معرفی
Abul Azad is Professor in the Department of Engineering Technology at Northern Illinois University (NIU), where he has served since 2001. He is an active researcher and mentor whose work focuses on Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud technologies, with an emphasis on machine-to-machine collaboration, autonomous systems, and machine-learning-driven navigation. Beyond his scholarly pursuits, he has held significant leadership roles in global professional organizations and has contributed extensively to university governance.
Education
- University of Dhaka, Bangladesh
- University of Sheffield, United Kingdom
Research Interests
Professor Azad’s research centers on cutting-edge applications of Internet of Things (IoT) and cloud technologies. He explores how machine-to-machine collaboration can enable autonomous systems—most notably drones and ground vehicles—to work together in search-and-rescue missions. His projects integrate machine-learning algorithms for real-time path planning, obstacle avoidance, and adaptive navigation, demonstrating tangible outcomes through successful field trials. These endeavors sit at the intersection of robotics, distributed computing, and engineering education, reflecting his commitment to both advancing technology and training the next generation of engineers.
Professional Leadership & Service
Abul Azad holds multiple influential positions that shape global standards and educational practices:
- Secretary, IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee (2018–present)
- President, Global Online Laboratory Consortium (2014–present)
- Vice President, International Association of Online Engineering (2012–present)
- Senior Member, IEEE, ISA, IET (UK), ASEE, and others
- Former Editor-in-Chief, International Journal of Online Engineering
- Program Evaluator for ABET/TAC and reviewer for US, European, and Australian funding agencies
- Executive Board Member, ASEE Computing & Information Technology Division (2003–2014)
University Governance & Mentorship
Since 2001, Professor Azad has participated in shared governance at NIU, serving on the Faculty Senate Executive Committee, Strategic Enrollment Management Committee, Undergraduate Coordinating Council, University Press Board, Graduate School Appeal Committee, and numerous college- and department-level committees. For three and a half years he served as Associate Dean for Undergraduate Academic Affairs, Outreach, and Diversity in the College of Engineering and Engineering Technology (CEET), where he oversaw undergraduate programs, recruitment, retention, central advising, and student groups while supervising four staff members. He deeply values mentoring, noting that guiding students through academic and career challenges keeps him connected to emerging developments and provides immense personal fulfillment.
Personal Reflections
Both of Professor Azad’s sons attended NIU, with one currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Computer Science on campus. Outside academia, he enjoys reconnecting with nature at a farmhouse and has traveled extensively, engaging with diverse cultures and perspectives that continue to broaden his worldview.
