Ahmad Barani
HND Mechanical Engineering 1983
BEng (Hons) Mechanical Engineering 2008
Ahmad Barani’s two qualifications from the University were separated by a quarter of a century.
He initially left Sunderland in 1983 after receiving a Higher National Diploma in Mechanical Engineering.
And 25 years later, he graduated from the University again, after completing an undergraduate programme in the same discipline, achieving a lifelong goal of obtaining an Honours degree.
Ahmad spent much of his working life at Kharg Petrochemical in Iran, dedicating over 26 years to the company. After initially starting out as a Senior Technician, he was promoted to Senior Mechanical Engineer and was overseeing the installation of new mechanical equipment before his retirement in 2014.
Looking back, Ahmad still fondly remembers the University, and in particular the complex at Chester Road where he spent most of his time.
“The buildings and the places like Edinburg Building, Chester Road, the Library and the Priestman Building are what I remember most,” he said.
For Ahmad, it was the thriving city of Sunderland, the quality education he received and the friendliness of the people that made his stay in Sunderland a happy one.
“I liked the University and the people here when I was first here. While I was working, I enrolled in the University’s distance learning programme. Under the guidance of all the people there, I managed to obtain an honours degree which I have always wanted to do.”
For the future, Ahmad is planning to enjoy his retirement and is looking to pass on the insights and skills he picked up at the University and during his time at Kharg.
He concluded: “I have now plenty of free time now I am retired. I’m trying to be of any help to other people and to give advice when I can.”
Article written by Matthew Shevlin, University of Sunderland Journalism graduate.