With profound sadness, we announce the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Naveed Ahmad.
Naveed came to Pavia from Peshawar, Pakistan, 2006 with his family. He completed his specialised studies (MSc and PhD) at the ROSE School in 2011. Subsequently, he dedicated his prematurely interrupted professional career to teaching and research, inspiring countless students with his passion and dedication.
Naveed played a crucial role in developing seismic vulnerability and risk models for Pakistan, a task he initiated in Pavia in collaboration with Prof. Rui Pinho (EUCENTRE) and Dr. Helen Crowley (GEM Foundation). These models were scarce, if not practically nonexistent, at the time. His work laid the foundation for improved safety and preparedness in his home country and set a benchmark for others in the field.
In 2017, Naveed moved to Stanford, California, where he continued to pursue technical excellence both in academia and in the industry sector until his life was tragically cut short by a health episode. Despite the distance, Naveed remained a cherished community member in Pavia. We knew that wherever he went, he would spread knowledge, happiness, serenity, and friendship. His contagious smile and warm personality endeared him to all who had the privilege of knowing him, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts.
Professor Rui Pinho had the opportunity to recall Naveed during the recent Nigel Priestley Seminar in Pavia. Here is a summary of his words:
“Naveed and his wife, Shama, spent six wonderful years in Pavia, where they had their first child. Naveed was a top-notch, passionate structural/earthquake engineer and a beacon of happiness and friendship. His return to Pakistan after his studies in Pavia inspired hundreds of students and researchers. His departure leaves a void in our hearts and souls. I feel privileged to have known and worked with him, and we all feel honoured to have had Naveed with us.”
To honour Naveed’s memory and assist his family, we invite you to support his wife, Shama, and their four children during this challenging period. By contributing to this fundraiser, you can help ensure that Shama and her family have the financial support they need to cope with their loss and build a stable future. Your donation, no matter the amount, will make a significant difference in their lives and serve as a testament to Naveed’s impact on our community.
We understand that these are challenging times for many, but we ask you to consider donating if possible. Your generosity and compassion will be greatly appreciated by Shama and her family and serve as a testament to the strong bonds of our community.
Naveed will forever remain in our hearts. May he rest in peace.
