by Babra Wani
SRINAGAR: The Global Kashmiri Connect Initiative is set to display three young scholars of Kashmiri origin who are making a name for themselves in Aerospace and Space Sciences, as well as AI innovations. Faiqa Anbreen, Seerat Maqsood, and Malik Aasooda will share their experiences in a discussion moderated by renowned experts Dr Altaf Lal and Dr Mahrukh Banday.
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The conversation will delve into the intricacies of Aerospace and Space Sciences, exploring the challenges and opportunities in these fields. Attendees will have the unique opportunity to hear from the scholars as they share their insights and experiences. Participants can draw inspiration and guidance for their own academic and professional journeys in these fields.
Seerat Maqsood is focused on Cellular and Molecular Biotechnology, with expertise in reproductive medicine and tissue engineering. She is a Space IVF researcher at SpaceBorn United and an active member of NASA GeneLab, working on multiple space bioscience and exploration projects. Her vision is to enable human reproduction in space by improving IVF techniques on Earth.
Faiqa Anbreen, a Modelling and Simulation Engineer at Safran, solves complex engineering problems and analyses the thermo-fluid behaviour of aircraft systems and components. She is a PhD Candidate in Engineering and Computational Mathematics at California State University, researching fundamental physics problems in fluids with applications in the aerospace industry.
Aasooda Malik, an analogue astronaut and Physics researcher at Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, Poland, reflects on her early educational years at Minto Circle School, Srinagar, as extremely transformative. She pursued Mechanical Engineering at SSM College of Science and Technology and later earned her Master’s in Computer-Aided Mechanical and Power Engineering from Politechnika Wroclawska.
With an innate fascination for STEM, Malik embarked on a journey of intellectual discovery from an early age, driven by a thirst for exploration beyond traditional academia. As a space enthusiast, she seeks to bridge the gap between Physics and Philosophy.
The Global Kashmiri Connect Initiative is also exploring rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML). Over the last two decades, AI and ML innovations have transformed industries, with 55 per cent of organizations adopting AI technologies to enhance operations. These technologies have increased automation, improving efficiency and decision-making processes.
AI-driven chatbots and digital assistants have revolutionized customer interactions and employee queries, providing faster and more accurate responses. AI-powered data analysis enables organizations to make informed decisions through visual insights, driving better outcomes.
Dr Altaf Lal will host a discussion on Unleashing the Future of AI and ML, featuring industry experts Amjad Khan, Junaid Mohammed, Manzoor Ahmed, Muzaffar Rasool, and Samar Khan. This conversation aims to inspire students and young professionals to enter AI and ML fields, where opportunities are vast and the potential for impact is enormous.
The experts will simplify AI concepts using relatable examples, making the discussion accessible to newcomers. They will discuss the impact of Transformer-based Generative AI models and explore their applications across industries. The panel will offer guidance on starting a career in AI and ML, emphasizing upskilling and continuous learning. With AI and ML rapidly evolving, staying ahead of the curve is essential. The discussion will provide practical tips on preparing for future opportunities.
Amjad Khan boasts over three decades of experience in enterprise software sales management, infrastructure, and more. As Microsoft’s Area Lead for Modern Workplace and AI in Dubai, Amjad leads a team across the Middle East, helping businesses digitally transform by empowering employees through technology.
Since joining Microsoft in 2006, Amjad has held various positions across Enterprise Sales and Global Partner Solutions teams in the US and Middle East and Africa. He is known for creating high-performance teams and fostering a culture of inclusiveness and accountability. Amjad holds a bachelor’s degree in Electronics & Communications engineering and a master’s degree in computer science from City University in New York.
Junaid Mohammed is a Senior Technology Leader with around two decades of experience in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AI/ML), Product Management, and more. At Google, Junaid leads a Global team of Solution Architects, driving large deals across industry verticals for Strategic Clients in the GenAI & Startup ecosystem. He is passionate about empowering the younger generation with innovative technological skills and bridging educational disparities. Junaid did his schooling at Burn Hall in Srinagar, holds a Computer Engineering degree from Pune University, and completed his MBA from XLRI Jamshedpur.
Manzoor Chachoo is a distinguished AI expert and computer science educator at the University of Kashmir. He did his early schooling at Minto Circle School Srinagar, followed by a Master’s from BITS Pilani, and an MBA and PhD from the University of Kashmir in Spoken Dialogue Systems. Manzoor is known for his dynamic teaching style and innovative curriculum development, making his AI and ML courses highly sought after.
He has spearheaded research in deep learning, computer vision, and natural language processing, publishing his work in top-tier academic journals and presenting at prestigious conferences. Manzoor is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive learning environment and mentoring students from diverse backgrounds.
Samar Khan has over 20 years of experience developing, delivering, and maintaining mission-critical software across multiple industries. As a Sustainability, Cloud, and AI Technology Leader in the Travel & Hospitality Industry, Samar founded TripAI in 2021 to optimize industries using AI. A graduate of Tyndale Biscoe School in Srinagar, Samar was actively involved in football and captained the school and state teams.
He relocated to the US in 1999 on an Honors Scholarship and completed his bachelor’s degree from the University of Texas and MBA from SMU Dallas. Samar is an expert in building offshore and nearshore teams for US corporations.
Muzafar Rasool holds a master’s degree in mathematics, a master’s in computer applications, and a PhD in Artificial Intelligence. With nearly two decades of teaching and research experience at IUST, he co-founded the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and coordinated the Centre of Excellence at CIED, IUST. Muzafar has organized several international conferences in Kashmir, including AI, IT in Surgery, and Medical Research.
His research focuses on advancing AI’s theoretical foundations and applying AI in practical contexts, particularly in human health, agriculture, and horticulture. With over 40 international publications and a dozen patents, Muzafar has made significant contributions to both theory and practice. He has secured research grants from prominent national agencies and collaborates internationally with researchers from the USA, Canada, Qatar, and other countries.
His research has led to successful interventions in various sectors, including horticulture, agriculture, and local indigenous products. Notable achievements include developing AI-enabled products for disease diagnosis in apples and authenticating genuine Pashmina and Qaleen. Muzafar has also made significant contributions to human health by developing early diagnosis methods for Alzheimer’s disease and other conditions.
