RAJSHAHI : A day-long intensive workshop was organised by 
the Department of Mechanical Engineering of Rajshahi University of 
Engineering and Technology (RUET) to equip students with modern engineering 
skills and AI-based decision-making capabilities.
 
The workshop titled "Optimization: From GPA Prediction to AI-Powered 
Engineering Decision Making" started at 9 am on Thursday at the university's 
Mechanical Engineering department and was completed through various sessions 
throughout the day.
 
The main trainer and speaker of the workshop was Anan Ashrabi Ananya, a 
former student of the Mechanical Engineering Department of RUET.
 
He is currently a PhD researcher in Industrial Optimization at Link"ping 
University in Sweden and is working as a consultant on Artificial 
Intelligence (AI) and Optimization at Sweden-based organisation 'Norminds'.
 
On behalf of the organising Department of Mechanical Engineering, present 
were Professor Dr. Mahadi Hasan Masud, Prof Md. Wahedul Islam, Lecturer Md. 
Tanzib Hossain Akash, Lecturer Md. Rasel Ahmed, Lecturer Mohammad Raihan and 
others related to the department.
 
A total of 50 students selected from among the applicants of different years 
of the Mechanical Engineering Department got the opportunity to participate 
in the workshop.
 
This event, divided into five sessions, provided theoretical discussions and 
hands-on training on the use of data analytics, prediction models, 
optimization and artificial intelligence in solving real-world engineering 
problems in each phase.
 
In the first session, data analytics and decision making was discussed, where 
effective decision making through data analysis and the basic concept of 
predictive modeling were highlighted in the morning.

The fundamental topics of engineering optimization were presented through 
examples of real engineering problems in the second session.
 
In the third session held before the lunch break, detailed discussion and 
demonstration was held on how 'Machine Learning' and 'Reinforcement Learning' 
technologies are being effectively used in the engineering sector.
 
In the afternoon, an optimization boot-camp was organized for the students, 
where participants worked hands-on to solve practical optimization problems 
through a Python Lab and a Mini Hackathon in the fourth session.
 
In the concluding session, titled "Engineering Careers in the Age of AI", 
guidance was given on the necessary skills for engineers in the age of 
artificial intelligence, opportunities for higher education and possibilities 
of building a career at the international level.
 
The participating students said that such practical workshops and mini 
hackathons have greatly helped them understand the combination of data 
science, machine learning and modern engineering technology.

Especially the Python Lab and the career guideline session will create a 
strong foundation for their future career and higher education.
 
The fruitful day-long workshop came to a successful conclusion with the 
collection of students' opinions and feedback, distribution of participation 
certificates and concluding remarks.