COSMOS is happy to announce the graduation of five Cosmographers in Fall 2024! We interviewed the graduates about their journeys and what the future holds for them. This edition of the newsletter shares the story of one of the graduated students, Syed Abdul Shahbaaz, who graduated with a master’s in computer science and worked as a graduate research assistant at the COSMOS Research Center. Subsequent editions will share other student stories.
“I am extremely proud of the accomplishments and the numerous contributions Syed has made to the COSMOS Research Center. We all celebrate his academic journey and wish him the best in his future pursuits,” said Dr. Agarwal.
Syed Abdul Shahbaaz
Tell us a little bit about yourself
My name is Syed Abdul Khader Shahbaaz. I’m from Hyderabad, India and just completed my Master’s in Information Science at UA Little Rock.
What was your inspiration for joining COSMOS?
I joined COSMOS because of its reputation for groundbreaking research in social media analytics and its focus on studying mis- and disinformation campaigns across the web. I was inspired by the opportunity to work on real-world projects and contribute to them in an impactful, research-driven environment; they motivated me to become part of COSMOS’ dynamic community.
How has COSMOS helped in your journey?
Working at COSMOS, my approach to problem-solving has undergone a significant transformation. As someone who tends to be introverted, I initially struggled with effectively communicating my ideas. Through COSMOS and learning from the talented individuals around, I’ve learned to simplify complex concepts and articulate them better.
Working on cutting-edge projects—such as implementing data-collection pipelines, optimizing algorithms, and collaborating with teams to accelerate research—has broadened my technical expertise and taught me to ask the right questions at every step. These experiences have shaped not only my professional skills but also my perspective on problem-solving and teamwork.
What are your plans after graduation?
After graduation, I plan to leverage the knowledge and skills I’ve gained at COSMOS to tackle data-driven challenges in the industry. I aim to continue working on innovative projects, particularly in areas that involve analytics, data collection, and pipeline optimization, where I can make a meaningful impact.
What is your fondest memory as a Cosmographer?
One of my fondest memories as a Cosmographer is our team lunches and sports games at Maumelle Park. Those moments of bonding outside the workspace, sharing laughs over great food, and enjoying friendly games of tennis and soccer helped build great bonds. These experiences allowed us to connect on a personal level, making our trips even more meaningful and enjoyable.
Do you have any parting words for Cosmographers?
First and foremost, I’d like to express my heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Nitin Agarwal for his unwavering support and mentorship. To my fellow Cosmographers, I encourage you to look at every challenge as a learning opportunity; upgrade yourself, stay curious, and never hesitate to ask questions. Your journey will be as rewarding as you make it—make it count!