that directly enhance farmers’ productivity. What drives me is the opportunity to align industrial practices with the principles of a circular economy, making processes cleaner, smarter, and more future-focused. I see engineering as a powerful tool to bridge the gap between innovation and real-world impact – and that is exactly what I aim to achieve in my career.
Key Milestones and Recognitions
Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have been fortunate to receive several recognitions. I was awarded a fully funded SUSI Scholarship for a leadership programme in the United States, where I proudly represented Pakistan. My research on biodiesel earned the Best Innovative Idea Award at the Prime Minister’s National Innovation Award. Currently, I work with Pakistan’s leading fertiliser company, FFC, contributing to both technical operations and innovation-driven projects.
OeAD Scholarship as a Catalyst for Technical and Professional Growth
My stay as an OeAD scholarship holder in Austria was instrumental in enhancing both my technical expertise and personal growth. I gained valuable insights into chemical and environmental engineering, particularly in areas closely aligned with my current role in the fertiliser sector.
What truly made the experience impactful was the exposure to diverse working environments and the collaborative, multicultural setting, which strengthened my adaptability and independence. These experiences have given me the confidence to take on complex engineering tasks and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams at any organisation.
A Memory from Austria
One standout memory from Austria was our industrial visit to the wastewater treatment and biogas plant in Innsbruck, which was arranged by MCI, Innsbruck. Seeing how wastewater can be cleaned and simultaneously converted into compost-based fertilisers reshaped my perspective and demonstrated the power of circular systems. This visit not only aligned with my interests but also strengthened my commitment to driving similar solutions in Pakistan’s fertiliser sectors.
Connecting Institutions, Empowering Future Generations
Following my return from Austria, I shared my exchange experience with both my academic institution (Pak-Austria Fachhochschule Institute of Applied Sciences and Technology, Haripur, Pakistan) and my current organisation, emphasising the value of international exposure in developing technical expertise and leadership skills. By sharing insights on Austria’s approach to sustainability and applied sciences, I aim to explore future academic and professional exchange opportunities with Austrian counterparts. I believe such collaborations are essential to equipping young professionals with the global perspective, technical knowledge, and confidence needed to thrive in today’s evolving industries.
I look forward to continuing my industrial journey with a strong focus on sustainability, innovation, and environmental responsibility. My goal is to build deeper connections with both academic and industrial partners, enabling me to leverage my experiences from Austria and Pakistan to bring positive change to processes, people, and the planet. I extend my sincere gratitude to OEAD, MCI and PAF-IAST for their support and especially acknowledge the golden opportunity of the semester exchange under Ernst Mach grant.