Q&A with faculty mentor Rakibul Hasan

Rakibul Hasan is an assistant professor of computer science and engineering in the School of Computing and Augmented Intelligence. Hasan’s research focuses on public privacy and security, especially as it relates to electronic technology. He began mentoring students in the FURI and GCSP research stipend programs when he began working as a faculty member at ASU in 2022.

What made you want to get involved as a FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend program faculty mentor?

I was always interested in engaging as many students in research as possible. These programs allow me not only to reach interested students but also to support them within a structured program.

What is your favorite part about seeing your students conduct research?

My favorite part is the joy it gives me as they grow as critical thinkers, questioning the decisions they make in conducting research tasks and reevaluating them again and again, becoming better thinkers in the process.

How have your FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend students had an effect on your research? Have they come up with any research surprises or proposed new directions for your lab?

Two of my GCSP research stipend recipients have already published papers at top-tier security venues. One FURI student is currently working on women’s health app data privacy, an increasingly critical topic. I would not have pursued these directions if the students did not take initiative.

What have you gained from being a FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend mentor? How has the experience been rewarding for you?

The most rewarding part is watching the students grow as scientists. I have learned a lot from mentoring them as well as from the research projects themselves.

What advice would you give to students who might be interested in participating in FURI, MORE and the GCSP research stipend program?

Reach out to any faculty members who you are interested in working with. You do not need to have a research background or have a plan to go for a doctorate. Just try it, and you may end of loving it.

Why should other faculty members become FURI, MORE and GCSP research stipend mentors?

These programs are great ways to maximize our impact as researchers and educators.