Women in the public sector

“I remained in the group for several years, before taking up an opportunity to pursue a PhD in applied mathematics at the University of Cambridge.”

When he returned to the CSIR and it restructured, he moved to modelling and digital science, which merged to form the NextGen Enterprises and Institutions Cluster.

Suliman’s primary role is in applied mathematical modelling, computational modelling and simulation.

“I work on developing mathematical models and computational tools, to understand and simulate physical systems, primarily involving the flow of fluids or dynamic behaviour of structures and the interaction of both.”

Examples include modelling wing flutter of aircrafts in flight, the combustion of coal in a power plant and the simulation of smart biomaterials in tissue engineering applications.

Informing policy

In addition to this, his analysis of COVID-19 data and trends is used to drive decision making and inform policy.

Suliman, who has been working from home since the start of the pandemic, goes into the office when needed.

“My days now vary, depending on where in the epidemiological trajectory of COVID-19 we are, with COVID-19 commentary taking up more time as the numbers surge.”

He typically spends a few hours a day updating virus indicators, a few hours in meetings and the remaining time on project-specific deliverables.

Suliman highlights publishing research in international scientific indexing-rated, peer-reviewed journals and presenting research at international scientific conferences as two of his professional milestones.

“Completing my PhD abroad was a significant milestone, as it came with multiple challenges, but I believe it created opportunities for my career too.

“More recently, I value being involved in and serving on national research working groups and advisory councils, and being invited to deliver keynote addresses at national and international events,” he says.

Suliman’s personal milestones include summiting Mount Kilimanjaro, surviving a week in the Amazon, memorising the Quran, completing a halfmarathon and meeting the late iconic physicist Professor Stephen Hawking.

In his spare time, he enjoys nature and hiking; sport, particularly squash and road-running; reading; travelling and good food.