Farshad Dabbaghi volunteers with the Cinema Iranica project at the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies. He is a PhD student in Civil & Mineral Engineering at the University of Toronto, specializing in the durability and long-term properties of reinforced concrete structures. His research has been published in sixteen research journal papers as well as two books in the field of civil engineering: Construction Materials and Principles of Applied Earthquake Engineering. His research aims to enhance the performance and durability of reinforced concrete structures, contributing to the development of sustainable infrastructure solutions.
“I have been a work-study student at the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies since September 2022. During this time, I have contributed to several projects including the Iran Namag and the Cinema Iranica Encyclopedia Compendium, primarily in research and event coordination roles.
Working at the Institute has been an immensely enriching experience. One of the highlights of my tenure was collaborating on the Cinema Iranica project, where our team successfully curated a comprehensive series of events that brought together filmmakers and scholars from around the globe. This project not only expanded my organizational skills but also deepened my appreciation for the power of cinema in cultural dialogue.
On a personal level, my role has significantly enhanced my research and communication skills. These capabilities have proven invaluable as I apply them in academic settings and beyond, paving the way for a promising career in cultural studies. Moreover, the mentorship provided by the faculty has been pivotal in refining my approach to interdisciplinary research, further fueling my academic curiosity and professional growth.
The Institute is a cornerstone of academic and cultural exchange that continually demonstrates the profound impact of Iranian studies on global scholarship and community engagement. I am profoundly grateful for the opportunities I have had to grow personally and professionally, and I look forward to contributing further to its mission.”