A'Qilah is a CONFIRM MSCA Smart 4.0 Research Fellow based at the University of Limerick
” Never underestimate your inquisitive mind. Yes, it’s perplexing; nevertheless, doesn’t knowing the answer/solution please you?”
Tell us a bit about your research...
I’m currently conducting an experiment in finding the best path for a robot to get from point A to point B without colliding with any obstacles in its way. It is an easy task for us humans to move around in our house, i.e from the kitchen to the living room. However, the movement is trivial for a robot. A robot needs to calculate and identify which is the safest and shortest route from the starting point to the destination position. Hence, my works will aid in identifying/determining which computational method/technique is the best approach for the robot to successfully find the path safely reached the destination while avoiding any obstacles.
What did you study as an Undergraduate?
My undergraduate studies begin in 2007 at Universiti Malaysia Sabah, Malaysia. The course that I took for the whole four years was Mathematics with Computer Graphics. When people hear the terms mathematics or programming, many of them are usually terrified. The truth is that I, too, have experienced similar feelings. Once you’re out in the field, however, you’ll change your mind. Yes, it is quite challenging, but the more you learn, the more hungry you become to discover more.
What made you decide to go into research?
Learning mathematics and programming at the same time makes me wonder what else can be done with mathematics’ usefulness and beauty. Mathematics has a vast range of applications. With the arrival of the industrial 4.0 century upon us, I felt compelled to explore deeper, I need to contribute something to the world. Furthermore, I want people to understand that gaining more knowledge would eventually improve one’s lifestyle and way of thinking, not only for oneself but also for the nation/worldwide.
What do you enjoy most about being a Resarch Fellow?
As a research fellow, I am constantly given opportunities to expand my expertise and contribute my insights through a collaborative approach. This program will eventually assist me in improving my soft skills while also allowing me to meet researchers from all over the world. The most enjoyable aspect of becoming one of a CONFIRM fellow was that it broadened my thinking in ways I had never experienced before!
Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about a career or research in STEM?
Never underestimate your inquisitive mind. Yes, it’s perplexing; nevertheless, doesn’t knowing the answer/solution please you?
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