SPOTLIGHT – Abdel-Karim Al Tamimi
Welcome to another Spotlight feature for our Friday Round Up where we showcase research stories and shine a light on the people that make up I2Ri. Alongside the BreakThru podcasts on spotify hosted by Marjory Da Costa-Abreu, we hope this will be a great way to celebrate our successes and get to know one another more.
This edition, we caught up with Abdel-Karim Al Tamimi to find out a bit more about him and the work he does in I2Ri.
“My ambition is to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals facing physical and cognitive challenges. I plan to leverage cutting-edge technologies to provide meaningful support in their daily activities, empowering them to lead more independent lives.”
Please can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I am a senior lecturer of computer science and the course leader for the online MSc courses in computer science within the computing department. I am a senior fellow of the UK Higher Education Academy (SFHEA) and a certified expert in digital teaching and learning. I lead the interactive Data Analytics Group (iDAG), col-located with AWRC, and an active member of multiple research groups. I received my master and PhD degrees in Computer Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, and BSc in computer engineering from Yarmouk University, Jordan. My research focus is on applying machine learning techniques to multidisciplinary research projects.
What path led to your current work and working at SHU?
I joined Yarmouk University, Jordan, after receiving my PhD and I worked as an assistant professor of computer engineering, then became an associate professor and the director of the Entrepreneurship and Innovation Centre (EIC). Then I joined the Technical University of Berlin (TU-Berlin) as a visiting professor. Afterwards, I joined HCT University in UAE and I worked as a program team leader and department chair. In Jan 2022, I joined SHU as a senior lecturer in the computer science and software engineering subject group.
What is the most exciting thing about your work? What are some of the challenges?
Computer science is a continuously and rapidly evolving subject. This means that we need to continuously learn new technologies, tools, and programming languages. This is both an exciting aspect of our work, and poses a challenge at the same time.
Who or what inspired you to pursue your career?
I come from a lineage of educators, spanning generations, where the tradition of teaching has been deeply ingrained. Growing up surrounded by educators (my late father, grandfather, uncles and aunts), I developed a deep respect for learning and teaching. Witnessing their impact, I aspired to share my knowledge and experiences with my students, fostering a passion for education that continues to drive my career.
Can you share a turning point or defining moment in your work as a researcher?
It’s not merely one defining moment but a sequence of pivotal events. My research journey began in multimedia networking, yet the rapid progress in AI and machine learning captivated me. By collaborating with experts from diverse fields like health, engineering, and education, I’ve embraced the challenge of integrating machine learning techniques into my work, leading to a broader and more impactful research focus.
What advice would you give to someone who was looking to embark on a career in research?
My advice would be to fuel your curiosity continuously. Expand your research horizons by collaborating with experts from diverse fields. Stay updated with the latest developments in your area to maximize your research impact. Pursue goals that were once deemed improbable, and keep pushing boundaries. Embrace innovation and be open to interdisciplinary collaborations—these elements can elevate your research journey and lead to ground-breaking discoveries.
What do you most enjoy about your work?
What I find most fulfilling is the opportunity to collaborate with our exceptional staff on cutting-edge research projects. Additionally, I take immense joy in guiding our learners through their educational endeavours. Whether it’s teaching, crafting engaging learning materials, or supervising their projects and theses, I find great satisfaction in supporting them on their learning journey.
What are your ambitions and the next steps for the research?
My ambition is to make a lasting difference in the lives of individuals facing physical and cognitive challenges. I plan to leverage cutting-edge technologies to provide meaningful support in their daily activities, empowering them to lead more independent lives. Using the latest available resources, I aim to create innovative solutions that enhance their overall well-being and foster greater self-sufficiency.
Is there an opportunity for colleagues to collaborate with you on your research?
Absolutely, I actively reach out for collaboration opportunities with my colleagues within and beyond the computing department and I’m constantly seeking opportunities for joint research ventures. Additionally, I welcome the participation of students keen on delving into the realm of scientific research. I’m enthusiastic about guiding them, allowing them to apply their skills and knowledge, and fostering a collaborative spirit at SHU.
What real-world impact do you hope your research will make?
I aspire for my research to create a tangible, far-reaching and positive impact on the real world. In my ongoing projects, such as the Innovate-UK initiative focused on automating quality assurance for eco-friendly concrete production, we aim to contribute to the UK’s circular economy goals and eco-conscious construction practices. Through the CIREI project, funded by EMERGENCE/EPSRC, we strive to enhance the quality of life for older individuals with frailty by integrating assistive technology and robotics. Additionally, our A.D.A project, which secured the first phase of the Longitude Prize on Dementia, involves designing an innovative wearable device that holds great promise for addressing dementia-related challenges. Our aim is to bring about practical, positive changes in various aspects of society through our research endeavours.
What do you like to do when you’re not working on your research? And when you are not working?
Outside the realm of research, I find solace and inspiration in nature. Sheffield’s proximity to the Peak District offers me abundant opportunities to indulge in my passion for hiking. The lush landscapes, scenic trails, and the tranquil ambiance of the great outdoors rejuvenate my spirit. Exploring the natural beauty of the Peak District not only provides a welcome break from work but also serves as a source of creativity and relaxation, allowing me to return to my research with renewed energy and fresh perspectives.