Believe in yourself and do not underestimate your abilities. Doctoral studies and writing a dissertation will challenge you in many ways, but perseverance and curiosity will be rewarded.
So says Nasreen Azad, Doctor of Philosophy, researcher and LUT alumna aiming her advice at anyone considering a doctoral degree. Azad graduated from LUT University a year ago with a PhD in engineering sciences and has since continued as a researcher in the software engineering department.
Azad’s academic path began in her home country, Bangladesh, where she studied business administration. Later in Finland, she became increasingly interested in digitalisation and information technology, completed her second master’s degree at Åbo Akademi University, and made her way to LUT for doctoral studies.
“I started at LUT as a doctoral student fascinated by digitalisation. During my doctoral studies, I grew into an independent researcher and critical thinker who can conduct research using various methods and lead projects towards desired outcomes,” Azad recalls.
Her journey toward a doctorate was far from straightforward: after moving to Finland, she spent ten years at home raising her children. Once her family life had settled, she was ready to pursue her long‑held academic ambitions.
“My background is rather uncommon in academia. After years focused on raising my children, I wanted to fully pursue my career. I had known for a long time that I wanted to earn a doctoral degree,” she says.
Strong research and a flexible culture laid the groundwork
Azad’s doctoral studies required resilience and careful planning, as her weeks were full both at work and at home with three children. She credits LUT’s strong research environment and flexible work culture with making it possible.
“Doctoral students at LUT are given excellent opportunities to build an academic career. From my own experience, I can truly say that LUT is a great place to complete a doctoral degree and conduct research,” Azad says.
LUT is a great place to complete a doctoral degree and conduct research.
For Azad, a high‑quality research environment has meant close collaboration with industry and opportunities for international experience.
“During my doctoral studies, I conducted 42 interviews with everyone from CEOs to software developers. I also spent time as a visiting researcher at the Norwegian University of Science and Technology in Trondheim. I was able to start building my professional network while still completing my PhD,” she adds.
Workplace flexibility and a trust-based culture have played a key role in Azad’s wellbeing. When she began her doctoral studies, her youngest child was still very small. She did much of her work remotely from her home city of Turku and has continued hybrid work after graduation.
“I value LUT’s trust-based culture. Flexibility has been essential in my situation. I truly appreciate the modern work culture here,” Azad explains.
Nasreen Azad:
- Graduated with a Doctor of Philosophy degree from LUT University in 2025
- Completed her degrees of Master of Science in Technology at Åbo Akademi University in 2021 and Master of Economics and Business Administration at American International University–Bangladesh (AIUB) in 2009
- Works as a researcher at the software engineering department at LUT University
- Has three children and a spouse who is also an academic
Highlighting the human side of software development
Azad studies digital transformation and software development practices in organisations. Her dissertation focused on the adoption of DevOps, an operating model that automates the development and delivery of digital services and brings together people responsible for software development and operations.
Her interest in digital transformation began during her studies at Åbo Akademi, but it was her doctoral studies in software engineering at LUT that allowed her to explore the topic in depth. It quickly became clear that DevOps is about far more than technical details.
“Although many think DevOps is just a technical term, my research revealed that there are many human‑centred factors involved. Many challenges affecting software development stem from people,” Azad says.
Many challenges affecting software development stem from people.
These challenges may arise from organisational culture or interpersonal communication. Azad’s research helps companies make the most of DevOps and avoid common pitfalls.
“My research supports companies in implementing DevOps practices and improving collaboration between technical teams and business teams,” she says.
Shaking up the researcher stereotype
With her PhD now complete, Azad reflects on the experience with gratitude. She is especially grateful to Professor Kari Smolander, who initially hired her as a project researcher at LUT, and Dean Sami Hyrynsalmi, who supervised her doctoral work during his time as professor.
Azad wants especially to inspire women to pursue doctoral studies and challenge stereotypes associated with researchers. She points out that a doctoral degree does not automatically mean a purely academic career.
“Doctoral education also provides an excellent foundation for industry roles. The skills you gain, such as advanced expertise or project leadership, are valuable in many specialist positions,” she says.
Doctoral education also provides an excellent foundation for industry roles.
She hopes her own example shows that a doctorate is achievable in many different life circumstances.
“You don’t need to fit the stereotype of what a researcher or doctoral graduate is supposed to look like. Be bold enough to break it. I’m proud of myself for earning a doctorate and building my career successfully. There aren’t many doctorate graduates in Finland with a background like mine,” Azad concludes.
