Professor Siamak Tavakoli: High-Flying IT Expert Joins Faculty

Professor Siamak Tavakoli excels in hardware and software R&D, and teaching


The faculty and students in our Computer Science Department are delighted that Professor Siamak Tavakoli has recently starting teaching full-time on our campus in Fairfield, Iowa. With apparent boundless energy, creativity, enthusiasm, and curiosity, Dr. Tavakoli has mastered a remarkable diversity of technical subject areas in order to solve a very large range of R&D challenges, and he plans to inspire his students for great careers.

How did he learn about MIU?

MIU Professor Payman Salek has known Siamak for many years:

“I met Siamak when I was 18 during our first year of college. We were both accepted to the Electrical Engineering department at Tehran Polytechnic in Iran. We hung out with the same group of friends, and we were both mountain climbers, and often went on long hikes. We became friends, and he was one of the best men at my wedding.

“Over the years, we worked on microprocessor-based projects and conquered a few mountain peaks together, and continued our friendship after college.

“I moved to the U.S. to attend the ComPro MSCS program a little over 20 years ago, and Siamak moved to the UK to work on his PhD in Electrical Engineering at Brunel University London, but we kept in touch over the years and exchanged messages every now and then.

“When I posted about a faculty position on LinkedIn, Siamak immediately sent me a message and stated his interest. He was soon interviewed and hired as a faculty member at MIU. Siamak is probably one of the smartest people I have met in my life, and I am so glad that we managed to hire him as a Computer Science faculty.”

Work and teaching experience

Dr. Tavakoli summarizes his past experiences and contributions as an IT professional:

“I left a strong footprint in the IoT industry where both hardware and software systems present challenges. I have triggered many projects, solved many core problems in the projects, created successful out of the box solutions, brought several projects to startup and then to scale up, and have transferred knowledge and experience in both academic and industrial environments.”

  • Major research areas have included:
  • Artificial Intelligence and Robotics
  • Machine Learning and Full Stack System Architectural design
  • R&D lifecycle – all stages
  • Over the last 20+ years, Siamak Tavakoli has focused on these areas of investigation:
  • Embedded System design and development
  • Electronic Circuit and System design and development
  • Sensor Integration / Data Acquisition
  • Drone Flight Automation / AI and robotics
  • Digital Signal Processing
  • Non-Destructive Testing
  • Image / Voice Processing
  • Numerical Algorithm design and development
  • System Performance modelling, simulation and estimation
  • Information / Distributed Systems design and development
  • Data Mining
  • Dimensionality Reduction
  • Social Network Analysis
  • Postgraduate Teaching
  • Supervising degrees / postgraduates / PhD projects
  • Lab development, lab infrastructure, system testing

He continues, “Research and Development has always been a part of my life. I will continue this at MIU. There are certain fields and disciplines where I am interested in doing research. With the support of enthusiastic students, there are many projects that can enjoy growth to realization The needs of the local community are also being explored and identified to complete the list.”

Professor Tavakoli teaching Software Architecture (SWA) class

Transcendental Meditation (TM)

Siamak first learned about TM from Payman Salek during their undergraduate college days.

About three years ago, with the large number of projects he was managing, Siamak searched for methods to help release the stress associated with all these responsibilities. After unsuccessfully trying several techniques, he turned his attention to finding an effective one, and started TM in mid-2021 in the UK.

Personally, Professor Tavakoli reports, “I have enjoyed the tranquility of the moment, and stress-free state of mind that the Transcendental Meditation technique gives me. Students practicing TM report having a clear head, with a strong experience of peacefulness and growing self-confidence.”

Future Plans

Dr. Tavakoli has over 20 years of commercial technical consulting experience, and is planning to found an MIU technical incubator in the future. This will allow students with ideas for new applications to collaborate with MIU faculty to bring their projects to fruition.

Students getting personal attention in SWA class

Professor Tavakoli enjoys spending time reading books, and participating in sports such as paragliding and running.

When not teaching, doing research, or solving IT industry challenges, Dr. Siamak Tavakoli is an avid paragliding enthusiast and runner.

Advice for future students:

“If you are searching for a focused academic program that develops mental growth in supporting your progress, there is no healthier place than MIU,” Dr. Tavakoli concludes.

Asia/Turkey Recruiting for MIU MS in Computer Science

Join MIU Deans Greg Guthrie and Elaine Guthrie live. Their Asia tour is from Dec. 24 – Jan. 14, 2023. Reserve a ticket to learn about our acclaimed Computer Professionals Master’s program at Maharishi International University in Fairfield, Iowa, USA.

Develop your IT career with a U.S. Computer Science Masters


Recruiting in Ha Noi:

Date & Time: Sat, December 24, 2022, 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM Vietnam Time

Location: EduPath | ImmiPath | EIC Education & Immigration Consultancy Firms 163 Phố BàTriệu #5th floor Ha Noi, Hà Nội 700000 Viet Nam

Reserve a spot


Recruiting in HoChiMinh City:

Date & Time: Tue, December 27, 2022, 6:30 PM – 8:30 PM Vietnam Time

Location: EduPath | ImmiPath | EIC 400 Điện Biên Phủ Ward 11, District 12 Ho Chi Minh City, Thành phố Hồ Chí Minh 700000 Viet Nam

Reserve a spot


Phnom Penh Recruiting:

Date & Time: Sat, December 31, 2022, 10:30 AM – 12:30 PM Cambodia Time

Location: SOKHA Phnom Penh Hotel & Residence Street KeoChenda, Phum 1, Sangkat Chroy Changvar Khan Chroy Changvar Phnom Penh, 12100 Cambodia

Reserve a spot


Dhaka Recruiting:

Date & Time: Fri, January 6, 2023, 3:30 PM – 5:30 PM Bangladesh Standard Time

Location: The Royal Pheasant Location House 05, Road 74 Gulshan Model Town Dhaka, Gulshan 1212 Bangladesh

Reserve a spot


Recruiting in Ankara:

Date & Time: Sun, January 8, 2023, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Eastern European Standard – Time Turkey Time

Location: TM Center-Ankara Uskup Cad. No:24/4 Kavaklidere Cankaya Ankara, 06680 Turkey

Reserve a spot


Istanbul Recruiting:

Date & Time: Sat, January 14, 2023, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM Eastern European Standard Time – Turkey Time

Location: DoubleTree by Hilton Istanbul – Moda Caferaga Mah. Sozdener Cad. No:31 Kadikoy Istanbul, 34710 Turkey

Reserve a spot

 

 

MIU professor wins industry award for research on wireless security

Professor honored for “Internet of Things” data security research: 

Prof. Renuka Mohanraj was recently honored for her advanced studies and outstanding research by being named a Fellow of the Computer Science Research Council (FCSRC)

Dr. Renuka Mohanraj, Associate Professor in the Computer Professionals program at Maharishi International University, has recently been honored as a Fellow of the Computer Science Research Council (FCSRC) for her important research on wireless sensor networks (WSN) data security.

Her research was published in the Global Journal of Computer Science Technology: E. In this paper she presents an algorithm she designed as a potential solution to the problem of wireless sensor networks security threats in the rapidly expanding field of the Internet of Things (IoT).

As a result of her research, in December 2020 she was also invited to give the keynote address at an International virtual conference on ‘Bridging Innovative Trends in Mathematics, Engineering & Technology.’ The subject of her address was ‘Internet of Things for Android.’

A Teacher who never stops learning

Professor Renuka teaches several courses in the Computer Professionals programSM, including the very popular Mobile Device Programming (MDP). When she’s not teaching, she enjoys expanding her knowledge in many fields of interest, including mobile ad hoc networks, wireless sensor networks, secure data and QoS routing, and current favorite, IoT.

She explains why she’s so inspired to keep learning about IoT: “In sensor networks, IoT plays a vital role and gives me the motivation to grab the knowledge. I designed the MDP course in MIU’s ComPro program using Android. This course creates an interest to learn how to use IoT for Android devices.”

Renuka dynamically tailors the MDP course based on input from current students and alumni doing Android development. This feedback, along with her enthusiasm for research, keeps the curriculum on the cutting edge. Mobile device programming is a major market, and her class on the subject is highly valued by students, because there are so many opportunities for Android programmers.

So, what’s it like to be in Professor Renuka’s mobile programming class?

MIU professor Renuku wins industry award

Renuka Mohanraj, PhD, FCSRC

“Students in this class enjoy doing their homework assignments because of real time applications,” she says. “They gain practical knowledge, and start developing an app from the third week of the course.”

 

Here are some quotes from a recent anonymous student survey:

“This class helped me realize how much mobile application development has advanced. My experience was with Java, but with the full support and dedication of our professor, I was able to grasp an excellent knowledge in the design and programming of Android applications. The course was extremely well presented, the coding demonstrations were very helpful, and I was able to create Android applications on my own.”

 “I had no previous experience with mobile development but Professor Renuka Mohanraj’s class changed my perspective about Android application development in particular. The knowledge I gained about mobile applications is really a stepping stone for me.”

 “I had not yet experienced a class with Professor Renuka, but she was spot on on everything, from providing well-detailed sessions to following up on us to make sure everyone was with her. I am happy to have added knowledge from a different line of technology, and from a perfect tutor.”

 

Why she loves teaching at MIU

“I am so satisfied and very happy to be a part of the MIU community,” Renuka says. “Co-workers are so kind-natured and supportive, the students are wonderful, management is excellent, and it’s such a peaceful, and stress-free environment.”

She has been teaching at MIU since 2014. During this time she’s had the opportunity to experience many benefits of the Consciousness-Based approach to education and the practice of the Transcendental Meditation® technique (TM).

“TM practice helps to improve my self confidence level and brings out my inner potential effortlessly,” she says. “I’m more active throughout the day and my mind is clearer, which makes me a better teacher and a more loving person.”

Dr. Renuka Mohanraj with her husband Mohanraj and daughter Vaisnavii

Enjoying life in Fairfield 

Professor Renuka and her husband Mohanraj live on the MIU campus in Fairfield, Iowa with their daughter Vaisnavii. Mr. Mohanraj is the Computer Science Graduation Director, and Vaisnavii is in 11th grade at Maharishi School.

“Living in Fairfield for the past seven years has been a great experience,” she says. “It’s a wonderful place to live a healthy and peaceful life. We enjoy the noise free, pollution free, green environment. Being part of the happy, welcoming community has been wonderful. I’m looking forward to spending more time in a place like Fairfield!”

 

There are so many ways to learn programming. Why join ComPro?

“Our program teaches the world’s leading software technologies,” says Dr. Renuka. “Our Consciousness-Based approach produces developers in high demand by the IT industry, and provides students with the most natural and scientifically validated technology for developing their own well-being—the TM technique. So the MSCS at MIU is the unique way to learn cutting-edge software technology, and also to learn how to live a blissful life.”

MS in Computer Science 2nd Largest in U.S.

Computer Professionals Master's Graduates -- June 2019

— Government Statistics Verify Program Success —

According to data just released by the U.S. National Center for Education Statistics, Maharishi University of Management has risen to #2 nationally among U.S. post-secondary education institutions for the number of master’s degrees in computer science awarded in the 2017-18 academic year (the most recent year for which data is available).

The data comes from the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS) report submitted to the government each year by all U.S. colleges and universities.

Holding the number 1 spot was the University of Southern California, with 872 graduates. MUM’s total number of MS in Computer Science grads that year was 389. This was followed by University of Central Missouri, 352, Columbia University in New York (343), and University of Illinois at Springfield (338). 230 institutions awarded a CS master’s degree in 2017-18. In 2016-17, MUM was #5 nationally in this category.

Reference: National Center for Education Statistics, IPEDS data.

Learn More

3000 MSCS Graduates from 92+ Nations since 1996

By the end of the current academic year, more than 3000 students from close to 100 nations will have graduated with the MSCS degree from Maharishi University of Management. With four entries each year, new student enrollment is expected to reach 400 during the current academic year.

More than 3000 graduates from nearly 100 nations since 1996
Our affordable and highly regarded MS in Computer Science includes paid training & financial aid in the USA for experienced software developers with a bachelor’s degree in a computer science-related field. We offer three areas of emphasis: advanced software development, web applications and architecture, and our award-winning data science.

The most unique benefit and advantage of the Computer Professionals Program is that all students, faculty, and staff practice the simple, systematic and scientifically validated Transcendental Meditation® technique to improve their learning ability, quality of life, relief from stress, and academic and job performance. Learn more.

Apply Today

ComPro students come from all over the world!

Data Science MS specialization named the top master’s program of its kind in Iowa, 2018

The MS in Computer Science-Data Science specialization at Maharishi University of Management recently received the unique distinction of being named the best master’s program of its kind in Iowa.

In its first annual review of all 290 accredited schools in the U.S. offering similar grad degrees, DataScienceGraduatePrograms.com found MUM to be among the very best, giving us the #1 spot for Iowa on its list of Top Data Science Graduate Programs for 2018.

Selection Criteria
To come up with these recommendations, reviewers sifted through a list of 290 data science master’s and graduate certificate programs by hand.

As much as possible, they looked for programs that included multiple required courses covering core subjects such as:

Inferential and Descriptive Statistics
Linear and Logistic Regression
Time Series and Forecasting
Probability Theory
Stochastic Analysis
Statistical Modeling
Multidisciplinary Approaches

A multi-disciplinary program including courses and instructors from computer science and applied mathematics or statistics departments ranked more highly than single department programs.

Because data science blends together essential elements from at least those fields (and often from others, including biostatistics, which draws on heath and medical education) they judged that programs built by professors from both houses were more likely to cover all the bases.

Database and Data Theory Education

The secret sauce that makes data science, data science, is the use of automated data processing elements in statistical analysis. So they searched for programs that included an education in data structures and database theory.

Hands-on work with relational and non-relational data stores were a big plus, in their view, to build on that theoretical education. Dedicated data modeling courses and capstone projects that required genuine database creation or manipulation were also excellent signs of a useful education.

Coding Courses With Teeth

The other aspect of data processing is coding. Data scientists apply their analytical training to information stored in data structures through expressions and algorithms crafted in programming languages heavily used in the profession, like R, Python and Java.

They selected programs that included genuine, hands-on programming work. Although most data science programs require some coding experience as a condition of entry, they looked for those gems that also continued the education in the more specialized aspects of languages and coding specific to data science.

This also extended to coverage of the latest techniques used in data analysis. Data mining, machine learning, and advanced visualization were important courses they looked for.

Instructors With The Right Stuff

Data science is a new field and it’s one that is largely being defined in practice rather than theory. That means that the big players are active in government, industry, and academia alike. On-the-ground experience working with the systems that are collecting, processing, and analyzing big data is invaluable when it comes to training others how to do the work.

So reviewers looked for programs that included faculty with current or recent experience in real-world projects outside academia, where the practical considerations of employers and users come into play. Adjunct professors with day jobs working with big data were a big plus.

Other Factors

Since data science is so new, they had to look at some proxy elements to judge programs. They always like to consider reputation in the industry, and in many cases they had to look at the parent department or college generally instead of the individual program. However, they did try to account for graduate placement as an indicator of reputation and preparation.

If the school had a dedicated data lab where professors and students partnered with outside businesses and agencies, they also counted that highly.

To a much lesser extent, website and the availability of information played a factor. Data science draws people who like data and have an interest in technology. It’s 2018, and if an academic department dealing in a computational science puts together a website that looks like a 12-year-old built it in 2001, or can’t provide easy online access to course descriptions and offerings, it’s time to run the other way.

The Very Best Data Science Grad Programs by State

Iowa

Maharishi University of Management
Although the Maharishi program is focused first on a traditional computer science education, with all the emphasis on core networking and programming skills that entails, it’s also a unique world center for the integration of traditional self-development with this most modern area of technical study. The inclusion of proven meditation techniques here only reinforces how serious this program is about preparing students for real-world work in data science. The optional 8-month internship for full credit provides genuine on-the-job experience, building your resume and putting you into direct contact with real data scientists doing real work, all before you graduate.

The base program specializes in training on software systems and development and the data science option piggybacks on this strength with concrete training in hot data analysis technologies like R, Hadoop, Spark, Flume, and HBase. Overviews of other NoSQL approaches and cloud-based tools like AWS and Cloudera are also taught. Finally, you’ll work with IBM’s SPSS modeler application, diving into text analytics and data mining to learn predictive modeling skills.

Learn more.

New: Computer Professionals Program Website

After nearly a year in development, our new responsive website for the Computer Professionals ProgramSM is ready.

Please click on the images shown below to experience the unique excitement and attraction that draws more than 300 students per year from every continent and every cultural background to our Computer Science MS program.

We are especially proud of the website videos, which give an inviting taste of student life at MUM, and will inspire you to apply to our “ComProSM” degree program!

See for yourself why campus visitors, students, and graduates consider MUM their home-away-from-home!

Some pages on our new website:

Unique Payment Plan for Internationals

Unique, affordable payment plan for international students

 

Low Entry Fee with Paid Internships for Internationals

Low initial payment with paid internships in U.S. companies

 

Our Students Come from Around the World

Read testimonials and watch video comments from students and graduates worldwide.

 

You Will Experience Personal & Career Growth

ComPro students practicing Transcendental Meditation® technique

 

Students Have Held Internships in Fortune 500 Companies

ComPro students do paid internships in U.S. companies

 

Learn Advanced Computer Science from Top Faculty

ComPro students gain advanced knowledge in software development

 

New Data Science Specialization: Big Data Analytics & Machine Learning

Our new Data Science track prepares students for careers in the fastest growing area of computer science

 

You Will Enjoy Our Vibrant Campus Community

MUM is located in a vibrant campus community not far from Chicago

Visit our new website now.

Your feedback is welcome. Thank you to RileyDesigns.com for the outstanding design and service!

Students Gain Cutting-Edge Knowledge

Students Gain Cutting Edge “Spring Framework” Knowledge: 

This past December (2017), MUM Computer Science Professor Payman Salek attended the “SpringOne Platform Conference” in San Francisco, which is the most significant conference on Spring Framework and related technologies.

With 2800+ attendees, 145+ talks, 200+ speakers, 32 keynotes, and 43 sponsors, SpringOne Platform 2017 was “simply amazing!” He also did the intense two-day, pre-conference training on “Spring Cloud.”

According to Professor Salek, “The conference became an inspiration for me to come back and share the knowledge with students and faculty. I have created a report about the talks and topics I learned in the conference, and also just gave a one-week seminar on “Advanced Spring Framework Topics” to MSCS students at MUM during the winter break. Seventeen students signed up and spent their last week of winter break learning about new Spring Framework features.”

In the student seminar, the following advanced topics were covered:

  • Spring Boot, Under the Hood
  • Spring Boot Actuator
  • Spring Cloud Services
  • Refactoring the Monolith into Microservices
  • Circuit Breakers and Service Discovery
  • Load Balancing and External Configuration
  • Introduction to Spring 5.0 and Reactive Programming

MSCS students doing morning TM

 

Professor Salek

“Students seemed excited about learning these new topics as much as I was excited to share this knowledge with them!”

The knowledge of Spring Framework gained by Professor Salek has been shared with MSCS students in a recent week long seminar. This knowledge will also be included in existing Enterprise Architecture courses at MUM.