Mr. Wisal Zafar | AI in Healthcare | Data Scientist of the Year Award

Lecturer at Cecos University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Pakistan

Wisal Zafar is a dynamic academic and research-oriented professional whose expertise lies at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence, and deep learning. With a strong foundation in software engineering, he has progressively transitioned into data-centric domains where he now actively contributes as a lecturer, researcher, and data scientist. His work integrates modern machine learning techniques and neural networks to tackle real-world problems ranging from healthcare to education. His career is marked by a drive to foster innovation through technology, an unwavering commitment to academic excellence, and a passion for nurturing student potential in both undergraduate and postgraduate settings.

Profile

Scopus

Education

Wisal’s academic journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Software Engineering from Iqra National University, Peshawar, completed in 2020 with a commendable CGPA of 3.47/4.00. Building on this strong foundation, he pursued a Master of Science in Software Engineering at the same university, expected to be completed by mid-2024, where he currently holds a CGPA of 3.50/4.00. His academic record reflects a consistent pursuit of knowledge and skill advancement in software technologies, deep learning, and data analysis. Prior to his university education, he completed his Intermediate from Capital Degree College and matriculation from The Jamrud Model High School with notable academic performances.

Experience

Professionally, Wisal has held several key positions in academia and data processing. He is currently serving as a Lecturer at CECOS University of IT and Emerging Sciences, Peshawar, where he imparts advanced-level knowledge in Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, and Machine Learning. Before this, he contributed significantly to Iqra National University both as a Lecturer and as an EDP Officer, where he oversaw electronic data processing and optimized data accessibility across research and academic projects. His roles have consistently involved not only teaching but also mentorship, particularly in guiding final-year students through research and development of innovative software solutions. His earlier professional engagements also include roles as a Junior Web Developer and teaching positions, showcasing a diverse skill set in both educational and technical domains.

Research Interests

Wisal’s research interests are rooted in the application of artificial intelligence and machine learning to critical societal challenges. His work spans brain tumor detection, plant disease classification, emotion recognition in educational settings, and mental health analysis using social media data. He is particularly intrigued by hybrid deep learning architectures, transformer-based models, and neural networks. He consistently integrates image processing techniques and NLP tools to build intelligent, data-driven solutions. His recent focus includes real-time decision support systems, content-based image retrieval, and multi-scale classification, which have promising implications for both healthcare and education systems.

Awards

In recognition of his exceptional contribution to the academic and technical environment, Wisal was honored with the “Best Employee of the Year 2023” award at Iqra National University. This accolade acknowledges his consistent performance, innovative approach to teaching and research, and his ability to blend administrative responsibilities with cutting-edge academic delivery. His recognition serves as a testament to his dedication, collaborative spirit, and leadership potential in the academic research community.

Publications

Wisal has made significant scholarly contributions, with several research publications in high-impact international journals. His paper “Enhanced TumorNet: Leveraging YOLOv8s and U-Net for Superior Brain Tumor Detection and Segmentation Utilizing MRI Scans” was published in Results in Engineering (2024) and is cited for its innovative approach to medical imaging using hybrid models. Another influential work, “Revolutionizing Diabetes Diagnosis: Machine Learning Techniques Unleashed”, appeared in MDPI-Healthcare (2023) and explores diagnostic modeling using AI techniques. His third publication, “A Survey on Big Data Analytics (BDA) Implementation and Practices in Medical Libraries of Punjab”, published in the Journal of Computing & Biomedical Informatics (2023), provides insights into the integration of BDA in healthcare information systems. These publications highlight his range—from healthcare diagnostics to knowledge systems—and his adaptability in multiple AI-driven domains.

Conclusion

Wisal Zafar stands out as a highly motivated data scientist and academician with a clear vision for the future of AI and its applications. Through his diverse academic background, hands-on teaching experience, impactful research, and recognized contributions to institutional growth, he exemplifies the qualities of an innovative thinker and dedicated professional. His continued exploration of deep learning and intelligent systems is not only enriching the academic field but also paving the way for practical solutions to societal challenges. With a growing portfolio of research and a keen eye for technological advancements, Wisal is well-poised to make long-term contributions to AI-based research and higher education. His career trajectory illustrates a seamless blend of academic rigor, technical skill, and research excellence.