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 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 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 finding out, and what’s the matter of your analysis?

I’m at present pursuing my PhD on the College of Sarajevo, College 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 Essential Mission of Frequent European Curiosity (IPCEI) in Microelectronics. The subject of my analysis focuses on creating an explainable multi-output digital metrology system based mostly on machine studying to foretell the bodily properties of steel layers in semiconductor manufacturing.

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

Within the first yr 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 trade specialists to know the method intricacies and validate the prediction fashions. I utilized a projection-based choice algorithm (ProjSe), which aligned nicely with each area data and course of physics.

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

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

For me, essentially 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, notably projection operators and their algebra, which have roots in quantum mechanics, to reinforce each the efficiency and interpretability of machine studying fashions. Collaborating intently with engineers within the semiconductor trade has additionally been eye-opening, particularly seeing how explanations can straight help human decision-making in high-stakes environments. I really feel actually 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 points 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 research points of accountable AI inside the semiconductor trade 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 typically?

Attending the AAAI Doctoral Consortium was a tremendous expertise! It gave me the chance to current my analysis and obtain priceless suggestions from main AI researchers. The networking side was equally rewarding—I had inspiring conversations with fellow PhD college students and mentors from all over the world. The principle convention itself was energizing and numerous, with cutting-edge analysis offered throughout so many AI subfields. It undoubtedly 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—have 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 great and promising discipline. Nevertheless, I quickly realized that I missed the depth and function of basic analysis, which was usually missing in trade roles. That motivated me to pursue a PhD in AI, aiming to achieve 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 totally different disciplines—particularly arithmetic, statistics, and area data. Ensure that your analysis has a function that resonates with you personally, as that keenness will assist carry you thru challenges. There will probably be moments while you’ll really feel like giving up, however earlier than making any determination, ask your self: am I simply drained? Generally, 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) truth about you?

I’m an enormous science outreach fanatic! I often 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, College 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 larger 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 enhancing the analysis surroundings in her nation.