Interview with Amina Mević: Machine studying utilized to semiconductor manufacturing

In a sequence of interviews, we’re assembly a number of 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 up to now, what makes this subject 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 subject of your analysis?

I’m at present 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 Necessary Undertaking 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 metallic layers in semiconductor manufacturing.

Might you give us an summary of the analysis you’ve carried out up to now throughout your PhD?

Within the first 12 months of my PhD, I labored on preprocessing complicated manufacturing information 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 12 months, I developed an explanatory methodology, designed to determine essentially the most related enter options for multi-output predictions.

Is there a side of your analysis that has been notably fascinating?

For me, essentially the most fascinating 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, 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 immediately assist 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 up to now in the course of the PhD – what facets 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 facets of accountable AI throughout the semiconductor trade and be certain 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 normally?

Attending the AAAI Doctoral Consortium was a tremendous expertise! It gave me the chance to current my analysis and obtain worthwhile 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 principle 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 section of my PhD.

Amina presenting two posters at AAAI 2025.

What made you wish 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 on the lookout for roles the place I may apply the mathematical data and problem-solving abilities I had developed throughout my research. On the time, information science seemed to be a really perfect and promising subject. Nevertheless, 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 pondering of doing a PhD within the subject?

Keep curious and open to studying from totally different disciplines—particularly arithmetic, statistics, and area data. Ensure that your analysis has a goal that resonates with you personally, as that keenness will assist carry you thru challenges. There might 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 fascinating (non-AI associated) reality about you?

I’m an enormous science outreach fanatic! I frequently 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 reaching 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.