What is your name and current title with the University of Montevallo?
Dr. Shafqat Ali Shad, assistant professor of data analytics in the Michael E. Stephens College of Business.
Where are you from and what city do you currently reside in?I’m originally from Islamabad, Pakistan, a city known for its beautiful scenery and lush greenery set against the Himalayan foothills. I now live in Hoover, which has a similar landscape and climate, with abundant greenery and mild weather. The natural beauty of both places makes each feel like home, with their shared charm and pleasant environment.
If you hold any degrees, what are they in, and from what schools?
I earned my Doctor of Engineering (Ph.D.) in Computer Science and Technology from the University of Science and Technology of China, where I focused my research on mobile user profiles and trajectory mining. This rigorous program not only honed my technical skills but also provided me with a deep understanding of advanced data analysis techniques. Before this, I completed my Master of Computer Science at the COMSATS Institute of Information Technology in Pakistan. There, I was honored with the Chancellor’s Gold Medal for my academic excellence and conducted significant research on data compression algorithms, including Huffman and LZW. These formative experiences laid a strong foundation for my career in data science and technology.
How long have you worked here?
Since August 2021.
What brought you to Montevallo?
The chance to shape groundbreaking programs in data analytics and cybersecurity within the Stephens College of Business at this student-centric, liberal arts institution is incredibly exciting. The University of Montevallo fosters a tight-knit community where students and professors know each other well, creating a supportive, almost familial atmosphere. My enthusiasm for leveraging technology to address social causes finds a perfect match here, where educating and empowering the next generation of students can make a significant impact. It’s a rewarding environment where technology and education come together to drive meaningful change.
What’s the best thing about working for Montevallo?
The best part of my role is the opportunity to shape and expand the data analytics and cybersecurity programs within a truly progressive environment. Working with a collaborative and forward-thinking team, I am excited by the continuous growth and desire to advance our programs, student achievements and curriculum. The unwavering support from the president, provost, dean and my colleagues has been exceptional, fostering an atmosphere where innovation and progress thrive. This dynamic environment makes it possible to push boundaries and make significant strides in education and program development.
Do you have any interesting stories about one of your favorite experiences here?
One of my favorite experiences has been organizing and leading bootcamps in collaboration with local non-governmental organizations. Through these bootcamps, I gained valuable insights into industry requirements and local job market trends, which greatly informed the development of experiential learning in our data analytics courses. This hands-on approach has been instrumental in equipping our students with high-demand analytics skills, significantly enhancing their readiness for the job market and aligning their learning with real-world needs.
What’s your proudest accomplishment since being at UM?
Although I joined UM not long ago, I am proud to be part of a team dedicated to expanding and enhancing the data analytics and cybersecurity programs. One of the most rewarding aspects has been hearing from students who have successfully secured placements after graduation. Their success stories highlight the direct impact our programs have on their lives and the broader society. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see how the skills and knowledge gained here translate into meaningful career advancements and positive changes in both individual lives and the industry.
Are you currently working on or have you recently completed any interesting projects?
I have recently completed a mobile app development project funded by James Newman ’74, an accounting alum, Stephens College of Business donor and member of the college’s Business Advisory Board. We developed an application focused on assistive living and created paid internships for three of our data analytics and business core students. I led this project, overseeing the creation of the software requirements specification and business plan. This endeavor is a prime example of how our experiential learning component and industry collaboration come together, providing practical, hands-on experience for our students while fostering valuable industry connections.
Why do you belong at Montevallo?
I belong at Montevallo because it offers a unique opportunity to make a substantial impact through teaching, research and industry collaboration. The environment here fosters growth and innovation, which aligns perfectly with my personal goals of leveraging technology for social impact. I am passionate about helping youth recognize and achieve their goals, and Montevallo’s supportive and forward-thinking atmosphere provides the ideal setting for this mission.
Anything else you want to say?
I am excited about the journey ahead at the University of Montevallo and am grateful for the warm welcome I have received. I look forward to working with my colleagues and students to advance our programs and make a positive difference in our field and society.
