Maha Thafar

About

Research Interests

I am a computer scientist focusing on developing novel computational methods using artificial intelligence, machine learning, deep learning, and graph mining techniques to solve biomedical problems. I am developing these methods to be applied to large-scale chemical and biomedical data. Currently, I'm working on compound-protein interactions prediction and binding affinity prediction projects.

My objective is to empower women in my country with a flourishing academic background that enables building better careers for themselves. Additionally, to create a research culture that enables the universities in my country to be among the global contributors to the research and technologies' evolution.

Professional Profile

• Lecture at Taif University since 2017.
• Teaching assistant at Taif University from/08/2007 until 01/2013 for different courses such as:
  • Data Structure & Algorithms using C and C++,
  • Micro Processors & Assembly language,
  • Data Base Management Systems Using SQL Oracle,
  • Computer Graphics using visual studio C++ with OpenGL Library,
  • Computer Vision using MATLAB

Scientific and Professional Membership

• Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Membership
• IEEE Women in Engineering Membership
• IEEE Young Professionals Membership

Education Profile

• PhD Student, KAUST, SA, since Fall 2016
• Master Degree in Computer Science - Thesis track, Kent State University, Ohio USA, Dec 2015
• Bachelor Degree in Computer Science, King Abdul-Aziz University, Jeddah SA.

Awards and Distinctions

• ​KAUST Fellowship for PhD students, 2016
• Top Graduate student of Computer Science department, Kent State University, Ohio USA 2016
• Golden Key membership – Kent State University, Ohio USA, 2014