Liam Aghazadegan

Academic Staff Member

Contact info

Phone

Email

liam.aghazadegan@wintec.ac.nz

Location

About

Awards

Qualifications

PhD in Civil Engineering, Hydraulic Structures – University of Tehran
PhD in Civil Engineering – University of Waikato
Certificate in Water Engineering (River Engineering Interventions), Delft University of Technology (In progress)
Training in SWMM, HEC-RAS 1D/2D, TUFLOW, GIS, and 3D numerical modelling.

Areas of expertise

Industry experience, affiliations, and achievements

Research activity

My research focuses on river confluence hydrodynamics, shear-layer turbulence, and 3D numerical modelling of flow structures using computational fluid dynamics. I have an interest in applying advanced modelling techniques to real-world stormwater and flood-management challenges in New Zealand. Current research interests include flood modelling under climate change scenarios, urban stormwater resilience, and the integration of numerical modelling into engineering education.

·       Contributor to the New Zealand Fish Passage Guidelines (2024)
·       The three waters reform in New Zealand: learning from local government narratives for improved governance
·       Exploring The Narratives in New Zealand's Three Waters Reform: How Can Lessons from The Past Inform Future Policies?
·       Three-dimensional numerical simulation of mixing patterns at open channel confluences

Select publications

What do you enjoy about teaching/your job?

I enjoy helping students build strong, practical engineering skills that they can confidently apply in the industry. Teaching hydrology, stormwater, and urban drainage allows me to turn complex real-world engineering challenges into clear, hands-on learning experiences. Watching students grow from foundational understanding to solving advanced problems is one of the most rewarding parts of my role.

What do you love about your area?

Water engineering requires a balance of creativity, and real-world problem solving. I love that the solutions we design directly improve communities—reducing flood risk, protecting the environment, and creating more resilient infrastructure. It is an area where engineering has a truly meaningful impact on people’s lives.

Tell us about your experience in the industry

I coordinate and teach courses across Hydrology, Urban Drainage, Engineering Development Projects, and Water Resources Engineering. I also support delivery for distance and blended cohorts in collaboration with the Ara Institute of Canterbury. My teaching philosophy is centred on applied learning, industry relevance, and empowering students to bridge theory with real-world engineering practice.
1.       Recognised as an Outstanding PhD Candidate by the University of Waikato (featured in SGR News & Views).
2.       Recipient of multiple academic scholarships and research awards.
Selected Journal Articles and Chapter contribution.
·       Co-author of the Engineering Section of the New Zealand Fish Passage Guidelines (2024)
·       Experience supervising and mentoring engineering students and junior engineers
·       Contributor to research on shear-layer turbulence at river confluences
·       Member of Water New Zealand and the New Zealand Hydrological Society