Mohammad Tasfiq Jawaad - BSc in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence
Mohammad Tasfiq Jawaad took on the role of president of the Leeds Artificial Intelligence Society, with a vision that the University of Leeds would become the UK’s leading student AI space. Now, with the support of professors and being able to use the HELIX learning innovation hub and having access to entrepreneurs, Mohammad has laun ched the inaugural Leeds AI Week and represented the university at a global AI fellowship programme.
Blending current studies with future plans
Mohammad’s degree is a BSc in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence. “I’m fascinated by AI and how it works under code, and wanted to learn more about it,” he explains. “But I also had ambitions to run my own start-up business. I’ve always had a passion for building stuff, starting with paper creations in childhood and moving into the digital world of gaming and programming. I like making anything that makes life more enjoyable, and easier!
“Once I discovered I could combine both science and enterprise at the University of Leeds, I knew studying here was the right path for me. I’m taking all the AI optional modules my degree offers so I can specialise in the field in the future and become a digital creator.”
Developing, and growing, the AI student society
Mohammad joined the Leeds Artificial Intelligence Society when it was in its infancy. But he grew concerned that the lack of society leadership would lead to its closure. “No one was taking it forward, so I stepped up and took on the role of society president. I wanted the University of Leeds to become the leader in the student AI space, setting the example for others to follow.”
The society attracts two key groups: computer science students, and those who don’t have any experience of programming. For Mohammad, this is the ideal way to bring multiple faculties together to share ideas. “To make AI education accessible and engaging, I’ve been holding technical workshops for first and second-year students to equip them with foundational AI skills,” he adds. “I’m gaining experience of teaching and presenting, I’ve launched the first Leeds AI Week, and grown the society to 550 members. The university staff have encouraged me every step of the way, and I’ve had so much support.”
Taking the university global and winning awards
His role in the AI society, combined with his degree course, has furthered Mohammad’s ambitions to do more with the AI space on behalf of the university. “I applied, and was selected, to represent the
University of Leeds at the Future Talent Council,” Mohammad says. “This is a global student fellowship programme, connecting 20 students from 12 countries with industry experts. I chose to explore how AI is reducing the administrative burden in the NHS, and I’m working as part of a team to present a report researching AI opportunities for future generations”.
“I wanted to show other students what’s achievable,” he continues. “That is, I believe, part of the reason I was chosen as the University of Leeds’ Student Leader of the Year, across all faculties. This award really matters to me, as it recognises my work creating an active AI community built around innovation, leadership and AI readiness across the university. I’ve also proudly received a number of other awards, such as Outstanding Contribution and Overall Partnership for my leadership in establishing the AI community at the University of Leeds, and for my AI-readiness work across faculties. Receiving this kind of recognition as an undergraduate is certainly going to be a huge asset to my CV.”
Gaining support from university staff and spaces
“None of this would’ve been possible without the incredible support of the university teams,” Mohammad concludes. “I’ve been working with Dr Sharib Ali, lead of the AI in Medicine and Surgery research group at the University of Leeds. He’s helped me gain invaluable practical experience of real-world projects, which I never would have imagined existed for undergraduate students.
Dr Richard Tunstall, Academic Director of Enterprise at Leeds University Business School, has also really encouraged me, by connecting me to the Enterprise Ambassadors who sat on my Business and AI student panel, inviting me onto the LUBS AI Business Initiator Certificate programme, and connecting me to the HELIX learning innovation hub so I can begin prototyping ideas. I didn’t know HELIX existed before I came to the University of Leeds but, honestly, the space alone is reason enough to come study here. The networks and opportunities it provides are incredible for students who have start-up ambitions.
I knew Leeds was a great university (its innovative approach is what led me to apply here). But the student societies and entrepreneurial undergraduate opportunities I’ve had while studying here have proven I was right.”