Bridging the Gap with Data Science

I have always been interested in numbers. They can disclose some of the most extraordinary patterns and mysteries that humans have been trying to understand for centuries. There is no discipline in the world that can be justified without mathematics or some sorts of numbers. It is said that mathematics is a universal language since it provides a common framework for anyone to understand some of the most complex issues in the world. Numbers could also be seen as a tool to collaborate and conduct research.

My current research focuses on the application of natural language processing (a sub field of data science) in understanding relations between social media and markets. Taking this research further, I want to work in academia. I believe that Pakistan has been unable to produce quality research in recent decades which is leading to both scientific and industrial stagnation in the country. I hope to contribute towards reigniting scientific growth in Pakistan. During my early years of education, although I enjoyed learning numbers and solving puzzles, the foundation to discovering my passion about what I wanted to do was guided by the school I attended under the Aga Khan University Examination Board. The board played an instrumental role in shaping my trajectory, nurturing in me a commitment to excellence. With its rigorous curriculum that focuses on the application of knowledge, I was surrounded by educators who prioritised the holistic development of their students, encouraging them to transcend the confines of textbooks and syllabi and redefine our perspectives about success. Joining the Lahore University of Management Sciences (LUMS) to pursue my undergraduate education was not a challenging journey given that I already knew what I wanted to pursue. Along the way, I had the privilege of working at various esteemed research institutes across Pakistan. Today, with great interest in data science, solving mathematical problems and theorems is intellectually satisfying and surely rewarding. As said, many challenges in the world can be solved with numbers and this is what I am learning at this stage of my academic life. My advice to all students is to remain curious. Keep questioning. Your ultimate goal is to excel in what you are best at and use your knowledge and skills to challenge, contribute and change the world to make it a better place.