Faculty Feature: Tehmina Amjad

At Northeastern University’s Khoury College of Computer Sciences, Associate Teaching Professor Dr. Tehmina Amjad is cultivating a dynamic environment where technology education intersects with social impact. With nearly two decades of academic experience spanning continents, Dr. Amjad brings a unique perspective to graduate-level education and curriculum development. 

“Finding the right balance between theoretical concepts and hands-on experience is crucial,” says Dr. Amjad, who particularly cherishes the diversity of her students’ backgrounds. “Their eagerness to apply learning in meaningful ways makes the experience incredibly fulfilling.” 

Before joining Northeastern, Dr. Tehmina led the Faculty of Computing and Information Technology at the International Islamic University, Islamabad, where she championed women’s advancement in computing. Her leadership of departments including Computer Science, Software Engineering, and Bioinformatics was marked by a steadfast commitment to creating inclusive academic spaces, particularly for female students and faculty in Pakistan. 

This dedication to equity naturally aligned with Northeastern’s values. “Joining Northeastern University felt like a natural transition because of its strong emphasis on equity, diversity, and inclusion resonates with my commitment to creating accessible educational spaces,” Dr. Amjad explains.  

Additionally, Dr. Amjad’s PhD research work at Indiana University, Bloomington, deepened her connection to US academic culture, and Northeastern’s collaborative environment and innovative teaching philosophy particularly drew her in. “It is truly exciting to mentor students who are committed to learning and come from diverse backgrounds around the world,” she says. Khoury’s Align program, which Dr. Amjad is particularly passionate about, is one of its most inspiring features. Designed for individuals without a traditional background in computer science, the program provides a pathway to a master’s degree in the field, making it accessible to people from diverse disciplines. “It embodies the theme of ‘computer science for everyone,'” she explains. “I love teaching bridge courses to Align students from diverse fields, helping them build the foundational skills they need to succeed in advanced computer science courses.” 

Her research contributions include notable work in information retrieval and academic social networks. Her study “Standing on the shoulders of giants,” published in the Journal of Informetrics, challenged conventional wisdom about academic success. “While partnerships with well-known scholars can boost visibility, they’re not the sole determinant of success,” she notes. Dr. Amjad’s teaching philosophy bridges theoretical knowledge with practical application, helping students understand technology’s broader societal impact. 

She recently published an article, in Artificial Intelligence Review, titled “Categorization and correlational analysis of quality factors influencing citation.” This study investigates how often-overlooked quality factors affect citation counts, identifying recency, open access, and abstract length as positive influences, while readability and title length show negative correlations. 

Building on her research interests, Dr. Tehmina is eager to explore new frontiers in AI, particularly in enhancing machine learning models to better detect nuanced human expressions like sarcasm and satire. 

Outside the classroom, Dr. Amjad finds joy in exploring California’s natural landscapes with her family. “Whether it’s discovering new trails or enjoying coastal views, these adventures provide cherished memories and a refreshing work-life balance,” she shares. 

Drawing inspiration from Elif Shafak’s “The Forty Rules of Love,” Amjad approaches her work with compassion and an open heart. Her advice to others reflects this philosophy: “Value perseverance and dedication. True success comes from continuous effort and an openness to learning.” 

Tehmina shares one of her favorite quotations from the book:  

“A life without love is of no account. Don’t ask yourself what kind of love you should seek, spiritual or material, divine or mundane, Eastern or Western… Divisions only lead to more divisions. Love has no labels, no definitions. It is what it is, pure and simple. Love is the water of life. And a lover is a soul of fire! The universe turns differently when fire loves water.” – Elif Shafak, The Forty Rules of Love

Dr. Amjad’s journey continues to inspire, reminding students and colleagues alike that technology and empathy go hand in hand.