Nacere Mohamed Samassi
Tell us about yourself:
Hi, My name is Nacere Mohamed Samassi and I am a PhD Candidate in the department of Earth and Environmental Sciences and a master’s student in mechanical engineering at the University of Rochester. I come from the Mandinka tribe of West Africa, and I have a deep love and gratitude for my culture. It’s an integral part of who I am, and I cherish the values and traditions that have been passed down. Fun fact: Samory Toure’s weapons are located in my village.
What is your research about?
My research focuses on investigating the influence of cohesion on the formation and evolution of various fluvial systems, particularly how it affects channel patterns and morphometrics. By systematically varying cohesion, we aim to uncover deeper insights into the processes governing meandering patterns and sediment transport in rivers. Experimentally, we use xanthan gum as a proxy for extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) to simulate natural cohesion in laminar flow regime, allowing us to observe surface channel formations and morphodynamic behaviors. Complementing this, we employ a combination of Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) and Discrete Element Method (DEM) simulations to analyze bedload transport dynamics in cohesive fluvial environments. This integrated approach seeks to bridge experimental and numerical methods to better understand the role of cohesion in shaping river systems.
What excites you about your research?
What excites me about my research is the fact that I am given the opportunity to combine my love for mixing ingredients and cooking with scientific experimentation. I’m using xanthan gum, a widely known baking agent, as a key component in my experiments to add cohesion between the sand grains. I find it fascinating to design and develop these experiments just like I would create a new recipe in the kitchen. It’s incredibly rewarding to see how different ingredients come together to form specific morphology and this process gives me a deeper understanding of how fluvial natural formations occur. I really enjoy the hands on experience and the ability to control and study how things form on a fundamental level making my research topic engaging and fulfilling on a personal level.
What broader importance does your research have for society?
I believe that successfully conducting these experiments will have a significant impact on the agricultural community and soil scientists by providing new insights into soil preservation and erosion prevention. Understanding the role of cohesion in fluvial systems can lead to better strategies for managing soil erosion, which is critical for sustainable agriculture and land conservation. Furthermore, this research offers valuable knowledge on the behavior of wet, compacted granular materials, such as the mixing and segregation of cohesive grains. These findings could contribute to fields like civil engineering, materials science, and industrial applications where cohesive materials are involved.
What inspired you to pursue a career in Earth Science?
Growing up in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire, I spent much of my childhood near the Ébrié Lagoon, where I became fascinated by how water erodes and transports sediments and waste from one place to another. I was always curious about the constant movement of these elements and why things in the environment seemed to be in a state of perpetual change. Over the years, I witnessed the degradation of the lagoon, transitioning from its once pristine state to the environmentally compromised condition it is in today. This experience fueled my passion for hydrology and fluvial geomorphology, driving me to explore these fields in-depth with the hope of developing innovative solutions that could be presented to my government to aid in environmental restoration and sustainable management.
What are you looking to do after you complete your PhD or postdoc?
After completing my PhD, I plan to work in the field of engineering to gain hands-on experience and apply the core principles I’ve learned. My long-term goal is to collaborate with various African governmental agencies, using my research to address the causes of erosion and help them reclaim eroded lands. In addition, I hope to work with local farmers, assisting them in implementing sustainable technologies and best practices for land management. Through the nonprofit organization I am building, I aim to bring cutting-edge research to Africa, driving innovation and fostering sustainable development across the continent.
Given unlimited funding and access to resources, what is your dream project that you would pursue?
What a dream! I firmly believe that cutting-edge research should also thrive in Africa. I want to elevate African scientists to the global scientific stage, where their research and facilities are widely recognized and respected. With unlimited funding and resources, I would focus on teaching the fundamentals of research and technology at the high school level, planting the seeds for future innovation. African universities, given the proper resources and freed from the struggle for basic necessities like chairs and tables, have the potential to excel in science and technology.
I’m passionate about educating local communities on the importance of climate change and promoting sustainable agriculture as the key to our future. I would also work to fund graduate students, ensuring they have access to world-class equipment to advance their research. Beyond education, I would push for the development of factories that can transform Africa’s primary resources, enabling us to add value locally and drive economic growth. This vision is about unlocking the full potential of African science and innovation, for the benefit of future generations.
What else do you do? Any hobbies or interests outside of work?
I love cooking and often find myself experimenting with new recipes from different places and regions. My advisor subscribes to Bon Appétit magazine and gives me the issues after she's finished reading them, so I often modify the recipes I discover there to suit my taste. I'm also a big advocate of a holistic lifestyle. I work out regularly because I believe exercise is an excellent way for graduate students to relieve stress and frustration after long days in the lab. Beyond cooking and fitness, I have a deep love for traveling and am passionate about spirituality, which helps me stay grounded and connected to myself.