Research Statement & Objectives

Seeking PhD opportunities to advance research in Machine Learning and AI Systems

I am actively seeking fully-funded PhD positions in Computer Science with a research focus on machine learning, computer vision, and developing scalable AI systems. My research aims to bridge theoretical machine learning with practical applications, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and financial systems.

My previous research has demonstrated strong capabilities in developing robust machine learning pipelines for imbalanced datasets, as evidenced by my published IEEE conference papers on stroke prediction and food classification using deep transfer learning. These projects highlight my ability to handle real-world data challenges and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.

My professional background in full-stack development (Django, React, FastAPI) provides me with practical experience in building scalable systems, which complements my research interests by enabling the implementation of production-ready AI solutions. I have extensive expertise in Python, TensorFlow, and various ML frameworks, combined with strong software engineering skills.

Research Goals: I aim to contribute to fundamental AI research by exploring novel approaches in deep transfer learning, handling imbalanced data, and developing explainable AI systems. I am particularly interested in applications that address real-world challenges in healthcare (medical imaging, disease prediction), agriculture (plant disease detection), and financial security (fraud detection).

Why PhD: I am driven by a deep curiosity about artificial intelligence and a desire to contribute to the advancement of the field. My experience in both research (published papers) and practical implementation (full-stack development) positions me well to undertake rigorous PhD research that combines theoretical innovation with practical application.

Research Publications

IEEE Conference Papers and Research Articles

IEEE Conference

An Innovative Machine Learning Pipeline for Stroke Prediction on Imbalanced Data

Md. Oli Ullah, Shakil Ahmed Raju, Md. Imran Nazir, Afsana Akter, Md. Saifur Rahman 2023 International Conference on Information and Communication Technology for Sustainable Development (ICICT4SD)

This research presents a comprehensive machine learning pipeline addressing class imbalance in stroke prediction datasets. We implemented advanced sampling techniques (SMOTE, ADASYN) and ensemble methods (Random Forest, Gradient Boosting) to achieve significant improvement in prediction accuracy compared to traditional approaches. The pipeline includes feature engineering, model optimization, and thorough evaluation metrics.

Healthcare AI Imbalanced Learning Ensemble Methods Medical Prediction Feature Engineering IEEE Publication
IEEE Xplore Link
IEEE Conference

Dry Food Classification using Hybrid Deep Transfer Learning

Md. Oli Ullah, Md. Imran Nazir, Afsana Akter, Shakil Ahmed Raju, Md Shariar Rahman Oion 2023 26th International Conference on Computer and Information Technology (ICCIT)

Proposed a hybrid deep learning approach combining transfer learning with custom CNN architectures for accurate classification of dry food items from images. The model demonstrated state-of-the-art performance on benchmark datasets with 98.2% accuracy, showcasing effective feature extraction and classification capabilities. This work contributes to the field of computer vision for agricultural and food processing applications.

Computer Vision Transfer Learning CNN Architectures Image Classification Agricultural AI IEEE Publication
IEEE Xplore Link
Research Project

An Efficient Deep CNN-based Approach for Tomato Leaf Disease Detection and Classification

Shakil Ahmed Raju 2023 Research Project Publication

Designed and implemented a deep convolutional neural network for automated detection and classification of tomato leaf diseases with high accuracy. The system provides a practical solution for agricultural monitoring and disease prevention using computer vision techniques. This project demonstrates my ability to apply deep learning to real-world agricultural problems.

Computer Vision Deep Learning Agricultural AI TensorFlow Disease Detection CNN Architecture

Research Projects

Machine Learning and AI Research Implementations

Fraud Transactions Analysis of Mobile Banking using Machine Learning

Undergraduate Thesis Project | Sep 2022 - Apr 2023

Comprehensive analysis of mobile banking fraud detection using various ML algorithms on imbalanced transactional data. Implemented Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Naive Bayes, SVM, Neural Networks, Decision Tree, and KNN with feature engineering and optimization.

Python Scikit-learn Pandas Imbalanced Learning Feature Engineering Ensemble Methods Data Analysis
Key Achievements:

Achieved 96.7% precision using Random Forest ensemble methods, implemented advanced sampling techniques (SMOTE, ADASYN) for class imbalance, compared 7 ML algorithms comprehensively, and developed a robust feature engineering pipeline for financial transaction data.

Thesis Repository Link

Plant Disease Detection using Deep Learning

Computer Vision Research | 2021-2022

Developed CNN architectures for tomato and mango leaf disease detection using transfer learning with VGG16. Implemented data augmentation and preprocessing techniques for agricultural AI applications with focus on real-world deployment.

TensorFlow Deep CNN Transfer Learning VGG16 OpenCV Data Augmentation Image Processing
Key Achievements:

Applied transfer learning with VGG16 for mango disease classification achieving 95% accuracy, created custom CNN model with multiple Conv2D layers for tomato diseases, implemented comprehensive data augmentation pipeline, and developed practical solution for agricultural monitoring.

GitHub Repository

Handwritten Digit Recognition using CNN

Deep Learning Project | 2022

Built CNN model with Conv2D, MaxPooling2D, and Dropout layers for MNIST handwritten digit recognition. Designed architecture with 64 and 32 filter convolutional layers achieving high accuracy on standard benchmark dataset.

TensorFlow Keras CNN MNIST Dataset Deep Learning Computer Vision
Research Significance:

This project demonstrates foundational understanding of CNN architectures and their application to image classification problems, serving as building block for more complex computer vision research.

GitHub Repository

Traffic Sign Recognition System

Computer Vision Project | 2022

Developed CNN model for recognizing 43 traffic sign classes using German Traffic Sign Dataset. Implemented multiple Conv2D layers with 32 and 64 filters, MaxPooling, and Dropout for regularization and improved performance.

TensorFlow CNN OpenCV Computer Vision Image Classification German Traffic Sign Dataset
GitHub Repository

Professional & Research Experience

Integrating Software Engineering with AI Research

Jan 2025 - Present

Backend Developer (AI/ML Focus)

HS Digital Solutions | Dhaka, Bangladesh

  • Developing prescription analysis system for NetPharma using Django REST Framework with AI integration for medical data processing
  • Built real-time WebSocket chatbot for customer support using AI/NLP models
  • Integrating AI models for data analysis and validation in healthcare applications
  • Creating scalable backend systems handling high-volume requests for AI-powered platforms
  • Collaborating with cross-functional teams to design and implement robust REST APIs
Feb 2024 - Dec 2024

Backend Developer (Remote)

Insidepth Software Solutions | Remote

  • Developed AI-powered systems with Django and FastAPI for various applications
  • Implemented real-time features using WebSocket and Celery with Redis for AI model inference and data processing
  • Built full-stack applications with React.js frontend for ML model deployment and visualization
  • Created machine learning APIs for various applications demonstrating research-to-production pipeline
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to design and implement REST APIs for AI services
Dec 2023 - Feb 2024

Python Trainer & Research Mentor

International Center for Global Skills | Tejgaon, Dhaka

  • Conducted Sheikh Russel Digital Lab Python Programming Training 2023 program implemented by Shushilan Limited
  • Delivered hands-on coding exercises and Python programming curriculum with ML/AI focus
  • Fostered problem-solving skills and guided project development in AI/ML applications
  • Mentored 120+ students in Python programming and basic ML concepts
  • Improved communication and presentation skills through effective technical content delivery

Technical Implementation Projects

Full-stack applications demonstrating scalable architecture and problem-solving

ChatApp - Real-time Chat SaaS Platform

React JS, FastAPI, WebSocket | 2024

SaaS-based real-time chat solution for businesses featuring WebSocket communication, one-to-one live chat, cross-domain integration, role-based staff management, ticket picking system, customer-staff chat routing, and admin analytics.

FastAPI WebSocket React Real-time Systems SaaS Architecture Scalable Backend

FabricTech - Textile Community Platform

React JS, Django, DRF, JWT | 2023

Community-driven platform for the textile industry with secure JWT authentication, multi-role access (admin, author, member), admin dashboard analytics, community/group creation, group posts, courses, events, polls, and author-specific blog publishing.

Django DRF React JWT PostgreSQL Community Platform

Multivendor E-commerce Platform

React JS, Django, DRF, JWT | 2023

Full-featured e-commerce platform with multi-payment gateways (PayPal, Stripe), vendor dashboard, admin management, advanced product search, pagination, filtering, rating & review system, and scalable architecture for high traffic.

Django React PostgreSQL Payment Integration Scalable Architecture E-commerce

Restaurant POS System

React JS, Redux, Django, DRF, JWT | 2023

Full-featured restaurant POS system with item management, combo items, variants, ingredient tracking, sales & inventory, customer memberships, multi-branch management, dashboard analytics, barcode scanning, and real-time monitoring.

Django DRF React Redux JWT POS System

Education

Academic Background and Research Preparation

Feb 2016 - Apr 2023

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science & Engineering

Bangladesh University of Business and Technology, Dhaka

CGPA: 3.31/4.00 (First Class)

Thesis: "Money Laundering and Fraud Transactions Analysis of Mobile Banking in Bangladesh using Machine Learning"

Location: Mirpur, Dhaka, Bangladesh

Relevant Coursework:

Machine Learning, Computer Vision, Artificial Intelligence, Data Mining, Data Structures & Algorithms, Database Systems, Statistics & Probability, Calculus, Linear Algebra, Software Engineering, Computer Networks, Research Methodology, Operating Systems, Computer Architecture

Thesis Abstract:

Preprocessed transactional data and engineered features for fraud detection using algorithms like Logistic Regression, Random Forest, Naive Bayes, SVM, Neural Networks, Decision Tree, and KNN. Implemented 7 machine learning algorithms with optimization techniques and achieved 96.7% precision using Random Forest ensemble methods. The research contributed to financial security in mobile banking systems.

Thesis Repository Link

Research Interests

Areas of expertise and ongoing investigation for PhD research

Medical AI & Healthcare

Developing AI solutions for healthcare applications including medical imaging analysis, disease diagnosis, stroke prediction, and clinical decision support systems with focus on accuracy, reliability, and explainability.

Medical Imaging Disease Detection Clinical AI Health Informatics Explainable AI

Agricultural AI & Computer Vision

Applying computer vision and deep learning techniques to agricultural problems including plant disease detection, crop classification, yield prediction, and automated monitoring systems for precision agriculture.

Computer Vision Deep Learning Agricultural AI Image Classification Transfer Learning

Machine Learning Methodologies

Research on advanced ML techniques including imbalanced learning, ensemble methods, transfer learning, and scalable ML systems with applications in finance, security, and real-world problem solving.

Imbalanced Learning Ensemble Methods Transfer Learning Feature Engineering Scalable ML

Awards & Certifications

Recognitions and professional development

IEEE Conference Publication Certificates

ICICT4SD 2023 & ICCIT 2023 Conferences

Published papers at international IEEE conferences demonstrating research capabilities in deep learning applications and imbalanced data handling. Recognition of contributions to AI research community.

IEEE Publication Research Recognition Academic Achievement

BYLC Leadership Certificate

Bangladesh Youth Leadership Center | 2022

Completed leadership and communication training program demonstrating commitment to professional development and collaborative research environment.

Leadership Communication Professional Development

AI Master Class Workshop

30 Days AI Implementation | 2023

Intensive AI model building workshop with practical implementation projects, enhancing hands-on skills in machine learning and deep learning applications.

AI Workshop Practical ML Skill Development