Interview with Amina Mević: Machine studying utilized to semiconductor manufacturing

In a collection of interviews, we’re assembly a number of 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 thus far, 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 finding out, and what’s the subject of your analysis?

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

Might you give us an summary of the analysis you’ve carried out thus far throughout your PhD?

Within the first 12 months of my PhD, I labored on preprocessing advanced manufacturing information and making ready a strong 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 effectively with each area information and course of physics.

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

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

For me, probably the most attention-grabbing facet is the synergy between physics, arithmetic, cutting-edge expertise, psychology, and ethics. I’m working with information 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 instantly help human decision-making in high-stakes environments. I really feel really honored to deepen my information throughout these fields and to conduct this multidisciplinary analysis.

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

I plan to focus extra on time collection information and develop explanatory strategies for multivariate time collection fashions. Moreover, I intend to analyze facets of accountable AI throughout the semiconductor business and be sure 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 invaluable suggestions from main AI researchers. The networking facet was equally rewarding—I had inspiring conversations with fellow PhD college students and mentors from around the globe. The primary 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 part of my PhD.

Amina presenting two posters at AAAI 2025.

What made you need to research AI?

After graduating in theoretical physics, I discovered that job alternatives—particularly in physics analysis—have been fairly restricted in my nation. I started searching for roles the place I might apply the mathematical information and problem-solving abilities I had developed throughout my research. On the time, information science seemed to be a super and promising discipline. Nevertheless, I quickly realized that I missed the depth and objective of basic analysis, which was usually missing in business roles. That motivated me to pursue a PhD in AI, aiming to achieve a deep, foundational understanding of the expertise—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 information. Ensure that your analysis has a objective that resonates with you personally, as that zeal will assist carry you thru challenges. There shall be moments while 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 a lot of our issues. Lastly, discover mentors and communities to share concepts with and keep impressed.

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

I’m an enormous science outreach fanatic! I usually 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 educating assistant on the College of Sarajevo, School of Electrical Engineering, Bosnia and Herzegovina. Her analysis is carried out 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 increased than 9.5/10 throughout each her bachelor’s and grasp’s research. Amina actively volunteers to advertise STEM schooling amongst youth in Bosnia and Herzegovina and is devoted to bettering the analysis setting in her nation.