Muhammad Fawad Akbar Khan
Assistant Research Scientist
About
Muhammad Fawad Akbar Khan specializes in large language models, generative AI, and education-centered machine learning systems. His work focuses on the development of artificial intelligence and machine learning systems that support learning, fairness, interpretability, and scalable educational applications.
His research includes the development and deployment of a GPT-powered Intelligent Tutoring System serving more than 300 students and integrating fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation, keystroke analytics, and agent-based feedback for personalized instruction. His work also includes cognitive-load prediction, learning analytics, education data mining, explainable and responsible AI, and fairness in machine learning. He has published research across IEEE, ACM, and Educational Data Mining venues.
His research includes the development and deployment of a GPT-powered Intelligent Tutoring System serving more than 300 students and integrating fine-tuning, retrieval-augmented generation, keystroke analytics, and agent-based feedback for personalized instruction. His work also includes cognitive-load prediction, learning analytics, education data mining, explainable and responsible AI, and fairness in machine learning. He has published research across IEEE, ACM, and Educational Data Mining venues.
Affiliations
- Anita Zucker Center for Excellence in Early Childhood Studies
Research Interests
Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science Education, Data Collection and Analysis, Educational Data Mining, Learning Analytics, Machine Learning
Education
- Ph.D. in Computer Science, 2026, Utah State University
- M.S. in Computer Systems Engineering, 2020, University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar
- B.S. in Computer Systems Engineering, 2018, University of Engineering & Technology, Peshawar
Professional Appointments
- Graduate Research Assistant, Utah State University, 2021–2026
- Research Associate, National Center of AI, University of Engineering & Technology Peshawar, 2019–2021
- Project Engineer, US-Pakistan Center for Advanced Studies in Energy, University of Engineering & Technology Peshawar, 2018–2019
Activities and Honors
- Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, Utah State University Department of Computer Science, 2024
- Graduate Research Fellowship, Dr. Hamid Karimi Startup Grant, 2023–2024
- Summa Cum Laude, University of Engineering & Technology, 2020
Selected Publications
Articles
- Khan, M. F. A., et al. (2026). A Deeper Look Into LLM-generated Feedback During Python Programming. Under review.
- Student-perceived Cognitive Load of LLM-generated Programming Exercises. IEEE, 2025.
- Human Evaluation of GPT for Scalable Python Programming Exercise Generation. IEEE, 2024.
- Assessing the Promise and Pitfalls of ChatGPT for Automated Code Generation. Educational Data Mining, 2024.
- Deciphering Student Coding Behavior. IEEE, 2023.
- A New Framework to Assess the Individual Fairness of Probabilistic Classifiers. IEEE International Conference on Machine Learning and Applications, 2023.
- Enhancing Automated Grade Prediction Using Graph Learning. IEEE BigData, 2023.
- An Analysis of the Dynamics of Ties on Twitter. IEEE BigData, 2023.
- Enhancing Individual Fairness through Propensity Score Matching. IEEE Data Science and Advanced Analytics, 2022.
- Lithological mapping of Kohat basin in Pakistan using multispectral remote sensing data. Applied Science, 2022.
- A fusion of feature-oriented principal components of multispectral data. Applied Science, 2021.
- Mapping allochemical limestone formations using google cloud architecture. ISPRS International Journal of Geo-Information, 2021.
Presentations
- Learning Analytics & Intelligent Tutoring Systems, Guest Lecture, AI Applications in Education, Utah State University, 2025
- AI-Powered Programming Tutor Demonstration, Intro to Python Programming, Utah State University, 2024
- Machine Learning, Keystroke Analytics, and AI-in-Education Tools, Workshop Instructor, Intro to Data Analysis, Utah State University, 2024