About

Advancing equitable AI for learning communities

I am a Ph.D. candidate in Computer Science at Utah State University where I explore how human-centered AI can support equitable learning pathways. My research blends machine learning, learning sciences, and interaction design to interpret the telemetry students generate as they program and to surface insights that instructors can act on.

At the Data Science and Applications Lab, I collaborate with faculty, practitioners, and community partners to translate models into trustworthy tools—from predictive feedback for computer science courses to analytics that inform energy and environmental decision-making.

Current Appointment

Graduate Research & Teaching Assistant, Data Science and Applications Lab, Utah State University (Advisor: Prof. Hamid Karimi).

Focus Areas

  • Learning analytics and keystroke-based modeling of programming behavior.
  • Responsible and fair AI systems that surface actionable insights.
  • Data storytelling for STEM education and community partners.

Previously

Research Associate at Pakistan's National Center of Artificial Intelligence and Project Engineer at USPCAS-E, delivering remote sensing and predictive maintenance solutions for industry and government stakeholders.

Research

Human-centered AI that supports real learning progress

Learning Analytics & Instrumentation

Designing multimodal data capture—keystrokes, IDE telemetry, and formative assessments—to map learning trajectories and deliver timely support in computer science courses.

  • Keystroke modeling
  • Adaptive feedback loops
  • CS1 analytics

Responsible & Fair AI

Building evaluation frameworks that elevate individual-level fairness considerations and align predictive models with institutional goals and student well-being.

  • PCIndFair framework
  • Model interpretability
  • Ethical deployment

Applied ML for Earth & Energy Systems

Combining remote sensing, classical ML, and deep learning to monitor natural resources, map industrial activity, and improve renewable energy operations.

  • Google Earth Engine
  • Segmentation & detection
  • Operational analytics
Projects

Tools and studies shaping equitable learning experiences

Architecture diagram for the CodeClimberAI platform

CodeClimberAI Exercise Generator

Full-stack intelligent tutoring system delivering 11,700 curated Python exercises across five modalities with keystroke analytics, OAuth authentication, and a MySQL-backed progress history.

Flask Vue MySQL Learning Analytics
Explore the project
Visualization of the PCIndFair framework for fairness in AI

PCIndFair: Individual Fairness in AI

A novel framework that diagnoses and mitigates individual fairness violations in probabilistic classifiers, offering interpretable dashboards for decision makers.

Responsible AI Python Fairness Metrics
See the framework
Animation illustrating keystroke analytics for programming behavior

Deciphering Student Coding Behavior

Interpretable keystroke features and ensemble strategies that achieve 80% accuracy in predicting CS1 student performance while providing actionable feedback for instructors.

Ensemble Learning Education Data Mining Python
View code & data
Remote sensing visualization showing limestone mapping results

Cloud-based Limestone Mapping

Machine learning workflows in Google Earth Engine that fuse multispectral imagery and feature-oriented PCA to map industrial rock deposits for sustainable mining.

Remote Sensing Google Earth Engine FPCA
Read the study
Publications

Selected work and collaborations

A reverse chronological snapshot of my scholarship. For the full record, download my CV or visit my Google Scholar profile.

Latest

  1. Human Evaluation of GPT for Scalable Python Programming Exercise Generation

    M.F.A. Khan, M. Ramsdell, H. Nguyen, H. Karimi · IEEE International Conference on Data Science and Advanced Analytics (DSAA) 2024 · Oct 2024 · pp. 1–10 Paper

    Benchmarks GPT-4 Turbo for curriculum-aligned Python exercise generation, producing 11,700 CS1 problems and studying student and instructor feedback on quality and effort to scale intelligent tutoring systems.

  2. Assessing the Promise and Pitfalls of ChatGPT for Automated Code Generation

    M.F.A. Khan, M. Ramsdell, E. Falor, H. Karimi · 17th International Conference on Educational Data Mining (EDM) 2024 · Jul 2024 · pp. 83–95 Paper Code & data

    Contrasts ChatGPT and human developers across 131 programming prompts using 14 code quality metrics, highlighting strengths in data analysis tasks and revealing gaps in visual reasoning scenarios.

  3. Student-perceived Cognitive Load of LLM-generated Programming Exercises

    M.F.A. Khan, L.E. Feri, H. Nguyen, H. Karimi · Accepted for the 12th IEEE International Conference on Data Science and Advanced Analytics (DSAA) 2025

    Measures how CS1 students experience GPT-generated exercises using keystroke telemetry, code metrics, and survey data, providing actionable guidance for balancing difficulty and scaffolded AI feedback.

    Repository

Teaching & Service

Building supportive learning experiences

Utah State University · Graduate TA

2021 — Present

  • Facilitated labs and recitations for introductory programming and analytics courses, supporting 100+ students each semester.
  • Designed interactive modules and data-driven feedback loops inside Canvas and custom learning tools.
  • Coordinated grading, mentoring, and onboarding for undergraduate research assistants.

Mentorship & Outreach

  • Mentor undergraduate researchers on keystroke analytics, fairness in AI, and data storytelling projects.
  • Organize workshops on ethical AI practices and data literacy for local educators and community partners.
  • Volunteer judge and coach for regional hackathons and STEM education events.

Industry & Research Leadership

  • Led ML projects at Pakistan's National Center of AI focused on geospatial intelligence and industrial analytics.
  • Developed predictive maintenance pipelines for aircraft hydraulics and wind energy assets at USPCAS-E.
My Life

Moments beyond research

A peek at the places, people, and events that keep me inspired outside the lab.

Fawad receiving his undergraduate diploma on stage
Enojoying a sunset with friends after classes.
Fawad and classmates taking a selfie in graduation gowns
Celebrating commencement with classmates who turned late-night study sessions into lasting friendships.
Fawad holding graduation certificate with professors
Undergraduate graduation, a proud moment shared with faculty who championed my research curiosity early on.
Fawad talking with fellow Utah State students outdoors
Welcoming new Aggies at international banquet with the International Student Council.
Fawad with Utah State students during a campus campaign
Cheerful walks with classmates after classes.
Film club friends posing in front of the Utah State Capitol
Film club adventures in Salt Lake City—capturing stories on and off camera.
Film club members planning at a roundtable discussion
Presenting research at ICMLA 2022 and discussing ideas.
Film club posing outside a theater with movie posters
Premiere night with the film club—our favorite way to learn from directors we admire.
Fawad and friends bundled up in the snow taking a selfie
Brainstorming sessiong at the Filmmaking Club
Fawad seated with colleagues at the International Student Council banquet
Filmmaking Club Marketing, recruiting storytellers at the USU club fair—inspiring students to explore filmmaking
Fawad standing at a filmmaking club booth during campus fair
Script-writing and scene planning sessions with the Filmmaking gang. together.
Friends jumping in front of the Utah State Capitol building
Geeking out over space tech during a NASA outreach event—dreaming about AI beyond Earth.
Fawad visiting a NASA exhibit with a colleague
A snow-day selfie every day needs a little adventure with good company.
Fawad working at a computer analyzing colorful remote sensing data
Late nights at the lab, immersed in remote sensing data that sparked my research journey.
Contact

Let’s collaborate

I’m always open to new research collaborations, invited talks, and partnerships that align AI innovation with meaningful learning outcomes.

Office

SER 123,
1540 Old Main Hill,
Logan, UT 84322

Start a conversation