Interview with Amina Mević: Machine studying utilized to semiconductor manufacturing

In a collection of interviews, we’re assembly a few of the AAAI/SIGAI Doctoral Consortium individuals 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 thus far, what makes this subject 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 the moment 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 Venture 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 steel layers in semiconductor manufacturing.

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

Within the first yr of my PhD, I labored on preprocessing complicated manufacturing knowledge and making 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 properly with each area information and course of physics.

Within the second yr, I developed an explanatory technique, designed to establish 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 expertise, 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 reinforce each the efficiency and interpretability of machine studying fashions. Collaborating carefully with engineers within the semiconductor trade has additionally been eye-opening, particularly seeing how explanations can straight assist 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 in the course of the PhD – what elements 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 elements 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 invaluable 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 primary convention itself was energizing and numerous, with cutting-edge analysis introduced 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 research 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 expertise I had developed throughout my research. On the time, knowledge science gave the impression to be a really perfect and promising subject. Nonetheless, I quickly realized that I missed the depth and goal 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 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 subject?

Keep curious and open to studying from totally different disciplines—particularly arithmetic, statistics, and area information. Be certain that your analysis has a goal that resonates with you personally, as that keenness will assist carry you thru challenges. There will likely be moments if you’ll really feel like giving up, however earlier than making any resolution, 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.

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

I’m an enormous science outreach fanatic! I commonly 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 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 attaining 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 setting in her nation.