engineering and technology, people, research, student profiles
May 8, 2023
almost
name
Mohammad Mossafa
role
Master’s student
Graduate Research Assistant
faculty
management
campus
Okanagan (Kelowna, BC)
education
Bachelor of Science, Industrial Engineering, Amir Kabir Institute of Technology
home town
Tehran, Iran
“Remember that failure should not be feared. Rather, it is an essential step in the learning process. I would like you to take on difficult challenges.”
What is your research focus and why did you choose this research area?
I am currently a master’s degree student majoring in mathematics doing interdisciplinary research at the intersection of machine learning and operations management. My research focuses on the application of machine learning in service systems. In particular, we discuss how text data can be used to accurately predict customer wait times in service companies and improve telemedicine patient appointments in healthcare systems.
My work is driven by my desire to enhance decision making. My interest in this area stems from curiosity about how machine learning can effectively enable service systems (and ultimately people) to make better decisions. What inspires me for this work is the potential outcome of my research on real-world problems faced by both customers and business owners. Especially our health and service systems.
Mohammad Mossafa.
Why is your research relevant to today’s times?
Using statistical approaches to devise ways to improve performance by enhancing decision-making has potential in every industry. Customer service, for example, is one of several industries moving online with the rise of digitization. In this area, consumers rely heavily on accurate wait times to meet consumer expectations for fast and effective service. My research shows an innovative strategy. This strategy combines deep learning and text mining approaches to improve wait time estimates and help increase customer satisfaction and loyalty. The findings are applicable to organizations in various sectors, such as healthcare and e-commerce.
What’s your best advice to other students?
During my higher education, I came to realize the value of hard work and the desire to learn. My best advice to other students, regardless of their educational background, is to never stop exploring new opportunities and seizing opportunities.
Remember, don’t be afraid to fail. This is an important step in the learning process. If you don’t make mistakes, you may not really understand how far you can push yourself. To that end, I encourage my students to challenge themselves. Also, look for mentors and support groups to help you. Having a mentor with industry expertise can help you advance your academic and professional goals through invaluable advice and connections.
I also want to emphasize the value of curiosity and passion. The decision to pursue higher education can be difficult and time consuming, so it is important to choose a subject that you are passionate about. When you’re interested in what you’re learning, it becomes less of a chore and more of a fun way to explore new ideas.
“I have benefited from mentorship myself, so I want to focus on effectively training my students and making a positive impact on the next generation.”
Who were your mentors and how did they influence you?
My current mentors, Dr. Amir Ardestani-Jaafari and Dr. Javad Tavakoli, have profoundly shaped the focus and direction of my research. Under their guidance, I was able to refine my research interests and gain a deeper understanding of the application of machine learning in operations management. Both men challenged me to think critically and encouraged me to explore new approaches in my research.
As well as guiding the technical aspects of my research, they were also supportive mentors in my personal and professional development. It helped me grow as a researcher. Their expertise, guidance, and support not only helped me achieve my research goals, but also inspired me to excel in my academic and professional pursuits.
What do you want to do after graduation?
Research is a driving passion for me. Going hand in hand with it is my passion for teaching. Having benefited from mentorship myself, I am committed to effectively training my students and wanting to have a positive impact on the next generation. to get a PhD. So, I want to achieve my goal of becoming a professor who conducts meaningful research that helps improve decision-making.
