To analyse optimizing techniques in Neural networks – the primary focus for PhD‑student Eiraj Saqib at STC

Fri 02 Sep 2022 08:53

In June 2022 Eiraj Saqib started his PhD studies at STC. He’s work will focus on analysing optimizing techniques in Neural networks and to reduce the size of CNN models.

Why did you choose to apply for the position as an PhD-student at Mid Sweden University?

During my bachelors, Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) was an emerging field, and I was always inclined towards its integration with Embedded system. When I was accepted for master’s program in Malaysia, I had the opportunity to work with Convolutional Neural Networks to detect road cracks and integrating it with Embedded Systems. After completing my masters, I wanted to work further in this field and was looking for a doctoral degree which would fit this description.

While looking for this I found Mid Sweden University, that STC is doing some great research in this field. I also found out that there was a vacancy for a doctoral student, so without wasting any time I applied for it and by God’s grace I was able to secure a doctoral position.

What is going to be your focus during your PhD-studies?

I started my PhD work here in June 2022 and my primary focus will be to analyse different optimizing techniques in Neural networks, to reduce the size of CNN models which then can be integrated with edge devices, as present CNN models are computationally expensive and not feasible for edge devices. Even if there are some CNN models present for edge devices, they show less accuracy. So, I will be looking to develop a model which is less in size at the same time more accurate than the models present.

Tell us about your background?

I am from Kashmir (Indian Administered). I have completed my bachelor’s degree in Electronics and Communication Engineering from Kashmir university in Srinagar Kashmir in 2018. After that, I worked for one year in telecommunication field with a local company.

But I always wanted to be in the field of research. In 2019, I was able to find a good master’s program in Malaysia and thus went into a research-based master’s program in University Sains Malaysia. During my master's, I worked on CNN based road defect detection which I completed in October of 2021.

When did you move to Sundsvall? What do you think about the city and of Sweden so far?

I reached Sundsvall on 12th June which incidentally was a Sunday. Me being new, not just to Sweden, but to whole of Europe, I didn’t know the way around. One of my colleagues came to pick me up at the Sundsvall station, showed me around the city and later took me to the apartment. So, my first experience was really heart-warming and since then the city is taking good care of me, everyone here is helpful and courteous.

After living here for more than two months, I can say that Swedes really like and respect the nature and their country and try to keep it as clean as possible, and this is one of the things I would like to take back to my home state. As I come from a foreign land, not knowing Swedish has not been a problem as everyone here can speak in English but I want to learn Swedish so I can integrate with the society and learn the culture as well.

 

Research project: Optimizing CNN models.

Supervisor: Mattias O’Nils


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The page was updated 9/2/2022