My name is Mohammad. I am an AI developer/researcher, currently pursuing a doctorate degree at the Australian National University. My research revolves around planning under uncertainty. In particular, Fully Observable Non-Deterministic (FOND) Hierarchical Task Network (HTN) planning, which aims to develop intelligent agents capable of systematically face unpredictable environments. What draws me to this field is the parallel between planning under uncertainty and the beautiful chaos of the real world. The fact that us, humans, are relentless non-deterministic planners.
When I'm not immersed in the world of AI research, I enjoy exploring the creative possibilities of game development. Although time constraints often limit my ability to fully engage in the development process, my fascination with crafting interactive experiences remains strong. What I find particularly appealing about game development, as opposed to AI, is the freedom to create worlds that aren't necessarily bound by human-centered design. In games, we can alter the laws of physics, create unique visual aesthetics, and design environments that defy reality. This level of creative control allows for a kind of magic that AI, in its current form, cannot easily replicate. I believe that games represent the highest form of art, seamlessly blending elements of painting, poetry, and music into an interactive medium. Some of my favorite titles, such as Detroit: Become Human, The Stanley Parable, and Life is Strange, exemplify the power of games to tell compelling stories, evoke deep emotions, and challenge our perceptions.
I'm a bookworm through and through! Give me anything from a rigorous non-fiction to a mind-bending fiction, and I'm in my happy place. My love for reading has not only enriched my personal life but also significantly influenced my academic pursuits. In fact, it was Douglas Hofstadter's "Gödel, Escher, Bach: An Eternal Golden Braid," that sparked my fascination with the intricate connections between mathematics, art, and philosophy; ultimately inspiring me to embark on my Ph.D. journey. Beyond this, I have a deep appreciation for Russian literature, finding myself captivated by the works of literary giants such as Dostoevsky, Tolstoy, and Chekhov. Their profound insights into the human condition and their masterful storytelling continue to inspire and shape my worldview.