Tabinda completed Matric from Sacred Heart School Lahore and FSc from Kinnaird College. From 1999 to 2003, she attended Wellesley College on a full scholarship. She received a B.A. in Economics, with a minor in Mathematics, and graduated summa cum laude. After working for a year as an Investment Banking Analyst at Lehman Brothers, she returned to academia and completed a PhD in Political Science from Columbia University in 2014. Her dissertation was on shari’a and democratic institutions in Pakistan and she is currently revising it into a book manuscript. At Columbia, she was a preceptor for Contemporary Civilization, a year-long course on the classics of western moral and political philosophy. She also worked at the Undergraduate Writing Center for several years as a Writing Tutor.

Talha Rehmani is a Fulbright Scholar who has recently completed his MS in Robotic Systems Development from The Robotics Institute of Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, USA. His research interests lie in the area of Human Robot Interaction (HRI), Robot Ethics and Graphene-based electronics. He has given more than 150 talks on technical and motivational topics on national and international level.

Research

On the journey called PhD, I dipped my toes in many different problems. In last year or so me and adviser have introduced concept Decsontructive Learning. One of the problem that kept intriguing me was discovering an object automatically from the set of images. We explored the problem with respect to the Multi-image Co-segmentation. I explored Sparse represnetation and dictionary learning to specifically see how it could be used for image classification. We introduced part wise affine constraints that could handle images with noise and/or occlusion. Selected publications are listed here.

Deconstructive Learning

[PDF | Project page]

We introduced the novel notion of deconstructive learning and proposed a practical computational framework for deconstructing a broad class of binary classifiers commonly used in computer vision applications. While the ultimate objective of most learning problems is the determination of classifiers from labeled training data, for deconstructive learning, the objects of study are the classifiers themselves. As its name suggests, the goal of deconstructive learning is to deconstruct a given classifier by determining and characterizing (as much as possible) the full extent of its capability, revealing all of its powers, subtleties and limitations. In particular, this problem is motivated by the seemingly innocuous question that given an image-based binary classifier C as a black-box oracle, how much can we learn of its internal working by simply querying it?

Multi-image Cosegmentation

I am working on the problem of Multi-image Co-segmentation, (segmenting out object similar in the given set of images). Two important words here are “object” and the “similar”. Previous works have looked into the problem by segmenting out similar region and have defined “similar” to be similarity in color. This similarity is represented as energy function and problem is formulated as engergy minimization problem.

Such a structure does not allow more control over what we want to be segment out. We, on the other hand, are iterested in segmenting out “object” that might have similar color, shape or structure. For this we segment out each image at different speed, easy images get segmented out much faster than complex images (images with many objects and texture) and then after each iteration share information about the images. Thus helping segment out complex images from information we have gathered from the easy images.

Dictionary Learning and Sparse Representation

Worked on the problem of dictionary learning w.r.t sparse representation of data. We explored use of Block and Group structures and introduced affine constraints for image classification. This work resulted in publications listed below.

Deconstructive Learning

We introduced the novel notion of deconstructive learning and proposed a practical computational framework for deconstructing a broad class of binary classifiers commonly used in computer vision applications. While the ultimate objective of most learning problems is the determination of classifiers from labeled training data, for deconstructive learning, the objects of study are the classifiers themselves.

As its name suggests, the goal of deconstructive learning is to deconstruct a given classifier by determining and characterizing (as much as possible) the full extent of its capability, revealing all of its powers, subtleties and limitations. In particular, this problem is motivated by the seemingly innocuous question that given an image-based binary classifier C as a black-box oracle, how much can we learn of its internal working by simply querying it?

We presented We have worked on deconstructing Support Vector Machines and Cascade of Binary Classifiers.

Sonya Rehman is a writer/journalist based in Lahore, Pakistan. She has been writing since 2002. A graduate from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Journalism with an MS in Print Journalism, Sonya was not only awarded the Fulbright Scholarship to pursue her graduate degree at Columbia, but was also one of four students (from the Journalism School’s Class of ’10) to receive the Joseph Pulitzer II and Edith Pulitzer Moore Fellowship. She has written for, and continues to write for, a number of local and international publications.

Basit Ali is an Entrepreneur, Professional Technology Trainer, Apps and games development expert, Tech enthusiast and a technology consultant.

He did his Masters in Computer Sciences from LUMS in 2003. During his stay at LUMS his area of interest had been theoretical computer sciences including Graph Theory, Analysis and design of advanced Algorithms and Data Structures etc.

He has been involved with a number of local startups in his career. He is currently the founder of Eccentrica Technologies and has been the co-founder of other local start-ups including Reve-Apps and the popular mobile apps company Pepper.pk

Previously he has been a permanent faculty member in Computer Science department at the University of Central Punjab. He’s been involved both in instruction of computer science courses as well as supervision of students’ final projects and theses.

He has also worked on some interesting commercial software projects while working for the leading technology companies in the financial sector especially in e-banking and mobile banking.

Mr. Aftab Alam completed his Alma matters from UET and LUMS in the area of Electronics and Computer Sciences. He is one of the most sought-after teacher in academia. He has more than 22 years of experience in academia at school likes FAST-NU and GIFT University and known for his sound grip on Programming, Digital Logic Design, Computer Architecture, Communications and Networks. His research interest lies in the domain of Computer Arithmetic and Dynamic Branch Prediction.

Nabeel is a Project Manager by profession, with over ten years of managerial experience working in the areas of management information systems, business analysis and project management. Having successfully founded and operated a software development & consultancy firm with offices in two major cities of Pakistan, and a client base spanning across the Middle East, Asia and United Kingdom; he has ample experience in effective strategy development, positioning a brand in new markets, and managing end to end operations of an organization effectively.

Currently, Nabeel assumes the role of J. Director Entrepreneurship at the Punjab Information Technology Board, and steers all initiatives that fall in the space of technology entrepreneurship backed by the Government. Projects like PLAN9 – Pakistan Largest Technology Incubator, PLANX and Tech Hub fall under his umbrella. Nabeel has been involved as a Project Manager with numerous SMEs across Pakistan helping them streamline and automate their business processes. He is a visiting faculty at FAST-NU and have taught courses relating to Project Management, Management, Ethics & Management Information Systems respectively. He is currently writing a research paper with the UNDP on the role of entrepreneurship and education on the development of youth in Pakistan. His research interests are Project Management and Entrepreneurship respectively.

He is a Certified PMP, holds a Masters degree in Business & Management from University of Strathclyde Business School, UK and a Bachelors degree in Computer Science from FAST- NU Lahore, Pakistan respectively.

Zain Zaidi completed his MS and BS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, USA. During his MS and BS studies, Zain focused on nanoelectronic devices and nanophotonics. He has done research on silicon-germanium optoelectronics, surface plasmon enhanced germanium light sources, and resistive memory devices. Zain intends to start his PhD in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley in Fall 2015.

Shoaib Amjad Khan has over seven years of experience teaching Computer Science to undergraduate and graduate students at FAST- NU, Lahore. He is also a visiting faculty for MPhil students at Kinnaird College. He was awarded the PITB Outstanding Talent Scholarship from 2001 – 2005 and completed his Bachelors in Computer Science with honours from FAST- NU. He was a Fulbright Scholar and received his Masters in Discrete Mathematics from the University of South Florida in the United States.

Shoaib Amjad Khan received the SOFTEC Best Software Project award and he was also an advisor for An Eye for the Blind, which was a runner up at the P@SHA ICT Award in 2013. His research interests include Theoretical Computer Science, Computational Complexity, Data Structures & Algorithms, Quantum Computation, Evolutionary Computing, Hypergraphs, External Combinatorics, Cybersecurity, Logic, Philosophy of Mind and Philosophy of Science. He is also interested in applying tools from theoretical computer science to problems in other fields of human knowledge, particularly natural and social sciences.

Usama completed his Master’s degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering as a Fulbright scholar from Georgia Tech in 2016, and Bachelor’s degree from LUMS in 2012. At Agile Systems Lab at Georgia Tech, Usama studied the flight stability of three species of hawkmoths: Manduca sexta, Deilephila elpenor and Macroglossum stellatarum. Before going for Master’s, he worked at CYPHYNETS Lab at LUMS on the sonar tracking of Indus River dolphins where he also mathematically modeled the swimming behavior of Bottlenose dolphins.

Irtaza Sajid has done MSC from Warwick Business School in marketing and strategy. He has worked extensively on exploring the cosmetics market in the UK to analyze the marketing tools used to evoke favorable consumer response.  In conjunction with his thesis on democratization of luxury through cosmetics, he is in the process of developing a case on the marketing of International cosmetics companies in Pakistan. Along with product marketing, he is also researching on platform businesses in Pakistan and how they create customer value by effective segmentation practices.

Fatima Zaka holds a Master in Finance and Accounting from University of Sheffield, UK with an overall distinction. While at Sheffield, Fatima had the opportunity to work with Professor Sumon K. Bhaumik and wrote her MSc thesis on financial constraints and financial decisions of oil products manufacturing firms post financial crisis under his supervision, which earned her a distinction. Prior to joining ITU, she has worked in diverse sectors. She has worked with Deloitte in Dubai and also at United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). As a researcher on a State Bank of Pakistan funded project with Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) at the Center for Islamic Banking and Finance, she has worked on various topics in that field.  Fatima also holds an MBA degree prior to completing her MSc in Finance and Accounting.

After completing his masters degree in business economics from university of the Punjab, Mr Irfan worked in the industry for 6 years and then did master in accounting and finance from London School of Economics & Political Science. Afterwards he taught finance and accounting to undergraduate and graduate students for two years in Pakistan and then he joined KPMG LLP in London in expatriate tax where he worked for 3 years and then Deloitte LLP in same service line where he worked another 3 years before joining ITU. During his time in KPMG LLP, he gained Chartered Accountancy (CA) and Chartered Tax Advisory (CTA) qualifications from the UK.

Amna Batool is a Teaching Fellow in the Department of Computer Science at ITU and the Director of Innovation for Poverty Alleviation Lab (IPAL). Prior to joining ITU as a faculty member in September 2016, she completed her masters from ITU in CS with Information and Communication Technologies for Development (ICTD) as a major. She served as a technical and research lead of a DFID funded project “Har Zindagi, Every life matters” that aims to improve kids’ immunization coverage and retention all across Punjab, Pakistan. She worked as a research associate at IPAL for 3 years where she conducted a small scale 4 arm study to find suitable technical medium for information dissemination among low income low literate expecting mothers’ community.

Syed Ali Aqa joined Information Technology University as a Teaching Fellow in September 2016. He has previously taught at Beaconhouse National University. He graduated with an MSc in Economics from the University of Warwick, U.K. in November 2015. He holds an undergraduate degree in economics from the University of London International Programmes, conducted by the London School of Economics and Political Science.

His teaching interests include Microeconomics, Econometrics, Development Economics, International Trade and Global Studies. His postgraduate research explores the effects of the different dimensions of financial development on the Millennium Development Goals, focusing on poverty, health and education in middle income developing countries.

Waqar Ahmad has extensive software industry and academic experience. He has taught a number of courses including software development for mobile platforms, software testing, database systems, and software design and architecture. Moreover, he has done research in the areas of software ecosystems and mobile localization. In the software industry, he has worked for over 9 years in different roles including programmer, system analyst and manager and also helped establish a startup. He has done his Masters in Software Engineering from Carnegie Mellon University, USA; he also holds Masters in Software Project Management and Bachelor in Computer Science degrees from FAST-NUCES, Lahore.

Mr. Aftab Alam completed his Alma matters from UET and LUMS in the area of Electronics and Computer Sciences. He is one of the most sought-after teacher in academia. He has more than 22 years of experience in academia at school likes FAST-NU and GIFT University and known for his sound grip on Programming, Digital Logic Design, Computer Architecture, Communications and Networks. His research interest lies in the domain of Computer Arithmetic and Dynamic Branch Prediction.

Nabeel is a Project Manager by profession, with over ten years of managerial experience working in the areas of management information systems, business analysis and project management. Having successfully founded and operated a software development & consultancy firm with offices in two major cities of Pakistan, and a client base spanning across the Middle East, Asia and United Kingdom; he has ample experience in effective strategy development, positioning a brand in new markets, and managing end to end operations of an organization effectively.

Currently, Nabeel assumes the role of J. Director Entrepreneurship at the Punjab Information Technology Board, and steers all initiatives that fall in the space of technology entrepreneurship backed by the Government. Projects like PLAN9 – Pakistan Largest Technology Incubator, PLANX and Tech Hub fall under his umbrella. Nabeel has been involved as a Project Manager with numerous SMEs across Pakistan helping them streamline and automate their business processes. He is a visiting faculty at FAST-NU and have taught courses relating to Project Management, Management, Ethics & Management Information Systems respectively. He is currently writing a research paper with the UNDP on the role of entrepreneurship and education on the development of youth in Pakistan. His research interests are Project Management and Entrepreneurship respectively.

He is a Certified PMP, holds a Masters degree in Business & Management from University of Strathclyde Business School, UK and a Bachelors degree in Computer Science from FAST- NU Lahore, Pakistan respectively.

Zain Zaidi completed his MS and BS in Electrical Engineering from Stanford University, USA. During his MS and BS studies, Zain focused on nanoelectronic devices and nanophotonics. He has done research on silicon-germanium optoelectronics, surface plasmon enhanced germanium light sources, and resistive memory devices. Zain intends to start his PhD in Electrical Engineering from UC Berkeley in Fall 2015.