Education

PhD in Computer Science
Simon Fraser University, Canada
2017–2022

Invention to Innovation for Scientist Entrepreneur Program
Beedie School of Business, Simon Fraser University & Mitacs, Canada
2019–2020

Master of Science in Computer Engineering
University of California, Irvine, USA
2014–2016

Bachelor’s in Information Technology
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
2007–2011

Professional Experience

Vice Chair, KACST ACM SIGCHI Chapter
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
2024–Present

Vice Chair, Department of Software Engineering
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
2023–2024

Assistant Professor, Department of Software Engineering
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
2022–Present

Researcher, VVISE Lab (Virtual & Augmented Reality, Visual Analytics, Interaction, Systems, and Experiments)
Simon Fraser University, Canada
2017–2022

Researcher, Multidisciplinary Design Program (MDP)
California Institute for Telecommunications and Information Technology
University of California, Irvine, USA
2014–2016

Teaching Assistant, Department of Software Engineering
King Saud University, Saudi Arabia
2012–2013

Selected Projects

AI Smart Glasses for Indoor Navigation
Led a multidisciplinary team to develop AI-powered smart glasses supporting visually impaired users with indoor navigation.

Autonomous Firefighting Drone
Designed and developed an autonomous drone capable of smoke detection and victim identification in hazardous environments.

Data Value Quantification System
Developing an AI-driven framework to measure the monetary and non-monetary value of heterogeneous datasets.

Dataset Classification and Metadata Framework
Proposed a semantic theory formalizing dataset typologies and metadata ontologies.

WiseType Intelligent Keyboard
Designed a tablet keyboard with color-coded error visualization and rapid correction, significantly improving writing speed and accuracy.

Emotion- and Grammar-Aware Text Entry Systems
Developed intelligent keyboards integrating facial recognition and advanced language modeling.

Career Mentoring Virtual Agent
Created an LLM-powered mentoring system trained on expert strategies to provide personalized career guidance.

Virtual Intelligent Meeting Assistant (VIMA)
Developed an AI assistant that reduces unproductive silence and increases engagement in virtual meetings.

OCR-Based Medication Support System for Older Adults
Built a mobile app that scans Arabic prescriptions and provides drug–drug interaction alerts.

Khalooq Educational Game
Co-designed a culturally relevant game with children to teach manners and reduce bullying.

Down with Food Interactive Science Game
Contributed to a multidisciplinary project developing a biology learning game for elementary students.

Awards

Excellence in Teaching Award
2026
Recognized for aligning course outcomes with professional certifications and enhancing student employability.

Saudi Arabian Military Industries (SAMI) Award
2025
Recognized for supervising one of the top graduation projects at King Saud University.

Excellence in Teaching Award
2024
Awarded for innovative integration of generative AI into teaching and learning.

SAMI Award
2024
Recognized for supervising a top graduation project.

Michael A. J. Sweeney Award – Best Paper (Graphics Interface Conference)
2019
For the WiseType research, later influencing features adopted by Grammarly.

Computer Science Graduate Fellowship
Simon Fraser University
2017–2019

New Scholar Award
King Saud University
2014 & 2015

Invited Talks and Speaking Engagements

Google Cloud Summit
2025
Talk on enterprise AI demand and its impact on higher education skills and responsible AI development.

KSU Research Enrichment Series
2025
Presented research on personality traits and interface design in human-centered systems.

Naif Arab University for Security Sciences
2024
Workshop on pedagogical applications of generative AI.

Naif Arab University for Security Sciences
2023
Talk on ethical and responsible use of generative AI.

King Saud University
2023
Session on integrating generative AI into teaching practices.

Communications, Space & Technology Commission (CST)
2018
Delivered CISSP preparation training covering core cybersecurity domains.

Selected Training and Certifications

KSU Angel Investor Program (FLAT6LABS & Riyadh Valley), 2024

Leadership and Change Management, KSU, 2024

Technical and Financial Proposal Preparation, KSU, 2024

RFP Analysis, KSU, 2024

Consulting Project Development, KSU, 2024

Metaverse in Education, KSU, 2024

International Research Collaboration Fundamentals, KSU, 2024

Enhancing Scientific Research Publications, KSU, 2023

Certified IBM Enterprise Design Thinking Instructor, 2022

Deep Learning, UC Irvine Continuing Education, 2021

Digital Marketing, UC Irvine Continuing Education, 2021

Long-term IP Strategy, SFU Venture Labs, 2021

HR for Startups, New Ventures BC, 2020

Budgeting from the Bottom Up, SFU Venture Labs, 2020

Project Management (PMP), 2014

3D Animation, 2013

Neuro-Linguistic Programming (NLP) in Psychology, 2011

Selected Committees

Strategic Partnership Committee, King Saud University
Led initiatives to establish partnerships with international organizations including Pearson, Savvy, and Fortinet.

Head, Research and Industrial Collaboration Committee
Increased participation in research and industry events by 120% across undergraduate and postgraduate levels.

Strategic Planning Committee
Contributed to faculty recruitment, promotion processes, and long-term departmental development.

Languages

English: Fluent
Arabic: Native