Fahim Tasneema Azad

Fahim Tasneema Azad chose to pursue a master’s degree in computer science in the Ira A. Fulton Schools of Engineering at Arizona State University because her research interests align with the ongoing work at ASU.

“My research area is machine learning, and in the machine learning domain, researchers have made so much progress in the recent past,” Azad says. “The field is moving very fast, which is fascinating. AI has made many things possible that we could not even imagine a few years ago.”

Her mentor and faculty advisor, K. Selçuk Candan, a professor of computer science and engineering in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence, part of the Fulton Schools, has played a vital role in her accomplishments as a graduate student, researcher and leader.

Azad’s noteworthy research projects are centered around conducting time series analysis and forecasting.

Azad also mentions that the size and diversity of the Fulton Schools enabled her to collaborate in research and get involved in leadership roles outside of her degree program.

 “Being part of such a big school allowed me to connect with people from diverse backgrounds and enabled me to share ideas with them,” she says. “I would not be able to do that if I had not joined the Fulton Schools.”

Azad worked with many people from diverse backgrounds through her extensive involvement on campus. She is the president of Upsilon Pi Epsilon at ASU and is the vice president of external affairs of Women in Computer Science, for which she also served as the programming competition director. She also volunteered with the Society of Women Engineers and Women in Machine Learning.

“I am an advocate for women in engineering,” Azad says. “To encourage more women to join the engineering field, we need more women mentors and role models.”

Additionally, she organized a mentorship program for doctoral students in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence. 

Following graduation, Azad is continuing her studies at ASU as she pursues a doctoral degree in computer science.

Engineering has taught Azad to think logically and has improved her analytical skills. Overall, Azad enjoys using her problem-solving skills to positively impact others’ lives.

“When I realized that my knowledge and research outcomes could be used for the betterment of society and humankind,” she says, “I realized that I was on the right engineering path.”

Read about other exceptional graduates of the Fulton Schools’ Fall 2023 class here.