Javad's findings can lead to better healthcare

Javad Forough, Doctoral student at the Department of Computing Science.

On the afternoon of 2nd February, a group of people gathered in Forskarsalen at Umeå University Library. Among colleagues and friends, Javad Forough, a doctoral student at the Department of Computing Science, was nailing his thesis to the wall.

The nailing ceremony has a long tradition in academic Sweden. Some say that the tradition of nailing comes from Martin Luther's nailing of his ninety-five theses at Wittenburg Church in the 16th century . Nowadays, the nailing marks the end of a long academic journey for the doctoral student and the beginning of a new chapter in their lifes. The nailing process serves both as an announcement that the thesis is available and officially released and as a remembrance of the student's achievement.

Javad Forough and his supervisor, Professor Erik Elmroth.

Javad Forough has been a doctoral student since 2020 at the Department of Computing Science. He is one of the members of the research group, Autonomous Distributed Systems Lab. The lab conducts high-level research in intelligent and automatic management of data resources and cloud services. Together with his supervisor, Professor Erik Elmroth, he has reached his goal: finding the answers to the questions he first had at the beginning of his doctoral studies.

On Friday, February 23rd, Javad will defend his doctoral thesis, Machine Learning for Anomaly Detection in Edge Clouds. 

The department had a chance to chat with Javad during his nailing ceremony.

Machine learning algorithms and edge computing

The defence is on Friday 23rd, how does that feel?


 Defending my doctoral thesis feels like a culmination of years of hard work and dedication. It's a mix of excitement and pride knowing that I have the opportunity to present my research.

Can you describe your research in a few sentences?
– My research focuses on developing machine learning algorithms tailored for anomaly detection in edge cloud environments. By leveraging advanced techniques, I aim to enhance the ability of edge clouds to identify and mitigate abnormal behaviour in real-time, thereby improving the overall reliability and security of edge computing systems.

Edge computing, can you explain the term more in general?​
– Edge computing is a technology where servers are physically placed closer to the end user. This enables users to access computed data more quickly than using centrally located servers.

The research results can improve healthcare and get smarter transportation networks

In a broader perspective, where can your research findings be applied in society and everyday life?
– My research findings hold potential applications across various sectors in society and everyday life.

– They can contribute to enhancing the security and reliability of edge computing systems, leading to more robust and efficient IoT devices (Internet of things, small sensor-controlled computing devices that communicate over the internet).

– It can also improve healthcare monitoring systems, enhance industrial automation, and leads to smarter transportation networks, ultimately benefiting society with safer, more reliable, and interconnected technologies.

Do you have any plans for the coming years about what you will do professionally?
– Yes, I'm committed to continuing my journey in machine learning and edge computing research, whether in academia or industry.

– My plans involve furthering my expertise, contributing to cutting-edge research projects, and potentially exploring opportunities to apply my skills in industry settings to address real-world challenges.

Javad's thesis on the wall in the university's library

Doctoral studies - a memory for life

Do you have any nice memories from your research group that you would like to share?
– Absolutely, my time with the research group has been filled with wonderful memories. From insightful discussions during lab meetings to the celebration of our achievements, every moment has been valuable. Having lived in Umeå for a couple of years, I'd suggest new doctoral students explore the unique nature of Umeå, including the beautiful auroras.

– Umeå's location in the Arctic Circle means you can see the Northern Lights, or aurora borealis, during winter. Finding a quiet place away from city lights to watch the auroras is a truly unforgettable experience and a highlight of this region's stunning scenery.

– Additionally, there's plenty to discover outdoors. I would recommend immersing yourself in the rich cultural scene of Umeå, with its art galleries and cozy cafes. Don't miss out on experiencing the local cuisine and getting to know the friendly community that makes Umeå special.

What will you miss the most from your PhD studies?
– What I'll miss the most from my PhD studies are the invaluable support and guidance from my supervisors and the generous assistance from WASP. Their mentorship has been crucial in my academic journey.

– Additionally, I'll miss the breathtaking beauty of Umeå's nature, from the mesmerizing auroras to the peaceful forests. And of course, the sense of togetherness among colleagues—collaborations, facing challenges, and celebrating achievements side by side—has made this experience truly memorable.

Finally, we all from the department wish you good luck with your defence and in the future!