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Muntasir Hossain �Ӱ�ԭ��23 is interested in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI), and he took the opportunity to explore these cutting-edge topics in depth this summer.

Through the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship (SURF) program, Hossain began his work by researching heart disease as a potential area of focus for machine learning. He learned about the severity of the disease, which does not have a cure, and he explored how machine learning �Ӱ�ԭ�� the study of teaching computers to recognize and identify patterns in data �Ӱ�ԭ�� could be used to detect what is currently the leading cause of death in the U.S.

�Ӱ�ԭ��Machine learning can be used as a cost-effective means of detecting heart disease at an early stage and preventing it,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Hossain, a computer science major. �Ӱ�ԭ��The results would be used by diagnosticians to make a more reliable diagnosis very quickly.�Ӱ�ԭ��

Because of the coronavirus pandemic, Hossain conducted his research and completed his SURF project online. Using , an open source machine learning software, Hossain trained and tested multiple algorithms on a heart disease dataset.

"I was fascinated by how the algorithms would be able to find mathematical relationships and patterns in the dataset." Muntasir Hossain �Ӱ�ԭ��23

He focused on developing three essential algorithms that would accurately detect heart disease and identifying the minimum number of attributes �Ӱ�ԭ�� predictors of heart disease, such as angina �Ӱ�ԭ�� that he would need to get a comprehensive diagnosis. He also explored the impact the attributes had on predicting heart disease, using algorithms to better understand the data.

�Ӱ�ԭ��I had to understand the process behind how the algorithms actually performed behind the scenes,�Ӱ�ԭ�� he said. �Ӱ�ԭ��This was one of the most exciting parts of the research for me. I was fascinated by how the algorithms would be able to find mathematical relationships and patterns in the dataset.�Ӱ�ԭ��

Working with Stephanie Gillespie, Ph.D., a lecturer and associate dean of the University�Ӱ�ԭ��s Tagliatela College of Engineering, Hossain learned a great deal about machine learning algorithms, statistics, and heart disease. He also discovered a passion for AI and machine learning, and he is now considering a career as a machine learning engineer �Ӱ�ԭ�� something he has also explored with Dr. Gillespie.

"I hope this research shows that machine learning has amazing applications in today�Ӱ�ԭ��s world and can be used to help people in so many different ways." Muntasir Hossain �Ӱ�ԭ��23

�Ӱ�ԭ��Working with Dr. Gillespie has been absolutely wonderful,�Ӱ�ԭ�� said Hossain, who met with Dr. Gillespie weekly via while working on his project. �Ӱ�ԭ��She guided me but gave me freedom to explore. I would share my �Ӱ�ԭ��discoveries�Ӱ�ԭ�� with a lot of enthusiasm and in great detail, and she would listen. Being able to share the information and ask questions helped me understand it all, and I am very thankful for such an amazing mentor.�Ӱ�ԭ��

Hossain�Ӱ�ԭ��s research suggests that machine learning can help lower the death rate of heart disease. He believes machine learning will continue to make an impact on the medical field.

�Ӱ�ԭ��I hope this research shows that machine learning has amazing applications in today�Ӱ�ԭ��s world and can be used to help people in so many different ways,�Ӱ�ԭ�� he said. �Ӱ�ԭ��I hope that diagnosticians begin seeing the amazing potential of machine learning and start using it in their practices.�Ӱ�ԭ��