In the Name of Truth

Stoical Scientist by Day, Data Scientist By Day & Night
I study humans, politically, biomedically, and environmentally, using cutting edge computer science tools!

Deep Learning and Gen-AI for Political Science

While large language models excel at text-based applications, they still have a long way to go with images, audio, and structured data such as surveys. I develop deep learning algorithms and adapt computer science paradigms specifically for survey research, directly applying them to my own research in political science. One of my work focuses on Survey Transfer Learning (STL), which recycles existing survey data to generate accurate, empirically-grounded predictions, offering a more sustainable and methodologically transparent alternative to LLM-generated synthetic responses.

I also study how governments can efficiently use AI to improve public services, enhance decision-making, and address complex policy challenges. My research explores practical applications of artificial intelligence in the public sector, focusing on cost-effective, transparent, and accountable AI implementations that serve the public interest while considering environmental and ethical implications.

Environmental Policy and Politics

My research in environmental policy applies AI to one of the most pressing global challenges: climate change. We created the first comprehensive panel dataset of countries' Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs), offering unprecedented insights into global climate commitments. This dataset enables researchers to explore how countries adapt their policies over time in response to shifting climate priorities and international agreements.

Health, AI, Evolutionary Biology, and other stories

In addition to my contributions to social science, I am advancing the application of AI in biomedical and evolutionary research. My work on an NIH-funded project, published in the Nature group, explores the function of a biological thermocouple in the devil worm mitochondria under stress conditions, which mirrors cancer cells. I have also contributed to computer vision projects analyzing first of kind long video of organoid formation —an emerging frontier in medical and stem cell research. This research underscores the transformative potential of AI in understanding cellular processes and advancing personalized medicine. In evolutionary biology, my ongoing project models the extinction of asexual organisms, offering innovative alternatives to traditional explanations such as Muller’s Ratchet. Building on these works, I have been invited to contribute to multiple book chapters exploring mitochondrial cancer biology, with a particular focus on AI application in cancer research.

Democracy Measurement

I investigate democratic backsliding and institutional erosion by developing AI models to analyze political discourse, institutional performance metrics, and socio-economic indicators. This work provides early-warning systems for identifying potential democratic crises, offering invaluable tools to policymakers and international organizations. One notable aspect of this research is my effort to reduce biases in existing measures of democracy, such as those used by V-Dem. By employing computational methods, I address upward and downward biases in democratic backsliding data, providing a more accurate picture of institutional health. In an era where democratic institutions face unprecedented challenges, this work supports the development of robust frameworks for safeguarding democracy worldwide.

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The Strike, Robert Koehler (1886)

The Anatomy Lesson of Dr Nicolaes Tulp, Rembrandt (1632)

The Ninth Wave, Ivan Aivazovsky, 1850

AI-generated by DALL·E, conceptualized with my assistant.

Conferences

Participating in academic conferences has been one of the most enriching aspects of my PhD journey. Conferences not only provide opportunities to present original research and engage with leading scholars, but they also serve as platforms for personal and professional growth. For PhD students, these experiences are invaluable for building confidence and self-esteem, as they validate our contributions and help us discover our voice within the scholarly community.

Most importantly, I love exploring the DNA of cities—especially through museums, old streets. From the streets of Warsaw, where the city’s trauma and resistance during the Nazi occupation is preserved in the Warsaw Uprising Museum, to Hiroshima and Tehran’s Peace Museums, each place reveals a distinct historical memory and moral architecture of human suffering, resilience, and hope. These experiences deepen not only my research worldview, but also my understanding of humanity and why knowledge, and these days AI, must ultimately serve humans, not just academia.

Chair and Discussant Roles

While I initially hesitated to step into leadership roles at conferences, believing it might be too soon in my academic career, my passion for research and dedication to advancing scholarship did not go unnoticed. In fact, I was approached by the main chair of the Southern Political Science Association (SPSA) conference, who encouraged me to take on the responsibilities of chairing and serving as a discussant. This recognition was a significant milestone for me, affirming my place in the academic community and motivating me to contribute even more actively.

Political Methodology: Machine Learning and Large Language Models
- Southern Political Science Association (SPSA), January 2025
- Role: Chair and Discussant
- I facilitated discussions on cutting-edge research at the intersection of political methodology and artificial intelligence, providing feedback that enriched the session’s intellectual rigor.
International Environmental Politics and Policy: Environmental Politics and Policy
- Southern Political Science Association (SPSA), January 2025
- Role: Chair
- This session highlighted global environmental challenges, and as chair, I ensured a dynamic and inclusive exchange of ideas.

Similarly, at the Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA) conference in Chicago, I was honored to chair and discuss research on Middle Eastern politics:

Politics of the Middle East
- Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA), April 2024
- Role: Chair and Discussant
- This session tackled the complexities of Middle Eastern political dynamics, and I provided insights that connected individual papers to broader theoretical and empirical debates.

Accepted Papers and Invited Presentations

In addition to my roles as chair and discussant, my research has been accepted for presentation at several prestigious conferences

Data Science Frontiers: Society and Politics, NYU- (Poster) 2025
DC-AAPOR/WSS*, Gallup - 2025
APPOR, St. Louis 2025 - Receiving The Burns “Bud” Roper Fellow Award
Midwest Political Science Association (MPSA), Chicago–2024, 2025
American Political Science Association (APSA), Philadelphia, Vancouver – 2024, 2025
Southern Political Science Association (SPSA), San Juan – 2025

These presentations span diverse topics in social sciences, from political behavior to environmental policy and AI frontier, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of my work.

*American Association for Public Opinion Research (AAPOR) and the Washington Statistical Society (WSS).

Personal Reflection

Being recognized for my academic contributions and approached to serve in leadership roles has been both humbling and empowering. Conferences have been pivotal not only for sharing my research but also for building my confidence as a scholar. These experiences have shown me that passion and dedication to my field are recognized and rewarded, inspiring me to continue engaging with the academic community at every opportunity.