Antonio Cristian

Home University: Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest//Politehnica University of Timișoara
Host University: Northeastern University
Field: Civil/Structural Engineering

When I was a young structural engineering student, I admired landmark structures from the United States – engineering achievements that pushed physical boundaries and challenged human imagination. From the Empire State Building to the Golden Gate Bridge, these icons appear on countless post cards. More recently, structures like One Vanderbilt and One World Trade Center continue to showcase the marvels of modern engineering.

Throughout my career as a PhD student, start-up entrepreneur and engineer, I’ve had the opportunity to work on fascinating structures and complex projects. Still, I kept my expectations modest regarding future opportunities. That changed when I discovered the Fulbright Program. I applied, and to my surprise and joy, I was selected. Before I knew it, I was on a plane to Boston, a city rich in history and home to some of the world’s leading universities.

I had the privilege of studying and conducting research with Professor Jerome F. Hajjar at Northeastern University. I attended courses that introduced familiar topics from a new perspective, and I experienced firsthand what true mentorship and academic ethics mean, elements that are often less emphasized in Romania’s educational system.

I also worked with Professor Hajjar’s research team, contributing to projects focused on structural design and reuse, with the broader goal of reducing carbon emissions in the construction industry. During my stay, I participated in two professional conferences, where I was exposed to different visions within the construction field and I was impressed by the pace at which innovation is embraced. I even met engineers behind the structures I had only seen in photos, including the structural designer of the Burj Khalifa.

But the Fulbright Program is more than a professional experience. It is also about cultural exchange and personal growth. I attended sporting events from baseball to ice hockey, experienced the Thanksgiving Parade, and celebrated the Christmas holidays in New York City. I connected with people from around the world and was amazed by how much we have in common. Having the chance to travel and explore some of the national parks added another enriching layer to my journey.

The Fulbright experience is truly life-changing. The values and perspectives I gained will stay with me forever. The nine months passed quickly and it felt like an intense boot camp, both professionally and personally.