Journey of a Bangladeshi youth Tarikuzzaman

Mohammad Tarikuzzaman, a Bangladeshi national, is one of four team members contributing to a groundbreaking NASA project focused on growing plants in space.

Tarikuzzaman‍‍`s team at NASA’s "La Tech Biomass" is pioneering innovative approaches to cultivating plants in the unique conditions of space.

Born in a village in Sandikona Union, Kendua Upazila, Netrokona district, Tarikuzzaman is currently pursuing a PhD at Louisiana Tech University‍‍`s College of Engineering and Science.

His late father, Momtaz Uddin, and mother, Maleka Khatun, raised him alongside his five sisters and three brothers. Tarikuzzaman is the youngest of the boys.

In his LinkedIn profile, Tarikuzzaman confirmed his role on the NASA research team.

"NASA‍‍`s ‍‍`La Tech Biomass‍‍` team is researching novel ways to grow plants in space, including using human urine as a medium instead of soil. We are also exploring other innovative agricultural projects for space," he said.

He added, "I seek everyone’s prayers for the success of this research and my future efforts. This achievement is not just for my family but for my country. As a scientist, I hope to enhance Bangladesh‍‍`s reputation in global research."

Family members shared that Tarikuzzaman completed his early education at Sandikona Cluster Model Government Primary School and graduated from Sandikona Higher Secondary School in 2007.

He went on to complete his higher secondary education in science at Mymensingh Agricultural University College in 2009 and earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from Khulna University of Engineering and Technology in 2014.

From 2015 to 2020, Tarikuzzaman worked as a senior engineer at Energypac in Dhaka before moving to the United States on a scholarship.

Tarikuzzaman, who has been passionate about electrical and electronic engineering since childhood, is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Electrical Engineering (2021-2023) and a PhD in Micro and Nanoscale System Engineering (2021-2025) at Louisiana Tech University.

Reflecting on his accomplishments, his former teacher, Mohammad Zahiru Islam, remarked, "Tariq has always been intelligent and determined, excelling in every field. I wish him continued success."

His older brother, Jilu Mia, expressed pride in his achievements, saying, "We are extremely proud of Tariq. This honor is not only for our family but for our country. We hope his research will elevate Bangladesh‍‍`s standing in the scientific community."

Kendua Upazila Nirbahi Officer (UNO) Imdadul Haque Talukdar also praised his accomplishments, noting, "Tariq, a brilliant son of Kendua Upazila, has now become a NASA researcher. I wish him great success in his future endeavors."