SIUC Outstanding Thesis Award
CARBONDALE, Ill. — Feburary 8, 2024
Southern Illinois University Carbondale proudly announces that Abeer Al Malky, a 2023 graduate of the Master of Science in Computer Science program, has received the prestigious SIUC Outstanding Thesis Award for her exceptional research and academic achievement.
Ms. Al Malky's thesis, titled Deep Learning for Detecting and Classifying the Growth Stages of Weeds on Fields, explores the application of advanced machine learning techniques to agricultural image analysis. Her work contributes to the growing field of precision agriculture, offering potential solutions for improving crop management and sustainability through automated weed detection.
The thesis was supervised by Dr. Khaled Ahmed, assistant professor of computer science, who served as committee chair. Under his guidance, Ms. Al Malky developed a robust deep learning model capable of identifying and classifying weed growth stages from field images, a task that traditionally requires manual labor and expert knowledge. Her research methodology involved collecting a diverse dataset of weed images, preprocessing them for model training, and evaluating multiple neural network architectures to determine the most effective approach.
Her research not only demonstrates technical excellence but also reflects the interdisciplinary nature of modern computing, bridging computer science with agricultural science to address real-world challenges. The award recognizes her dedication, innovation, and the broader impact of her work on both academic and applied research communities.
In addition to her thesis work, Ms. Al Malky actively participated in departmental seminars and research discussions, contributing to the academic environment within the School of Computing. Her ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and her collaborative spirit made her a valued member of the graduate research community.
During her time at SIU, Ms. Al Malky also contributed to peer mentoring initiatives, helping incoming graduate students navigate research expectations and technical challenges. Following her graduation from SIU, Ms. Al Malky has continued her academic journey and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science at Binghamton University, further advancing her expertise in artificial intelligence and data-driven solutions. Her current research builds upon her thesis work, expanding into broader applications of deep learning in environmental monitoring and smart agriculture.
The SIUC Outstanding Thesis Award is presented annually to graduate students whose thesis work exemplifies scholarly excellence, originality, and contribution to their field. Ms. Al Malky's achievement highlights the strength of SIU's graduate programs, and the supportive mentorship provided by faculty within the School of Computing.
This recognition will be featured in the upcoming School of Computing newsletter, celebrating student accomplishments and promoting the impact of graduate research. The newsletter aims to showcase the diverse achievements of SIU students and faculty, reinforcing the school’s commitment to academic excellence and innovation.
The School of Computing Communications team congratulates Ms. Al Malky on this well-deserved honor and looks forward to sharing her continued success with the broader SIU community. Her story serves as an inspiration to current and future students pursuing research excellence and meaningful contributions to society through computing.
Media Contact: School of Computing Communications • socinfo@siu.edu