Interview with Amina Mević: Machine studying utilized to semiconductor manufacturing

In a sequence of interviews, we’re assembly a few of the AAAI/SIGAI Doctoral Consortium members to seek 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 date, what makes this discipline so fascinating, 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 matter of your analysis?

I’m at present 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 Challenge of Frequent European Curiosity (IPCEI) in Microelectronics. The subject of my analysis focuses on creating an explainable multi-output digital metrology system primarily based on machine studying to foretell the bodily properties of metallic layers in semiconductor manufacturing.

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

Within the first yr of my PhD, I labored on preprocessing complicated manufacturing information and making ready a sturdy multi-output prediction setup for digital metrology. I collaborated with business specialists to know 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 yr, I developed an explanatory methodology, designed to determine probably the most related enter options for multi-output predictions.

Is there a facet of your analysis that has been significantly fascinating?

For me, probably the most fascinating side is the synergy between physics, arithmetic, cutting-edge know-how, 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 straight assist human decision-making in high-stakes environments. I really feel actually honored to deepen my information throughout these fields and to conduct this multidisciplinary analysis.

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

I plan to focus extra on time sequence information and develop explanatory strategies for multivariate time sequence fashions. Moreover, I intend to analyze points of accountable AI inside the semiconductor business and be sure that the options proposed throughout my PhD align with the ideas outlined within the EU AI Act.

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

Attending the AAAI Doctoral Consortium was a tremendous expertise! It gave me the chance to current my analysis and obtain beneficial suggestions from main AI researchers. The networking side 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 numerous, 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 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 may 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 function 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 pondering of doing a PhD within the discipline?

Keep curious and open to studying from totally different disciplines—particularly arithmetic, statistics, and area information. Ensure your analysis has a function that resonates with you personally, as that zeal will assist carry you thru challenges. There will likely be moments once 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 fascinating (non-AI associated) truth about you?

I’m an enormous science outreach fanatic! I recurrently volunteer with the Affiliation for the Development of Science and Expertise in Bosnia, the place we run workshops and occasions to encourage children 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 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 attaining a GPA increased 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 enhancing the analysis atmosphere in her nation.