Tell us about yourself, your background, hobbies or something interesting about you

I’m from Isfahan, Iran, a city so beautiful it’s called “Half of the World.” Wandering through its bridges, mosques, and bustling bazaars as a child gave me a deep appreciation for art, detail, and history, and sparked a lifelong fascination with how creativity and design shape the way we live.

My journey later brought me to Estonia, where I earned my Ph.D. in Computer Science, exploring how big data and cloud technology can uncover patterns from healthcare to transportation and solve real word problems.  

Now, I’m part of the MariCybERA project, applying AI and cybersecurity to make the maritime world safer and more resilient.

Earlier, I contributed to AI & Robotics Estonia (AIRE), developing AI-driven tools to improve supply reliability in manufacturing. This experience showed me how transformative applied research can be for industries.  

My academic path has also taken me across Europe including Austria, the UK, and Portugal. I’ve had the privilege of collaborating with inspiring teams and learning new approaches to research and innovation. 

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time in nature, capturing moments through photography, painting, and watching films. I also like making candles and sharing them as a handmade gift with friends. 

What do you hope to gain from your work with the FinEst Centre?

For me, the FinEst Centre is the right place to turn ideas into real projects. What makes it special is the proactive team. They are always up to date with new ideas and challenges, and they bring their different skills together to expand these ideas to other countries as partners. In our weekly meetings, I learn something new from each of them, and that makes the experience both exciting and inspiring. 

I am excited to bring my skills in AI, big data, and digital twins to the FinEst Centre and to be part of its mission to build smarter and more sustainable cities. Working with Ralf-Martin Soe and such a talented team makes every day inspiring, full of energy, ideas, and opportunities to learn. 

I also see this as a chance to connect my research at the Estonian Maritime Academy with real challenges in ports, cities, and digital government. It is not only about theory but about creating solutions that can truly work in daily life. 

Most of all, I believe the knowledge, teamwork, and experience I gain here will help me grow and also give me the chance to contribute to a bigger vision: building cities that are more connected, sustainable, and climate-neutral by 2030. 

What have you noticed about the Centre, the work life, the team, or Estonia in general? 

What I’ve noticed most about the FinEst Centre is how a city connects to almost every field; government, safety, civil engineering, architecture, data, and much more. This multidisciplinary nature brings together people from very different backgrounds who all work toward the same target. I find that very inspiring. 

What I like most is the discipline and leadership of the team. There is a strong culture of sharing, supporting each other, and finding new opportunities to work together. I have learned a lot not only from projects but also from everyday conversations and teamwork. 

Estonia itself is the perfect place for this, with its advanced e-governance and openness to innovation, which makes the work here even more meaningful. 

What I enjoy most is seeing our research turn into real solutions that people can use in their daily lives. That is what motivates me, and I am looking forward to continuing this journey together.