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"SFU has an excellent reputation for producing high-quality research, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside top researchers in the country."
Ghazal Mirabnahrazam
Engineering Science master's student in the Faculty of Applied Sciences
I'm a Master's student in the Department of Engineering Science at SFU. I received my Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering from Shiraz University in Iran before moving to Canada to pursue my graduate studies. My research focuses on using artificial intelligence to develop methods for predicting the future conversion to Alzheimer's disease. I am very passionate about community building and strive to help people tap into their full potential and discover their path to success. In my free time, I enjoy exploring nature, reading good books, and engaging in meaningful conversations.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?
I was accepted to four of Canada's top universities and chose SFU over the others for a variety of reasons. SFU has an excellent reputation for producing high-quality research, and I was thrilled to have the opportunity to work alongside top researchers in the country and contribute to the initiative. Furthermore, the program to which I was admitted was the most closely aligned with my research interests, and studying at SFU meant that I would be able to nourish my adventurous soul by residing in the beautiful British Columbia.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?
My research focuses on analyzing the underlying patterns in Alzheimer's disease using artificial intelligence. Alzheimer's disease has no cure and very few treatment options for those suffering from it. It is estimated that at least 44 million people worldwide suffer from Alzheimer's disease, which is more than the entire population of Canada. I'm working on developing new tools that use artificial intelligence to aid in the early detection of Alzheimer's disease and, eventually, the discovery of a cure.
WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?
I work at the Functional & Anatomical Imaging & Shape Analysis Lab (FAISAL) lab under the supervision of Dr. Faisal Beg. At FAISAL lab, I'm surrounded by so many brilliant minds who work hard to advance our understanding of complex diseases and go above and beyond to help and support their teammates. I love the fact that our research has the potential to impact the world, give hope to people suffering from Alzheimer's disease, and change the lives of so many people across the globe.
HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.
I have been fortunate to receive the Graduate Fellowship (GF) award for three consecutive years, from 2019 to 2021. Receiving this award every year during my Master's studies provided me with the financial flexibility and peace of mind I needed to concentrate on research and graduate school.
Contact : gmirabna@sfu.ca