Personal Statement

Statement of Purpose

My journey, aspirations, and vision for the future in AI/ML research and engineering

Last updated: December 2024

“The best way to predict the future is to create it—through intelligent systems that augment human capabilities and solve real-world problems at scale.”

— Shahriar Khan

The Spark: Where It All Began

My fascination with artificial intelligence began during my sophomore year at East West University when I encountered my first neural network. What struck me wasn't just the mathematical elegance of backpropagation—it was the profound realization that we could create systems that learn and adapt, much like the human mind. This moment of clarity set me on a path that would define my academic and professional journey.

Growing up in Dhaka, Bangladesh, I witnessed firsthand the challenges that arise in densely populated urban environments—from traffic management to healthcare accessibility. These observations planted the seeds of my belief that technology, specifically AI, could be a powerful force for addressing real-world challenges in developing nations and beyond.

Maintaining a 3.92 CGPA while actively contributing to research projects has taught me the discipline required to excel in both theoretical understanding and practical implementation. As a Dean's Merit Scholar, I've been fortunate to have the resources and support to pursue ambitious projects that bridge the gap between academic research and real-world applications.

Research Journey: From Theory to Impact

My research experience has been focused on developing production-ready deep learning systems that solve tangible problems. My work on Real-Time Object Detection for Edge Devices exemplifies this approach—achieving 97.5% mAP while optimizing for deployment on resource-constrained devices like the Jetson Nano.

One of my most impactful projects has been developing a Bengali Automatic Number Plate Recognition (ANPR) system that processes 30+ vehicles per minute. This project required not just deep learning expertise, but also understanding of the unique challenges posed by Bengali script recognition, varying lighting conditions, and real-time processing requirements.

These experiences have reinforced my conviction that the most valuable research is that which can be deployed and used by real people. I believe that AI research should not exist in isolation but should actively seek pathways to implementation and impact.

Academic Aspirations

Looking ahead, I am driven by the desire to pursue graduate studies in Machine Learning and Computer Vision at a leading research institution. My goal is to contribute to advancing the state-of-the-art in efficient deep learning models that can be deployed in resource-constrained environments.

Short-term Goals

  • Complete BS with distinction (CGPA 3.9+)
  • Publish research at top-tier venues (NeurIPS, ICML, CVPR)
  • Secure admission to a leading ML graduate program

Long-term Vision

  • Earn Ph.D. in Machine Learning/Computer Vision
  • Lead research in efficient AI for developing regions
  • Bridge academia and industry through applied research

Research Interests

My research interests lie at the intersection of computer vision, efficient deep learning, and real-world deployment:

Efficient Vision Models

Model compression, pruning, and knowledge distillation for edge deployment

Real-Time Object Detection

Low-latency inference for autonomous systems and surveillance

MLOps & Deployment

Bridging research and production with robust ML pipelines

Why Graduate Studies

Graduate studies represent the natural next step in my journey. While my undergraduate experience has provided a strong foundation, I recognize that addressing the challenges I'm passionate about requires deeper expertise, access to cutting-edge resources, and mentorship from leading researchers in the field.

I am particularly drawn to programs that emphasize both theoretical rigor and practical application, where I can collaborate with faculty and peers who share my vision of developing AI systems that make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Vision for Global Impact

Coming from Bangladesh, I have a unique perspective on the challenges facing developing nations—and the transformative potential of AI to address them. From improving traffic management in congested cities to enabling better healthcare diagnostics in underserved communities, I believe AI can be a great equalizer.

My ultimate goal is to contribute to making AI accessible and beneficial for all, regardless of geographic or economic circumstances. This means developing efficient models that can run on affordable hardware, creating solutions that address local needs while being globally scalable, and training the next generation of AI practitioners in developing regions.

In Conclusion

As I stand at this pivotal moment in my academic journey, I am filled with both gratitude for the opportunities I've had and excitement for what lies ahead. My experiences have prepared me well for the rigors of graduate study, and my passion for AI research continues to grow with each project I undertake.

I am committed to contributing meaningfully to the field of machine learning, to collaborating with fellow researchers who share my vision, and to developing AI systems that have a lasting positive impact on society. I look forward to the opportunity to continue my education and research at an institution that will challenge me to reach my full potential.

Interested in Collaborating?

I'm always open to discussing research opportunities, collaborations, or just connecting with fellow AI enthusiasts.