Email
tafzal@wpi.edu
Office
AK-0105
Education
Postdoc, Northwestern University and Shirley Ryan Abilitylab, Chicago, IL, 2018-2021
Postdoc, University of Texas Health Science Center and TIRR Memorial Hermann Hospital, Houston, TX, 2015-2018
PhD Engineering Science and Systems, University of Arkansas at Little Rock, 2011-2015
MSE Control Systems, University of Sheffield, Sheffield, United Kingdom, 2006-2007
BS Computer Engineering, COMSATS Institute of Information Technology, Islamabad, Pakistan, 1999-2003

I joined the Department of Biomedical Engineering in January 2022 as an Assistant Teaching Professor. My research interests lie in human movement control, machine learning, and neural engineering. My PhD research focused on developing a machine learning algorithm based on the notion of muscle synergies for classification of different walking modes. Later in my career, I worked at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston where I examined the feasibility of exoskeletons for assisted walking in patients with neurological disorders. Recently, I was working as a postdoctoral researcher at Northwestern University, where I examined the mechanisms of muscle weakness in stroke and bilateral effects of stroke on motoneuron excitability.  

As a teacher, creation of a positive classroom culture is at the forefront of my goals. I strongly believe that when students develop a sense of belonging in the classroom, it makes them intrinsically motivated and passionate about acquiring knowledge. In addition, as an instructor, my aim is to help students transition from a fixed mindset to a growth mindset. In past, I often provide them examples where they can relate the new information with their prior knowledge, thus facilitating the learning process. In summary, I desire to provide my students with an environment that is not only conducive for their learning and growth as a biomedical engineer, but also helps them develop into an empathetic human being.