Interview with Amina Mević: Machine studying utilized to semiconductor manufacturing

In a collection of interviews, we’re assembly among the AAAI/SIGAI Doctoral Consortium contributors to search out out extra about their analysis. On this newest interview, we hear from Amina Mević who’s making use of machine studying to semiconductor manufacturing. Discover out extra about her PhD analysis to this point, what makes this discipline so attention-grabbing, and the way she discovered the AAAI Doctoral Consortium expertise.

Inform us a bit about your PhD – the place are you learning, and what’s the subject of your analysis?

I’m at present pursuing my PhD on the College of Sarajevo, School of Electrical Engineering, Division of Pc Science and Informatics. My analysis is being carried out in collaboration with Infineon Applied sciences Austria as a part of the Essential Challenge of Widespread European Curiosity (IPCEI) in Microelectronics. The subject of my analysis focuses on growing an explainable multi-output digital metrology system based mostly on machine studying to foretell the bodily properties of steel layers in semiconductor manufacturing.

May you give us an outline of the analysis you’ve carried out to this point throughout your PhD?

Within the first 12 months of my PhD, I labored on preprocessing complicated manufacturing knowledge and getting ready a sturdy multi-output prediction setup for digital metrology. I collaborated with business specialists to grasp the method intricacies and validate the prediction fashions. I utilized a projection-based choice algorithm (ProjSe), which aligned properly with each area data and course of physics.

Within the second 12 months, I developed an explanatory technique, designed to determine probably the most related enter options for multi-output predictions.

Is there a facet of your analysis that has been significantly attention-grabbing?

For me, probably the most attention-grabbing side is the synergy between physics, arithmetic, cutting-edge know-how, psychology, and ethics. I’m working with knowledge collected throughout a bodily course of—bodily vapor deposition—utilizing ideas from geometry and algebra, significantly projection operators and their algebra, which have roots in quantum mechanics, to boost each the efficiency and interpretability of machine studying fashions. Collaborating intently with engineers within the semiconductor business has additionally been eye-opening, particularly seeing how explanations can straight help human decision-making in high-stakes environments. I really feel really honored to deepen my data throughout these fields and to conduct this multidisciplinary analysis.

What are your plans for constructing in your analysis to this point through the PhD – what facets will you be investigating subsequent?

I plan to focus extra on time collection knowledge and develop explanatory strategies for multivariate time collection fashions. Moreover, I intend to analyze facets of accountable AI inside the semiconductor business and be certain that the options proposed throughout my PhD align with the rules outlined within the EU AI Act.

How was the AAAI Doctoral Consortium, and the AAAI convention expertise generally?

Attending the AAAI Doctoral Consortium was an incredible expertise! It gave me the chance to current my analysis and obtain worthwhile suggestions from main AI researchers. The networking side was equally rewarding—I had inspiring conversations with fellow PhD college students and mentors from world wide. The principle convention itself was energizing and various, with cutting-edge analysis offered throughout so many AI subfields. It positively strengthened my motivation and gave me new concepts for the ultimate section of my PhD.

Amina presenting two posters at AAAI 2025.

What made you need to examine AI?

After graduating in theoretical physics, I discovered that job alternatives—particularly in physics analysis—had been fairly restricted in my nation. I started searching for roles the place I might apply the mathematical data and problem-solving abilities I had developed throughout my research. On the time, knowledge science seemed to be a really perfect and promising discipline. Nevertheless, I quickly realized that I missed the depth and goal of basic analysis, which was typically missing in business roles. That motivated me to pursue a PhD in AI, aiming to realize a deep, foundational understanding of the know-how—one that may be utilized meaningfully and utilized in service of humanity.

What recommendation would you give to somebody considering of doing a PhD within the discipline?

Keep curious and open to studying from completely different disciplines—particularly arithmetic, statistics, and area data. Be certain that your analysis has a goal that resonates with you personally, as that keenness will assist carry you thru challenges. There can be moments if you’ll really feel like giving up, however earlier than making any resolution, ask your self: am I simply drained? Typically, relaxation is the answer to lots of our issues. Lastly, discover mentors and communities to share concepts with and keep impressed.

May you inform us an attention-grabbing (non-AI associated) reality about you?

I’m an enormous science outreach fanatic! I frequently volunteer with the Affiliation for the Development of Science and Know-how in Bosnia, the place we run workshops and occasions to encourage youngsters and highschool college students to discover STEM—particularly in underserved communities.

About Amina

Amina Mević is a PhD candidate and instructing assistant on the College of Sarajevo, School of Electrical Engineering, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her analysis is performed in collaboration with Infineon Applied sciences Austria as a part of the IPCEI in Microelectronics. She earned a grasp’s diploma in theoretical physics and was awarded two Golden Badges of the College of Sarajevo for reaching a GPA larger than 9.5/10 throughout each her bachelor’s and grasp’s research. Amina actively volunteers to advertise STEM training amongst youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is devoted to bettering the analysis setting in her nation.