Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about research opportunities, collaborations, and academic matters.
What research areas are you currently focused on?
My current research focuses on several cutting-edge areas including Artificial Intelligence and Natural Language Processing (particularly large language models and their applications), Robotics (surgical robotics, telepresence robots, and rehabilitation robotics), High Performance Computing (parallel computing models and applications), and Smart Systems (fuzzy logic control, smart energy systems, and IoT applications). I am also working on educational technology and AI-powered learning systems.
Are you accepting PhD students?
Yes, I regularly supervise PhD students at NUST-SEECS. I look for motivated candidates with a strong background in computer science, mathematics, or related fields. Prior research experience (publications, projects) is highly valued. Interested candidates should have a GAT General score of at least 60% or equivalent, and a strong interest in one of my research areas. Please review my publications first to understand my research focus before reaching out.
Do you supervise MS/MPhil thesis projects?
Absolutely. I supervise several MS and MPhil students each year. These projects often involve hands-on development of robotic systems, implementation and evaluation of AI algorithms, or theoretical work on formal methods. Students typically work in the HPC Lab and have access to our computational resources. The typical duration is 1.5 to 2 years for a full-time MS student.
Can I do my Final Year Project under your supervision?
Yes, I supervise a limited number of Final Year Projects (FYP) each year. These projects are typically aligned with my ongoing research or funded projects. I prefer students who have taken my courses (Algorithms, AI, Robotics) and have demonstrated interest through coursework projects. Ignite funding is available for qualifying projects in areas like AI, robotics, and software development.
What is your teaching philosophy?
I believe in teaching beyond the textbook. My approach emphasizes conceptual understanding, problem-solving skills, and practical applications. I encourage students to think critically, question assumptions, and develop their own approaches to problems. I regularly incorporate current research into my teaching to show students how the fundamentals they learn connect to real-world applications and cutting-edge research.
Do you collaborate with international researchers?
Yes, I maintain active collaborations with researchers in France, USA, and other countries. My PhD was completed at University of Paris-Est, France, and I continue to collaborate with my former colleagues there. I have also worked with researchers at Johns Hopkins University (Biorobotics Lab) and participated in international conferences and workshops regularly.
How can I stay updated on your research?
You can follow my work through this website, which is regularly updated with new publications and projects. I also maintain profiles on Google Scholar and LinkedIn where I share research updates. For students, I announce opportunities and updates through the NUST-SEECS announcement system and directly via email to interested students.
What facilities are available in your lab?
The HPC Lab provides state-of-the-art facilities including high-performance computing clusters, GPU computing resources (NVIDIA GPUs), cloud infrastructure, and robotics testbeds. We also have access to simulation software for robotics and surgical training. The lab is equipped for both software development and hardware prototyping.
What career paths do your students pursue?
My students have gone on to diverse careers including academic positions (PhD students who completed their degrees have become faculty members at various universities), research positions (at national and international research labs), and industry roles (at tech companies in Pakistan and abroad working on AI, software development, and robotics). Several students have also founded their own startups.
How can I collaborate with you on a research project?
For research collaborations, please send me an email with a brief description of your research background and the proposed collaboration. I am particularly interested in collaborations that involve joint publications, student exchange, or shared resources. For industry collaborations related to AI, robotics, or educational technology, I am open to discussing consultancy and joint R&D projects.
What makes your research unique?
My research is characterized by a strong emphasis on practical applications with real-world impact. From surgical robotics that could benefit healthcare in Pakistan to large language models for local languages, I try to address problems that matter to our society. I also believe in interdisciplinary approaches, combining computer science with mathematics, medicine, and engineering.
Do you offer internships?
I occasionally offer research internships to exceptional undergraduate students who want to get involved in research before applying for graduate studies. These internships are typically during summer breaks and involve working on ongoing research projects in the HPC Lab. Competition for these positions is high, so students are encouraged to excel in their coursework and demonstrate initiative.