Syed Babar Ali School of
Science and Engineering
Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering
Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) at LUMS is the first private research school of science and engineering in Pakistan. In higher education, the term research school refers to a model of teaching and scholarship practised by some of the best institutions in the world where the primary function of the university is to create and disseminate new knowledge. SBASSE has consciously modelled itself along the lines of the world’s top research schools and has a highly qualified faculty to accomplish its mission. The hallmark of SBASSE is its no-boundaries philosophy, which encourages cross-disciplinary collaborations not only between various disciplines at SBASSE but also those offered by other Schools at LUMS.
A Different Kind of
Science and Engineering School
in Pakistan
300,000
Square feet of lab and
classroom learning space
70+
Dedicated labs for research,
teaching and support
Accredited by
PEC and NCEAC
Choose your path
Science for Pakistan
Contribution in Science and Technology by the researchers at SBASSE has an impact on the future development of Science in Pakistan.
Meet our Faculty
At SBASSE our faculty members share the boundaries of their life experiences and interests that foster a dynamic learning environment on campus.
Research and Impact
"For neither inherited genes nor…
Reference Department:Department of Life Sciences
"For neither inherited genes nor environmental factors alone can account for the full range of variations seen in human health and disease." - Randy Jirtle, Epigenetics Pioneer
For many years, inheritance was synonymous with DNA, the genetic blueprint passed down from generation to generation. However, emerging research in the field of epigenetics has revealed an additional layer of inheritance that goes beyond the DNA sequence itself. In his groundbreaking book, "Epigenetics: How the Environment Shapes Our Genes," Richard C. Francis writes, "Epigenetics offers a new perspective on the nature-versus-nurture debate, suggesting that it is not just our genes but how our genes are regulated that matters."
In other words, epigenetics shows that both our genetic makeup and the environmental factors that influence gene expression are equally important in shaping who we are and how we develop. It emphasizes the dynamic interplay between our genes and the environment, challenging the notion that genetics alone dictates our destiny.
Epigenetic modifications, including DNA methylation, histone modifications, and non-coding RNAs, are crucial in regulating gene expression patterns without altering the DNA sequence. Recent studies have shown that these modifications can be transmitted from parents to offspring, potentially influencing phenotypic traits and disease susceptibility across multiple generations. In his seminal paper, Conrad Waddington, the father of epigenetics, described the epigenetic landscape as "the interplay of the environment and genes, a dance influenced by chance."
Epigenetic marks can be transmitted not only to the immediate offspring but also across several generations, resulting in transgenerational epigenetic inheritance. Research by Eric Miska and colleagues at the University of Cambridge demonstrated that small RNA molecules, called small interfering RNAs (siRNAs), can be inherited and affect gene expression in future generations.
As Dr. Michael Skinner, a pioneer in transgenerational epigenetic research, remarks, "Epigenetic inheritance challenges the traditional notion of Darwinian evolution."
Various environmental factors, such as diet, stress, and exposure to toxins can influence epigenetic modifications. Studies on the Dutch Hunger Winter, a period of famine during World War II, revealed transgenerational effects on the health of subsequent generations. According to Dr. Moshe Szyf, an epigenetics researcher, "Environmental influences can leave a lasting imprint on our genes, affecting not only our own health but also that of future generations."
Epigenetics and Evolution:
A Paradigm Shift
Imagine a world where diseases can be prevented, treated, or even reversed by targeting the intricate web of epigenetic modifications. Envision a future where we unravel the mysteries of transgenerational inheritance, unlocking the potential to create healthier generations through the optimization of environmental factors.
Epigenetic inheritance introduces a new perspective on the mechanisms of evolutionary change. Researchers have observed rapid phenotypic variation through epigenetic modifications in response to environmental stimuli. In their book "The Epigenetic Revolution," Nessa Carey and Randy Jirtle explain how epigenetic changes can facilitate adaptation and survival in fluctuating environments. Imagine a world where diseases can be prevented, treated, or even reversed by targeting the intricate web of epigenetic modifications. Envision a future where we unravel the mysteries of transgenerational inheritance, unlocking the potential to create healthier generations through the optimization of environmental factors. Epigenetic inheritance introduces a new perspective on the mechanisms of evolutionary change. Researchers have observed rapid phenotypic variation through epigenetic modifications in response to environmental stimuli. In their book "The Epigenetic Revolution," Nessa Carey and Randy Jirtle explain how epigenetic changes can facilitate adaptation and survival in fluctuating environments.
We are finally starting to unravel the missing link between nature and nuture; how our environment talks to us, sometimes forever. - Nessa Carey, The Epigenetics Revolution (2012)
With epigenetics as our guiding light, we embark on an extraordinary journey toward a future where we can rewrite the narrative of our genes and sculpt a healthier, brighter world for generations to come. It is a path that leads us to personalized medicine, disease prevention, and the realization of human potential. The study of epigenetics holds the promise of unlocking new avenues for improving human health and understanding the intricate interplay between genetics and the environment. As we delve deeper into the complexities of epigenetic inheritance and evolutionary dynamics, we move closer to harnessing the full potential of our genetic legacy.
Francis, R.C. (2011). Epigenetics: How the Environment Shapes Our Genes. W.W. Norton & Company.
Carey, N. (2012). The Epigenetic Revolution. Columbia University Press.
Waddington, C.H. (1942). The Epigenotype. Endeavour, 1(1), 18-20.
Miska, E.A. et al. (2008). Germ-line Inheritance of Uncapped Telomeres in Caenorhabditis elegans. Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, 105(19), 7103-7106.
Perlmutter, D. (2015). Brain Maker: The Power of Gut Microbes to Heal and Protect Your Brain – for Life. Little, Brown Spark.
Jablonka, E. and Lamb, M.J. (2014). Evolution in Four Dimensions: Genetic, Epigenetic, Behavioral, and Symbolic Variation in the History of Life. The MIT Press.
Redwood, D. (2012). Epigenetics: The Potential for Chiropractic Care to Influence Gene Expression. Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, 35(6), 409-415.
Church, G. (2019). Regenesis: How Synthetic Biology Will Reinvent Nature and Ourselves. Basic Books.
In a world increasingly reliant on…
Reference Department:Department of Electrical Engineering
In a world increasingly reliant on electricity, power outages can bring daily life to a grinding halt. However, an innovative research by Chaudhry Talha Hassan and Dr Tariq Muhammad Jadoon from the Department of Electrical Engineering significantly accelerated the restoration of electric power after a major blackout by improving the resilience of smart grids. These grids integrate many distributed energy resources (DERs) such as solar panels, wind turbines and energy storage systems.
Shortly, after the study's publication in IEEE Xplore in August 2023, Sir Ganga Ram Hospital in Lahore experienced a power outage due to alleged mismanagement, forcing doctors to use torchlight to complete their procedures. A similar incident had occurred at Services Hospital Lahore less than a month earlier, impeding patient care. More recently, during the Sindh flash floods, the preservation of the Guddu power station played a crucial role in preventing a blackout that could have impacted 25% of Pakistan's population. These recurrent incidents underscore the timeliness of this research, where critical loads in a distribution feeder can be restored by harnessing power from neighboring DERs considering the power network as a cyber-physical power system.
When an entire city or neighborhood experiences an abrupt power loss, the urgency to restore electricity to critical facilities such as hospitals and emergency services is paramount. Bulk power distribution networks typically have a limited number of switchable lines and loads. This limitation can make it challenging to restore power, particularly in situations where many inductive loads are switched on simultaneously.
This is where the innovative concept of "microgrids" comes into play. The researchers have proposed the creation of these smaller, self-sustaining power networks that can swiftly bring power back to affected areas. Unlike the conventional top-to-bottom approach, the research emphasizes harnessing smart grids, using communication tech, reconfiguring networks, and integrating DERs. This ensures the rapid restoration of power to critical loads while addressing challenges like frequency control and practical factors such as switch types and communication constraints.
Inverter-dominated smart grids face unique challenges related to dynamic stability and lower inertia. The research introduces a multi-layered framework that integrates cyber-networks into the restoration process. It also emphasises the importance of monitoring the health of energy storage systems, ensuring safe charging and discharging strategies, and imposing constraints on frequency and voltage to maintain grid stability.
Moreover, the act of restoring power can sometimes introduce problems like system overload. To mitigate these potential issues, the study incorporates dynamic stability constraints into the restoration process, ensuring that the system remains stable even during the reconnection of numerous power sources.
To validate their concepts, the researchers employed computer simulations. These simulations create a virtual representation of the power system, allowing the team to experiment with different strategies without affecting the actual electricity supply.
The research sheds light on the crucial role of synchronous generators as black-start distributed generators (DGs) for service restoration. Unlike renewable energy sources, high-inertia diesel generators can provide reliable power during emergencies. By including backup generators (BUGs) as dispatchable DGs in microgrids, the research demonstrates an innovative approach to harnessing power from non-dispatchable sources, enhancing microgrid stability, and expanding coverage.
Talha's research promises a more efficient and resilient future for power restoration. By harnessing the power of microgrids and cyber-physical systems, this approach promises to revolutionise how we think about restoring electricity in the face of adversity. As our world increasingly relies on electricity, innovations like these are essential for ensuring that the lights stay on even when the grid faces its darkest hours.
“We sympathise with all the families who…
Reference Department:Department of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering
“We sympathise with all the families who have suffered the loss of a child,” expressed a spokesperson from Sanofi Pasteur, the French multinational pharmaceutical company, upon the deaths of school-age children in the Philippines after being administered Sanofi’s dengue virus vaccine, Dengvaxia. Notably, no deaths had been reported during more than a decade-long clinical trials of the world’s first dengue vaccine. However, in November 2017, Sanofi disclosed that Dengvaxia “might increase the risk of severe disease in people who had never been exposed to the virus.
Despite extensive efforts, current dengue prevention strategies, including vaccinations, have significant limitations, leaving no specific treatment for dengue fever. This vector-borne disease, primarily affecting Asia, is transmitted by infected mosquitoes (vectors) that carry and transmit the dengue virus from person to person, causing severe fever.
Could undercounted infections explain the lack of attention to dengue’s severity?
A 2013 study published in Nature estimated the true total of infections to be more than three times the estimate of the World Health Organisation.
The traditional approach of developing new drugs from scratch can be both time-consuming and expensive. Therefore, researchers at SBASSE (Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering) have pursued an alternative strategy known as drug repurposing. This approach involves identifying existing drugs that might be effective against diseases different from their original intended use. In this study, led by Hafiza Nosheen Saleem under the supervision of Dr Muhammad Saeed, a library of 1127 small molecules, initially designed as antivirus drugs, were screened to determine their potential efficacy against the dengue virus.
Nosheen and Dr Saeed, alongside their collaborators Summara Kousar, Ammar Hassan Jiskani, Iqra Sohail and Dr Amir Faisal, focused their efforts on a specific protein within the dengue virus known as DENV NS2B/NS3 protease. This protein plays a crucial role in the virus's life cycle, and inhibiting it could disrupt the virus's ability to replicate. Four molecules in the screen library, ABT263, ABT737, AT101 and TW37, demonstrated promise as inhibitors of the NS2B/NS3 protease. These molecules were initially developed as inhibitors for B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), a member of the protein family. Notoriously associated with the survival of certain types of cancer cells, Bcl-2 plays a key role in aiding cancer cells to withstand chemotherapy. For instance, ABT263 is currently being tested for the treatment of high-grade triple-negative breast cancer and ovarian cancer.
To assess the effectiveness of these molecules in inhibiting the NS2B/NS3 protease, the researchers employed a metric called IC50, representing the "half-maximal inhibitory concentration." This metric gauges how effectively a molecule can inhibit the protease. Further analysis of these molecules' inhibition mechanisms revealed that ABT263 and ABT737 competitively inhibited the protease by binding to the same site as the target substrate. In contrast, AT101 and TW37 were identified as non-competitive inhibitors, binding to a different site and inducing changes in the enzyme's structure or activity.
The study suggests that the identified inhibitors have the potential to be developed into specific anti-dengue therapeutics. This is a promising avenue for further research and development, as these molecules have already undergone testing for their safety and pharmacological properties as anticancer drugs. With the aim of preventing tragic incidents like the loss of school-age children to dengue in the Philippines, this research provides hope for improved treatments and enhanced protection against this mosquito-borne disease.
لمز سکول آف سائنس اینڈ انجینیئرنگ میں…
Reference Department:Department of Computer Science
لمز سکول آف سائنس اینڈ انجینیئرنگ میں پی ایچ ڈی کمپیوٹر سائنس کی طالبہ عاطرہ انعم احمد کی شاندار تحقیق ، جو اس پریشانی کا حل تلاش کرنے میں معاونت فراہم کرتی ہے۔ عاطرہ نےحال ہی میں قابلِ تحسین تحقیقی نتائج کی بنیاد پر اپنے فائنل تھیسز کا کامیاب دفاع کیا۔
ہم جانتے ہیں کہ کمپیوٹرز ہارڈویئر اور سافٹ ویئر کا امتزاج ہیں ۔لیکن سافٹ ویئر انجینئرنگ1 کے مروجہ طریقے( جیسے کوڈ کا دوبارہ استعمال اور یکسانیت) سافٹ ویئر کے سائز ،پیچیدگی ، حفاظتی کمزوریوں اور خرابیوں کے امکانات میں نمایاں اضافہ کردیتے ہیں ۔ مزید برآں یہ طریقے سافٹ ویئر کی کارکردگی اور وثوق کوبھی کم کرتے ہیں۔ یہ صورتحال سافٹ ویئر بلوٹ2 کے مسئلے کا بنیادی سبب ہے، جو میموری3 میں وسائل کے ضیاع کا باعث بھی ہے۔
سافٹ ویئر بلوٹنگ کے عارضے کے تدارک کے لیے موجود ہ متعدد جدید ترین طریقہ کار کو بادی النظر میں دو گروہوں میں تقسیم کیا جا سکتا ہے۔ ایک وہ جنھیں تحریری طور پر اعلیٰ سطحی تفصیلی تصریحات مثلاً ٹیسٹ کیسز 4 کی ضرورت ہوتی ہے ۔ یہ طریقہ کار صارفین کے لیے بوجھل اور غیر موزوں ہو سکتے ہیں۔ دوسرے وہ طریقےہیں جو تشکیلاتی معلومات 5 واضح کرنے کے لیے سطر الامر دلائل (کمانڈ لائن آرگیومنٹس6 ) کا استعمال کرتے ہیں۔ ان کوایپلی کیشن کے کوڈ میں مستقل 7 کے طور پر پھیلاتے ہیں اورڈیڈ کوڈ کو حذف کرتے ہیں جو مستقلات موجود ہونے پر عمل میں نہیں آتا ہے ۔
اس کےپیش نظر عاطرہ کی تحقیق مندرجہ ذیل نکات پر مرکوز ہے:
اول:تحقیق میں یہ استدلال کیا گیا ہے کہ جدید ٹولز میں استعمال ہونے والے طریقہ کار، ڈیڈ کوڈ کے خاتمے کے معاملے میں غیر موثر ہیں ۔ کیونکہ وہ سیاق و سباق سے بے نیاز ہو کر کوڈ میں مستقل کو پھیلا دیتے ہیں۔ لہذا عاطرہ کے کام میں سیاق و سباق کی حساسیت پر مبنی خفیف مستقل پھیلاؤ 8 متعارف کرایا گیا ، جو صرف تشکیلاتی معلومات کے حامل متغیرات کے لیے مستقلات کی افزائش کرتا ہے ۔
دوم: جدید ٹولز جامد تشکیلاتی فائل9 سے قطع نظر یا توصرف سطر الامر دلائل10 پر انحصار کرتے ہیں یاایسی فائل سے نمٹنے کے لیے دستکارانہ طریقہ فراہم کرتے ہیں۔ اس مسئلے کو حل کرنے کے لیے خودکار فائل آئی /او تخصص11 کی تجویز پیش کی گئی ، یعنی، فائل میں جامد تشکیلاتی معلومات کوڈ میں مستقل کے طور پر اٹھائی جائے۔ یہ طریقہ کار فائل کا تجزیہ کرنے والے کوڈ کو آسان بناتا ہے اور ڈید کوڈ کو حذف کر دیتا ہے ۔
سوم: خود کار انداز سے کوڈ سائز میں کمی کے سلسلے میں تخصص کے فوائد دینے والےافعال کی نشاندہی کے لیےڈیپ لرننگ کے طریقے12 تجویز کیے گئے ہیں۔اس ضمن میں تخصص سے وابستہ افعال کی دو اقسام پر مبنی ایک تربیتی ڈیٹاسیٹ13 تیار کیا جائے گا ۔ صارف اپنے ماڈل کو اس ڈیٹاسیٹ پر تربیت دے کر ایپلی کیشنز میں قابل تخصیص اورنا قابل تخصیص افعال کی پیش گوئی کر سکیں گے۔
عاطرہ نے ٹرمر 14 پر سیاق و سباق کی خفیف حساسیت اور فائل آئی / او تخصص کو نافذ کیا ۔ انھوں نے 20 لینکس یوٹیلیٹیز 15 (بشمول جامد تشکیلاتی فائلز کے متقاضی چھے بینچ مارکس)پر اپنی مجوزہ سفارشات کو پرکھا ۔ یہ سفارشات ،سیاق و سباق کی حساسیت اور غیر حساسیت کے مقابلے میں، مشترکہ حفاظتی خطرات کو دور کرنے کے ساتھ ساتھ کوڈ کے سائز میں اوسطاً زیادہ کمی فراہم کرتی ہیں ۔
عاطرہ کے نزدیک پی ایچ ڈی آسان نہیں۔ یہ منصوبہ وقت طلب ہے۔ یہ صرف محنت یا ذہانت نہیں ہے بلکہ یہ کثیر تبادلہ خیال، مستقل مزاجی، وجوہات کی کھوج میں طویل اوقات کام کرنے، دباؤ محسوس کرنے، کئی بار ناکام ہونے اور دوبارہ کھڑے ہونے کے بارے میں ہے۔ بعض اوقات، آپ کو اپنی ذاتی ترجیحات، خاندان اور دوستوں کو نظر اندازبھی کرنا پڑتا ہے۔ الغرض صورت حال کچھ بھی ہو، اس سفر میں ثابت قدمی اور انتہائی بلند حوصلے کی ضرورت ہوتی ہے۔ وہ اپنے اس کامیاب سفر کے لیے لمز سکول آف سائنس اینڈ انجینیئرنگ کےقابل اساتذہ ، معاون عملے اور حوصلہ افزا ساتھیوں کی تہہ دل سے مشکور ہیں۔ آج کل عاطرہ ایک پرائیوٹ یونیورسٹی میں لیکچرار کی خدمات سرانجام دے رہی ہیں ۔ وہ مستقبل میں شعبہ تعلیم سے وابستہ رہنے اور معیاری تحقیق شائع کرنے کی متمنی ہیں۔
- Software Engineering
- Software Bloat
- Computer Memory
- Test Cases
- Configuration Information
- Command-Line Arguments
- Constant
- Sparse Constant Propagation
- Static Configuration File
- Command Line Arguments
- Automated File I/O Specialization
- Deep Learning
- Training Dataset
- TRIMMER - a configuration-driven code debloating tool
- Linux Utilities
Huzaifa Rauf, a brilliant PhD…
Reference Department:Department of Electrical Engineering
Huzaifa Rauf, a brilliant PhD scholar from the Department of Electrical Engineering, has within a year earned two significant accolades - the prestigious “Center for Advanced Life Cycle Engineering (CALCE) at the University of Maryland Awards” for his outstanding performance and lasting contribution on “Safe Energy Storage Research”, and the publication of his research paper in the renowned Elsevier’s “Journal for Energy Storage”.
The rise and widespread adoption of electric vehicles (EVs) in recent decades has been primarily fueled by advancements in battery and power technologies and the urgent need to curb greenhouse gas emissions. However, unlike traditional fuel-driven vehicles, EVs face a significant challenge—the degradation of their batteries—which limits their overall lifespan. This issue is particularly concerning considering the resource-intensive nature of battery production, as short-lived batteries have an unintended adverse effect on the environment. Recognising this critical problem, Huzaifa is actively involved in a research group at SSE, LUMS Energy Institute, dedicated to enhancing the area of renewable energy analytics, smart grids, and energy efficiency.
During Huzaifa’s time as a visiting scholar at the University of Maryland, he worked under the supervision of Prof Michael Pecht (member SBASSE advisory board) and Dr Michael David Osterman at CALCE. His dedication and expertise in applying AI and machine learning for reliability improvement in electric vehicle batteries were instrumental in earning him the CALCE award, making him the first visiting PhD from any country to receive this prestigious honour from the Centre. As part of the award, Huzaifa also received a funding grant of $5,000, acknowledging his exceptional research accomplishments.
“Having worked at the initial phase of the battery degradation, swelling and thermal runaway project, I am confident that this stream is going to make a significant impact in domain of energy storage.” Huzaifa expressed great enthusiasm for having his work recognised.
In addition to the research award, Huzaifa has also published a paper titled "A Novel Smart Feature Selection Strategy of Lithium-ion Battery Degradation Modelling for Electric Vehicles Based on Modern Machine Learning Algorithms", under the supervision of Dr Naveed Arshad, founder LUMS Energy Institute.
The paper highlights the importance of accurately predicting battery capacity loss to ensure the batteries' longevity, safety, and reliable operation. To achieve this, the researchers propose a smart feature selection (SFS) strategy-based machine learning framework. The SFS method selects relevant input parameters from battery data from the current and previous time steps, which are then utilized for model training and testing.
The results demonstrate that the proposed SFS method, in combination with various machine learning algorithms, significantly enhances the prediction accuracy and reduces the mean absolute error for battery capacity loss. The paper also emphasizes the importance of predicting a battery calendar, the degradation of a battery’s life over time whether or not it’s used, and cyclic loss, the gradual decrease in battery capacity caused by repeated charge and discharge cycles. Furthermore, it showcases the improved performance achieved by combining the SFS method with machine learning algorithms such as Gaussian Process Regression (GPR), random forest (RF), and XGBoost. This research presents a novel approach to feature selection-based machine learning for independently predicting battery calendar and cyclic loss, making it a valuable contribution to the field.
The publication highlights Huzaifa’s innovative approach to selecting smart features in modelling lithium-ion battery degradation, which has significant implications for electric vehicle performance and longevity. The research paper stands as a testament to his commitment to advancing the field of safe energy storage.
Graduate Theses
Name: Ali Raza Mirza
Supervisor: Dr. Adam Zaman
Year:
MS/PhD: PhD
Department: Physics
The Particle
The Particle
A Science magazine with research and science stories from SBASSE.
Please click here to read the magazine: Issue 21
Science Stories
Subtitle:
Posted Date:
Dr. Yahya Sattar's Inspiring Journey in Applied Mathematics and Machine Learning
Story:
Dr. Yahya Sattar, an alumnus of the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) at LUMS, recently achieved the remarkable milestone of defending his PhD thesis at UC Riverside. His journey has been a testament to his passion for Applied Mathematics and the invaluable support he received from the faculty and the National Outreach Program (NOP) at LUMS. Dr. Yahya is now pursuing cutting-edge research in Electrical Engineering, Machine learning, Optimization, Statistics, and Applied Mathematics at Cornell University as a postdoc.
Born in the picturesque village of Keris in Baltistan, Dr. Yahya started his educational journey in a government primary school in Skardu and then moved on to his intermediate education at Cadet College Skardu. In 2011, getting admitted to SBASSE at LUMS was an extraordinary moment for him. “I cannot express in words the support I got from NOP at LUMS. Whatever I have achieved so far would not have been possible without the generous support of NOP”, he mentions, looking back on his journey.
Deeply passionate about Mathematics and its real-world applications, Dr. Yahya explored his interests at SBASSE through courses like Modern Physics, Signals and Systems, Advanced Digital Signal Processing, Data Structures, and Communication Systems. Inspired by dedicated instructors, especially Dr. Momin Uppal, who fueled his ambition in Statistical Learning Theory and Applied Mathematics, Dr. Yahya pursued advanced courses, deepening his interest.
After graduating from LUMS in 2015, Dr. Yahya worked as a research assistant under Dr. Zubair Khalid, resulting in two research papers in the IEEE ICASSP conference. Dr Yahya shared that Dr. Zubiar played a pivotal role in training him as a researcher by guiding him in formulating research problems and exploring solutions. This experience led to fully funded PhD offers from multiple U.S. universities, and he chose UC Riverside, focusing on the theoretical foundations of Machine Learning algorithms with Dr. Samet Oymak. During his 2017 PhD, Dr. Yahya's work expanded the understanding of nonlinear dynamical systems, exploring Markov Jump Systems, Bilinear Systems, and various Nonlinear Systems. His contributions had a ripple effect, inspiring follow-up research at MIT, UC Berkeley, Caltech, and Harvard.
Dr. Yahya continues his academic odyssey by joining Cornell University, collaborating with Dr. Sarah Dean to advance the intersection of Machine Learning, optimization, statistics, and applied mathematics. By collaborating with excellent researchers, he plans to design safe and reliable control policies for various dynamical systems and extend his earlier works on developing a framework for learning and controlling nonlinear dynamical systems. As he looks to the future, he envisions significant advancements in AI and Machine Learning technology, which has already begun with tools like ChatGPT. "In future, more advancements will be in incorporating feedback with machine intelligence. This will lead to tremendous progress in autonomous driving technology and robotics. We will be able to give verbal commands to the robots, which will then plan and execute the task it is asked to do", remarks Dr. Yahya.
For students aspiring to follow in his footsteps, Dr. Yahya stresses the importance of mathematical skills as essential tools to navigate the world of research in Machine Learning Theory and Dynamical Systems. Additionally, he suggests students not shy away from advanced courses in applied mathematics. "I would encourage them to build a solid understanding of Statistical Learning and Optimization", he says.
He shares one crucial piece of advice: "The formula to overcome challenges is simple – "never give up!" Difficulties and challenges are an integral part of our life." He has encountered numerous challenges throughout his research career, including initial PhD rejections and subsequent dismissal from a research lab at UC Riverside. Eventually, he came in touch with a Phd advisor working on applied mathematics and joined his research lab which was working on precisely what he is passionate about. Overcoming obstacles is a fundamental part of the journey toward greater rewards.
Dr. Yahya's remarkable story is a testament to the endless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and work tirelessly toward their goals!
Dr. Yahya Sattar, an alumnus of the Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering (SBASSE) at LUMS, recently achieved the remarkable milestone of defending his PhD…
Public Lecture Series
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Speaker: Dr. Sarah Qureshi, CEO/Founder Aero Engine Craft (Pvt.) Ltd.
Vanue: Auditorium 10-301, Syed Babar Ali School of Science and Engineering, LUMS
Reference Department:Department of Electrical Engineering
Environment Friendly Aerospace Technologies for Pakistan
Abstract: Aero Engine Craft is developing contrail-free aero-engines for the reduction of global warming and to induce artificial rain during aircraft flight through on-board water recovery from fuel emissions; creating a vision of the future for the aviation industry whereby it can not only reduce aviation induced global warming but also adopt an approach to treat the fuel emissions as a resource. A revolutionary technology is employed that eliminates contrails at source and recovers water from fuel exhaust emissions as a net positive product. This is a true definition of a disruptive technology; a global first attempt to create water within the aero-engine from the exhaust plume during flight, carry it aboard and release it as rainfall prior to landing. Our product is a low cost alternative to aero-engine redesign, and offers revenue potential to the aviation industry while solving a crucial environmental challenge.
Biography:
Dr. Sarah Qureshi is working on contrail-free aero engines as the CEO and founding director of Aero Engine Craft (Pvt) Ltd. She is also a visiting fellow at the School of Aerospace at Cranfield University. Sarah has a PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering from Cranfield University, UK. Her area of specialization is Propulsion whereby she worked on the development of a contrail-free aero-engine that has been derived from a novel patented technology. Sarah was actively involved with the invented technical outcome of the engine. The innovated engine has a tremendous potential in bringing about an environmental revolution in the context of aviation.
Dr. Sarah Qureshi , along with the inventor of technology Mr. Masood Latif Qureshi has now set up Aero Engine Craft (Private) Limited as Pakistan's first commercial engine and aircraft company to convert this patented technology into a full scale commercial application ready to be used by modern civil transport aircraft. During her PhD, Sarah supervised a number of MSc. students for their research projects on Jet Engine Technology. Prior to this, Sarah completed her master’s degree in the field of Aerospace Dynamics from Cranfield University, UK. Her research involved the design of a trajectory following controller inclusive of stability augmentation, attitude control system and outer loop autopilot for unmanned aircraft (UAVs) flying in close formation for the purpose of air to air refuelling. After graduating as a Mechanical Engineer from Pakistan, Sarah gained extensive experience of working in the local automotive and engineering industry.
Her bachelors' research project involved the development of a measurement and data logging system for the in-cylinder temperature and combustion of an internal combustion engine. Her prime technical interests are focused upon engine technology and aircraft design. Sarah holds a Private Pilot License (PPL) with 70 hours of Flying Experience. She has also learned acrobatic flying and several flight manoeuvres while at Cranfield.
Biography:
Dr. Sarah Qureshi is working on contrail-free aero engines as the CEO and founding director of Aero Engine Craft (Pvt) Ltd. She is also a visiting fellow at the School of Aerospace at Cranfield University. Sarah has a PhD degree in Aerospace Engineering from…
سائنس اور ٹیکنالوجی کی کہانیاں
گزشتہ سال کے چند کمپیوٹر سائنس پراجیکٹس کا جائزہ
نصابی تعلیمات کو صنعت سے جوڑنے کے لیے لمز کی انڈرگریجویٹ تعلیم کے آخری سال میں ایک پروجیکٹ پر کام کرنا ہوتا ہے۔ عام طور پریہ دو سمسٹرس پرمشتمل ہوتا ہے لیکن اگر پروجیکٹ نامکمّل رہ جائے تواس سے زیادہ وقت بھی لگ سکتا ہے۔ کمپیوٹر سائنس کے طلباء نے اس سال اپنے نگران، پروفیسر وقار احمد کے ساتھ بہت دلچسپ پروجیکٹس پر کام کیا ،جن کا سب سے بڑا مقصد صنعتی معیارسے ہم آہنگ سافٹ ویئر تخلیق کرنا تھا۔ طلباء نے چار سے پانچ افراد پر مشتمل 3 گروپوں میں اپنے عنوانات پر سوچ بچار شروع کی۔ انہوں نے اپنے خیالات وقار صاحب کے سامنے پیش کیے جنہوں نے ان کی رہنمائی کی اور انکے خیالات کو مزید نکھارا۔ پروجیکٹس کی تکمیل کے بعد طلباء نے سامعین کے سامنے اپنا کام پیش کیا اور انفرادی طور پرپروجیکٹ میں اپنے اپنے کردار کے بارے میں معلومات فراہم کیں۔
ایک گروپ نے مشہور زمانہ موبائل گیم سبوے سرفرز (١) کے طرز کی گیم بنائی۔ ان کا کہنا تھا کہ گیم ڈویلپمنٹ (٢) کے موضوع پر لمز میں نہ ہی کوئی کورس پڑھایا جاتا ہے اور نہ ہمارا اس ابھرتی ہوئی صنعت کی طرف کچھ خاص رجحان ہے۔ ان کے خیال میں اس پر کام کرنا اپنی جگہ دشوار تو تھا کیوںکہ کافی تصورات انکے لیے نئےتھے، لیکن اسی وجہ سے انہیں کافی کچھ سیکھنے کو ملا اور ان کا پروجیکٹ اپنی جگہ ممتاز ٹھہرا۔ اس پروجیکٹ میں ماینڈ سٹارم اسٹوڈیوز (٣) نے بھی طلباء کو پیشہ ورانہ مدد فراہم کی۔
ایک دوسرے گروپ نے ایک ایسی اپلیکیشن بنائی جو سوشل میڈیا انفلونسرز سے رابطے کو آسان اور آٹومیٹک بنا دیتی ہے۔ مزید براں تیسرے اورآخری گروپ نے ایک خود مختار تجارتی بوٹ بنایا جس پہ اب ہم تفصیل سے بات کریں گے۔
جیسا کہ ہمیں معلوم ہے دنیا بھر میں تجارت کے لیے مختلف ایکسچینجز ہیں جیسے نیس ڈیک (٤) وغیرہ۔ اب تجارت میں کچھ خاص خاکے ہوتے ہیں اور اسی بنا پر اسٹاکس کی قیمتوں میں کمی یا اضافہ دیکھنے کو ملتا ہے۔ اگر ان خاکوں کو قواعد کے مجموعہ میں ڈال کر حساب کیا جائے تو اسے ایک بوٹ کے ذریے کنٹرول کرنا ممکن ہوجاتا ہے۔ اس سے تجارت کا عمل خود مختار ہو جاتا ہےاور زیادہ مؤثر اور منافع بخش بھی بن جاتا ہے کیونکہ بظاھر بوٹس انسانی دماغ سے زیادہ ڈیٹا ذخیرہ کرنے کی صلاحیت رکھتے ہیں اور اس ڈیٹا کے مطابق کیے گئے فیصلوں کے درست ہونے کا امکان بھی زیادہ ہوتا ہے۔ اس کے علاوہ کسی انسان کا دن کے چوبیس گھنٹے کمپیوٹر کے سامنے بیٹھنا اور ترمیمی طریقے کے مطابق فیصلے کرنا ناممکن ہے جبکہ بوٹس کے ذریے یہ کام ہمہ وقت لیا جاسکتا ہے۔ دنیا کی مختلف ایکسچینجز کے لیے یہ بوٹس اب دستیاب ہیں اوراستعمال بھی ہو رہے ہیں لیکن پاکستان اسٹاک ایکسچینج (پی ایس ایکس) کے لیے ایسا کوئی آلہ موجود نہیں۔
تیسرے گروپ نے اسی خلا کو پر کرنے کی کوشش کی اور پی ایس ایکس کے لیے ایک تجارتی بوٹ تخلیق کیا۔ انہوں نے پچھلے دو ماہ کا ڈیٹا حاصل کیا اور اس سے 15 دن بعد ہونے والی اسٹاک کی قیمتوں کی کامیاب پیشن گوئی کی۔اس سافٹ ویئر کی خوبصورت بات یہ ہے کے اسے بدلنا اور دوسرے ایکسچینجز یا سسٹمز پر ڈھالنا نہایت سہل ہے۔ فی الحال اسے پی ایس ایکس پر بنایا ہے لیکن اس کو بدل کرنیس ڈیک حتیٰ کے کرپٹو ایکسچینجزپر بھی بدلا جا سکتا ہے۔
ایک عام آدمی کا اسٹاک ایکسچینج پر تجارت کرنا اور اسے سمجھنا کافی دشوار ہے۔ اس بوٹ کا ایک اور فائدہ یہ ہے کہ اس کے ذریعے اسٹاکس کی پیچیدہ منطق کوخودکارکر دیا جاتا ہے اور صارف کو ایک آسان انٹرفیس(٥) فراہم کیا جاتا ہے۔ اپنے پروجیکٹ کے لیے اس گروپ نے بزنس اسکول کے طلبا اور پروفیسر سر کمیل کے ساتھ بھی اشتراک کیا۔
تمام گروپس اپنے سپروائزر سر وقار سے خوش تھے اور ان کا کہنا تھا کہ یہ ایک نہایت مفید اور یادگار تجربہ رہا۔
(1) Subway Surfers
(2) Game development
(3) Mind Storm Studios
(4) NASDAQ
(5) Interface
نصابی تعلیمات کو صنعت سے جوڑنے کے لیے لمز کی انڈرگریجویٹ تعلیم کے آخری سال میں ایک پروجیکٹ پر کام کرنا ہوتا ہے۔ عام طور پریہ دو سمسٹرس پرمشتمل ہوتا ہے لیکن اگر پروجیکٹ…
