PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (August 14, 2023) — Throughout his research and academic journey, Sheikh Tareq Ahmed has been a Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) Fellowship recipient, IEEE-published researcher, information security intern at Apple, and Faculty-RISE Program participant, to note a few of his impressive achievements thus far. Come next summer, he’ll add “2024 Prairie View A&M University Graduate” to this ever-growing list – and, simultaneously, “Ph.D.” to his name.
Ahmed S. Tareq, RISE student
The electrical and computer engineering student’s accomplishments underscore his “dedication and commitment to advancing knowledge in my research interest” and “are a testament to my hard work, determination, and passion for research,” he said. Sheikh, whose areas of interest include information and communication technology for development, accessible technology for marginalized communities, community-sourcing, and social computing, credits PVAMU’s Faculty-RISE Program for allowing him to delve into his research passions.
Working under the guided expertise of faculty mentor Annamalai Annamalai, Ph.D., Professor and Interim Department Head of PVAMU’s Electrical and Computer Engineering Department, Sheikh researches the advancement of long-range communication in wide area networks; specifically, the “Enhancement of mesh network performance and improved location detection in Long Range Wide Area Network (LoRaWAN).”
“One of the major highlights of the program has been the opportunity to focus on improving the mesh nota net network within the LoRaWAN infrastructure, which is a crucial aspect of building robust and efficient IoT systems,” said Sheikh.
“Geolocation plays a pivotal role in IoT applications, and by optimizing its accuracy and reliability, we can unlock a myriad possibilities, from precision asset tracking to effective disaster management systems.”
The Faculty-RISE Program’s emphasis on hands-on research has allowed Sheikh “to apply theoretical concepts directly to practical scenarios, honing my problem-solving skills and critical thinking abilities.” Additionally, the program has provided him the opportunity to “collaborate with brilliant minds and industry experts, which has not only expanded my knowledge but given me invaluable insights into real-world challenges and innovative solutions.”
The LoRaWAN Researcher’s Long-Range Plans
In addition to furthering his research on advancing long-range communication in wide area networks, Sheikh’s post-graduation goals include pursuing a career in academia as a faculty member.
“The invaluable experiences and mentorship provided by the Faculty-RISE Program have played a pivotal role in shaping my aspirations, equipping me with the necessary skills and passion to make a meaningful impact in both research and education,” noted the Ph.D. candidate.
The program has been “an incredibly enriching and transformative experience” for Sheikh, who recommends participation to “any student interested in scientific research and enhancement.”
“The program provides an opportunity to engage in cutting-edge projects, work with esteemed faculty mentors, and gain hands-on experience in your field of study,” said Sheikh – something he hopes future Faculty-RISE participants will take advantage of.
“Embrace the networking and professional development opportunities offered by the program,” he advised. “They will undoubtedly enrich your academic journey and prepare you for a successful career in academia or practical research.”
Sheikh expressed his gratitude “for the support and guidance that the program has provided in shaping my research career and trajectory” and the program’s ability to “propel me forward in my academic and professional pursuits.”
“I’m excited about the opportunities that lie ahead,” he said, “and remain committed to making a difference in my area of expertise.”