Arsid Pambuku arrived in Texas in mid-August, ready to embark on a semester full of new beginnings.
Originally from Albania, Balkans, Pambuku attends the University of Bari Aldo Mori, Italy, as a Ph.D. candidate in the Department of Soil, Plant and Food Sciences, where he researches urban forestry. Cosponsored by the Texas A&M University Department of Biological and Agricultural Engineering and the Texas Water Resources Institute (TWRI), Pambuku is the first exchange student in a newly formed partnership between TWRI and his university.
Inside the classroom
This semester Pambuku has worked under Binyak Mohanty, Ph.D., Regents Professor in the Biological and Agricultural Engineering Department, and much of his research has consisted of developing a methodical approach to identify priority areas for afforestation projects across multiple cities in Europe.
“Basically, how can the forest be integrated as part of all these urban systems?” he said. “I am developing a method that, in the end, we will be able to tell which parts of Europe should have a high priority in terms of planting new trees.”
While some research techniques were familiar, Pambuku noticed major differences in the way Texas A&M executes research. He accredits much of the growth he has experienced to Mohanty, other collaborators and the fast-paced atmosphere of the department.
“The approach of being super critical of everything that I read, being critical of the methods that I use, the calculations that I do — even though they may seem obvious or they may seem like they are industry standards because other people have done it, I have learned that I should remain very critical and question everything,” he said. “In this department, everything is very fast-paced, and we report on a weekly basis everything we have done, and it keeps us on track.”
Additionally, his time at Texas A&M shed light on a common challenge among many scientists and researchers: communicating their findings.
“Usually, researchers forget that their results might be super interesting, but if they are not able to communicate them in an effective way, and sometimes even with simplified terms, nobody will be able to understand them,” Pambuku said. “I plan to apply this idea to my future research projects, wherever they may be.”
Rooted in tradition
While at Texas A&M, Pambuku has had the opportunity to experience Texas A&M’s many traditions, core values and diverse campus experiences, which enriched the student exchange program for him, he said.
“What I noticed in general, inside the university and out, is that people are very kind, educated and very respectful in the way they interact with you,” he said.
Pambuku found some Texas A&M traditions that he enjoyed. One of the most memorable was tailgating before home football games.
“Every department had their own place in the camp of providing food and drinks, and there was music in some of the stands. Everything was very peaceful, organized and it gave me a positive feeling,” he said. “I loved the way that people dressed in the tailgate like boots, hats and everything, it was very lovely.”
In addition to tailgating, Pambuku experienced a tradition that is at the core of being a fightin’ Texas Aggie — Aggies helping Aggies.
“The way that problem solving is seen here is something that I like quite a lot; in general people here are problem-solving oriented,” he said. “Whether it be with my supervisor, with Professor Mohanty, or with the administrative staff, everybody is really helpful, and that is the part I like most about the Texas A&M culture.”
Pambuku emphasized how transformative this experience has been, noting that the program’s impact extends well beyond academia.
“You will be faced with another culture, another way of doing things, another way of living, and another way of interacting with other people,” he said. “Trying something completely new, something completely different from what you have been used to, it reshapes you.”
Looking ahead
Pambuku’s time at Texas A&M will end in December as he returns to Italy to prepare to graduate in January of 2026 with his doctorate. Upon graduation, he plans to stay in Italy to expand his research abilities and professional growth.
“My wish is to continue my research in academia, similar to what I am doing right now,” he said.
At the University of Bari Aldo Mori, most students are given study abroad opportunities. For Pambuku, he always knew he wanted to experience academia in the United States.
“Since the beginning, I told myself that since I’m given this chance and I could pick any country in the world, I want to go to the United States because the level of research at American universities is very high,” he said. “I chose A&M because I knew they do all kinds of research since it’s a huge university system, and I could find rather easily a department to be associated with, especially one that could help take my research to the next level.”
Pambuku noted that earning a spot to study abroad at such a prestigious university is highly competitive, which makes him feel increasingly thankful for the opportunity to spend a semester at Texas A&M. He expressed his gratitude to everyone who supported him along the way.
“This is an opportunity I tried hard to get, and I got it thanks to Dr. Piccinni,” he said. “He was crucial in making this exchange program possible.”
As his days left in the U.S. grow fewer, Pambuku reflected on his time at Texas A&M and encouraged anyone with the chance to study abroad or experience something new to jump at the opportunity.
“It is an experience that changes you, perhaps forever,” he said. “So, if anyone has the opportunity, they should take it immediately, without thinking twice.”
