Nurturing Emirati aspirations for AI

Original published by Wired ME on January 25,2023

With initiatives in computer vision, machine learning, natural language processing and more, Abu Dhabi’s Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) is furthering understanding of what is possible through tech. Shahd AlShamsi, an industrial engineer and the recently crowned Class of 2022 valedictorian – having earned a master’s degree in machine learning at MBZUAI – is an example of the talent the university attracts. She is leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning to develop personalized cognitive healthcare that will shift treatment plans from reaction to prevention.

AlShamsi had originally intended to look into how to construct a digital twin framework for healthcare applications. While conducting her research, however, she realized how limited existing work on the topic was. This, she says, “inspired me to develop my proof of concept and address the challenges associated with it—which mainly related to processing EEG (brain signal) data.”

AlShamsi has family members on the autism spectrum, who have different cognitive strengths and weakness that are not currently well-understood. A desire to raise awareness and develop solutions to improve their quality of life pointed her toward her current research.

AI and machine learning allow her to elaborate and optimize the available data. AlShamsi’s proof of concept for a reproducible digital twin framework extends deep-learning models to integrate individualized representations of a person’s cognitive experience. “It could be used in several healthcare applications,” she says, “to assist physicians in developing unique treatment plans suited to individuals with cognitive disorders.” She adds that “having access to such a digital twin can help identify early predictors of cognitive decline, or even aid in analyzing the effects of certain medication, and more.”

MBZUAI has been the perfect environment in which to work, says AlShamsi of its facilities and community. “It enabled me to think outside the box and contribute to a field outside my technical comfort zone,” she explains, adding that, “this is just a small example of what can be achieved with AI. I envision the UAE setting the standard for AI practices, frameworks and governance. MBZUAI has quickly become a research hub and destination for many experts in the field, while graduating homegrown expertise. This is only the beginning.”

There is no doubt AI will play a leading role in driving technologies of the future, and institutions like MBZUAI and researchers like AlShamsi will be key to unlocking the potential of these developments. Going forward, she has big plans for her work. “In regard to my research, I wish to develop a mobile application to further extend my proof of concept and apply it to other areas such as personalized mental health,” she says, such as analyzing online social media behavior. And her goals for the future? “I wish to be at the frontline of the next AI revolution within the region—implementing UAE’s AI strategy and driving it forward. I look at this as a duty to leverage what I’ve gained and give back to my country in the best way I can.”