In my opinion dealing with historic monuments is more interesting and more exciting compared to designing new structures, because it is more challenging. As for a new structure, the engineer knows the a-to-z of the building, since the engineer designed it and decided about every single element and detail of that structure. However, when it comes to a historic monument, the specialist has to step back into the history, learn about the cultural and technical background behind that monument, investigate the interventions that took place throughout the monuments’ life-time, and come up with the proper solution, which is usually unique per that monument. Moreover, it is said that people who learn from history will be less prone to make the same mistake again; thus, they will create a better life for themselves, as well as a better future for their children. I believe the same applies to historic monuments and our current production materials, techniques, and processes. For example, we can learn a whole lot from our cultural heritage in order to responsibly use our natural resources, and reduce the production and usage of synthetic materials.

I worked in the field of historic preservation for six years in Iran, and later, I was admitted to an Erasmus Mundus scholarship for an advanced MS degree in the same field. The courseware was a one-year program offered by four European universities, among them the University of Padova (“UniPD”), where I spent one semester studying and enjoying life in Italy. UniPD is the second oldest university in Italy, and the interesting fact for me was that even though my university was one of the oldest on Planet Earth, it was in par with the recently-constructed universities with regards to the latest educational standards. UniPD campus was expanded all over Padova, occupying multiple invaluable historic buildings. The professors were knowledgeable and caring. I found myself among a group of professionals, who were heavily involved in research, and yet, dedicated great time and effort to teaching. The concurrent presence of those three attributes in my professors has always been very important to me. Furthermore, if a student faced a personal problem, the student would not feel left alone to solve the problem by themselves. I admired that manner of care and empathy.

All the above-mentioned qualities made me think of nowhere else but UniPD when I was looking for a program to attend last year. I am very content with my choice. Studying ASCH satisfies my thirst for a multidisciplinary program that combines science, humanities, and arts. I have enjoyed every single course! I have gained knowledge in various subjects from dating of the historic objects to geomorphology of archaeological sites, from geophysics to soil micromorphology, from archaeology to history of arts, and the list goes on and on. I have also gained hands-on experience in analytical methods in investigating the cultural heritage. The professors continue to demonstrate the three attributes that are important to me. I still receive the same level of care and sympathy from the professors, as well as the academic and administrative staff, which I greatly appreciate. The university is the same old place that I liked in the past, and I like it even more now. And last but not least, Padova is my hometown of choice. It is a peaceful town with all the amenities one would find in a bigger city. The municipality and different public and private entities offer variety of athletic and social events throughout the year. In other words, in Padova, a student can always enjoy life while attending school full-time.