Nova Ahmed

University of Dhaka (1996–2002)
Nova Ahmed earned her Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Computer Science from the University of Dhaka. Her foundational academic excellence here led to her initial appointment as a university lecturer shortly after graduation.

Georgia State University (2003–2004)
She pursued an additional Master of Science in Computer Science at Georgia State University. Her master's thesis focused on parallel and distributed algorithms for pair-wise genome alignment and multiple genome sequence alignment.

Georgia Institute of Technology (2005–2010)
She completed her Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in the College of Computing at the Georgia Institute of Technology. Her doctoral dissertation explored the development of a reliable framework for unreliable RFID devices.

Nova Ahmed's professional journey began as a Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Dhaka in 2002. Seeking advanced research opportunities, she moved to the United States, where she worked as a Graduate Research Assistant at Georgia State University and later at the Georgia Institute of Technology. During this period, she focused on parallel and distributed algorithms and reliable frameworks for unreliable RFID devices. In 2009, she also gained valuable industry experience as a Research Intern at the Federal Reserve Bank in Atlanta.

After earning her Ph.D. in 2010, she briefly worked as a Research Scientist II at the Georgia Tech Research Institute. However, driven by a strong desire to contribute to her home country, she returned to Bangladesh in 2011. She joined North South University as an Associate Professor in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering. Here, she established herself as a leading voice in computing research, focusing heavily on systems that support healthcare and accessibility.

In recent years, Dr. Ahmed has spearheaded numerous groundbreaking research projects tailored to the Bangladeshi context. Her work includes developing a PCOS chatbot named 'Joyee', designing pragmatic safety equipment like the 'Shurokkha Helmet' for construction workers, and exploring technology inaccessibility for people with visual impairments. She has also extensively researched the impact of technology on low-income RMG workers, especially during global crises like the COVID-19 pandemic.

Her contributions extend beyond academia into active community engagement and policy advocacy. She serves as an Adjunct Researcher for the Biomedical Research Foundation in Dhaka, applying her ICT expertise to public health challenges. She has also been a vocal advocate for AI accountability and ethical data practices from the perspective of the Global South. Her collaborative research framework aims to ensure that marginalized voices are included in the global technology discourse.

As of 2026, Nova Ahmed continues to publish prolifically in top-tier academic journals and conferences, including ACM and IEEE. She remains dedicated to fostering a more inclusive digital future by combining rigorous computer science with deep social empathy. Her interdisciplinary approach makes her one of the most influential contemporary scientists in Bangladesh.

Nova Ahmed balances her rigorous academic and research commitments with a deeply fulfilling personal life. She is known among her peers as a devoted family person who prioritizes spending her free time with her loved ones. Despite her demanding professional schedule, she maintains a strong presence in her family's daily activities. Her ability to navigate the challenges of being a female academic and a mother serves as an inspiration to many of her students.

A core component of her personal ethos is her dedication to community service and philanthropy. She is exceptionally passionate about introducing children to the wonders of science and mathematics outside of formal classroom settings. She frequently organizes and participates in workshops designed to make STEM subjects accessible and engaging for younger minds. Her volunteer work often targets underprivileged areas where such educational resources are scarce.

Furthermore, Nova Ahmed is a fierce advocate for women in computing. She actively mentors young female students, guiding them through the often male-dominated tech landscape. She shares her own experiences to help them overcome systemic barriers and build confidence in their technical abilities. Her personal and professional lives are seamlessly integrated through this shared mission of empowerment and education.