Electrical and Computer Engineer, ML PhD Candidate
Faruk is a 5th-year Ph.D. candidate in Machine Learning at Georgia Tech with expertise in signal processing, statistical detection-estimation, information theory, and private, verifiable AI for semantic communication. His journey began with an undergraduate internship where he developed an algorithm for the geo-localization of moving targets. This experience sparked an interest that extended into his undergraduate research, as he explored indoor, visible light-based statistical localization problems, eventually offering a solution through a database-assisted nonlinear least squares algorithm.
Faruk’s first Ph.D. project involved enhancing communication and privacy in Federated Learning using information-theoretic bounds as a tool. More recently, he has shifted his focus to the field of Semantic Communication. His research initially explored a theoretical foundation for systems to communicate logical meaning to enable AI agents to make effective, rational, and transparent decisions with less data. A key part of his contribution involves analyzing the properties of semantic information in First-Order Logic (FOL)-based communication systems designed for symbolic reasoning tasks.
Ultimately, his research aims to address a critical challenge: while current deep learning-based methods are bandwidth-efficient, they function as opaque “black boxes,” making them unsuitable for safety-critical systems that demand transparency and verifiability. Conversely, symbolic reasoning frameworks offer explainability but lack a scalable communication theory. Faruk’s work aims to bridge this gap by developing a principled neurosymbolic framework that unifies the efficiency of neural networks with the verifiability of symbolic logic. This approach is critical for building the next generation of efficient and trustworthy AI in autonomous systems, intelligent infrastructure, and 6G wireless networks. As this exciting area continues to evolve, Faruk is eager to contribute to and shape its development. Stay tuned for his latest insights and breakthroughs!
Thriving on a unique blend of result-driven focus and calculated risk-taking, Faruk passionately tackles challenging problems. Leveraging his strong leadership abilities, commitment to team collaboration, and exceptional interpersonal skills, he seamlessly navigates complex scenarios. Through effective communication, he excels in translating complexity into clarity, equipping both himself and those around him to meet objectives confidently and with ease.
Originally from Turkey, Faruk pursued his studies in Ankara and has extensively traveled across Europe, including Ukraine. Today, he is happily settled in the vibrant city of Atlanta. A firm believer in balance, Faruk embraces a lifestyle that includes regular workouts, outdoor adventures, and meaningful contributions to his community.
Ph.D. in Machine Learning
2021 – present
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA, USA
M.S. in Electrical and Computer Eng. 2021 – 2023
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA, USA
B.S. in Electrical and Electronics Eng. 2016 – 2021
Bilkent University
Ankara, TURKEY
Graduate Teaching Assistant
2021 – 2023
Georgia Institute of Technology
Atlanta, GA, USA
“ECE3005: Professional and Technical Communications for ECE“
1. A. F. Saz, S. Xiong, F. Fekri, “On The Theory of Semantic Information and Communication for Logical Inference”, IEEE WCNC (Submitted), 2026.
2. Y. M. Saidutta, A. F. Saz, A. Abdi, F. Fekri, “A Machine Learning Framework for Task-Oriented Distributed Semantic Communication over Wireless Channels in IoT”, IEEE OJSP (In Review), 2025.
3. A. F. Saz, S. Xiong, F. Fekri, “Lossy Semantic Communication for the Logical Deduction of the State of the World”, IEEE GLOBECOMM (Accepted), 2025.
4. A. M. Alamoudi, A. F. Saz, Y. M. Saidutta, F. Fekri, “SemTexIB: Semantic Text Communication with Information Bottleneck: Integrating Rate and Semantic Similarity into Training Objectives”, IEEE GLOBECOMM (Accepted), 2025.
5. A. F. Saz, S. Xiong, F. Fekri, “DISCD: Distributed Lossy Semantic Communication for Logical Deduction of Hypothesis”, IEEE ICMLCN (Accepted), 2025.
6. A. F. Saz, S. Xiong, F. Fekri, “Lossy Semantic Communication for the Logical Deduction of the State of the World”, IEEE WCNC (Accepted), 2025.
7. A. F. Saz, Y. M. Saidutta, F. Fekri, M. R. Akdeniz, B. Edwards, N. Himayat, “Attri-Fed: A GIB Framework for Attribute-Based Privacy and Communication-Efficient Federated Learning,”, IEEE SPAWC (Accepted), 2023.
8. A. F. Saz, S. Gezici, “Database Assisted Nonlinear Least Squares Algorithm for Visible Light Positioning in NLOS Environments,” Research Report (ArXiv), 2020.
Signal Processing & Communications: Digital Signal Processing, Information Theory, Telecommunications, Computer Networks, Random Processes
ML and Optimization: Statistical Machine Learning and Data Analytics, Mathematical Foundations of Machine Learning, Probabilistic Graphical Models in ML, Convex Optimization, Online Decision Making, Probability Theory for Scientists and Engineers.
Programming and Entrepreneurship: Advanced Programming Techniques, Tech Entrepreneur.
Programming (Advanced): Python, Matlab
Programming (Intermediate): Java, C++
Software: TensorFlow, PyTorch, Keras, Anaconda, Numpy, Pandas, Scikit-learn, SciPy, LaTeX
Language: Turkish (native), English (TOEFL: Total: 112/120, Read.: 30, List.: 26, Speak.: 27, Writ.: 29, GRE: Verbal Reasoning: 154/170, Quantitative Reasoning: 170/170, Analytical Writing: 4/6)
Intel Corporation | Atlanta, GA (Remote) | May 2022 – August 2022
Graduate Technical Intern
– Completed the development of a Generalized Information Bottleneck-based privacy solution for NSF & Intel’s MLWiNS project, achieving information theoretic attribute-based obfuscation in Federated Learning. Generative adversarial minimax optimization is the core machinery of the framework, producing informative yet private transformations of input data. Transferred the technology to Intel.
– Formulated an ‘attribute-based’ extension of Differential Privacy (AB-DP) by relaxing its assumptions. AB-DP guarantees only hold for a subset of input attributes, tilting privacy-accuracy trade-off towards accuracy.
– Demonstrated the inherent compatibility between attribute-based and regular notions of Differential Privacy.
– Validated the method using TF with the Colored MNIST dataset. Later, re-implemented the algorithm with PyTorch to integrate it with Intel OpenFL federated learning platform. Experimentally demonstrated DP performance using Meta Opacus Toolbox.
– Proposed framework of privacy is expected to be useful when not all features of input data is sensitive, or only a particular attribute needs to remain private (i.e., gender, face, color etc.)
Bilkent University | Ankara, Turkey | May 2021 – August 2021
Undergraduate Research Assistant
– Designed a novel visible light-based positioning algorithm for indoor non-line-of-sight environments by fusing two existing frameworks in the literature, fingerprinting and non-linear least squares, to improve localization performance.
– Showcased algorithms superiority through MATLAB experimentation. Summarized findings in the form of a technical report and published on arxiv.
– Practical use cases: self-guided museum tours, indoor infant tracking.
Meteksan Defence | Ankara, Turkey | July 2017 – August 2017
Summer Intern
Meteksan is a Turkish defense corp. that produces military radios and electronic warfare systems.
– Designed a printed log-periodic dipole antenna that can operate in the frequency range 1.5-2.5 GHz using CST software. Tested antenna with a network analyzer and presented the results to entire department.
– Received a return offer for a full-time position upon successful completion of internship.
TUBITAK Bilgem Iltaren | Ankara, Turkey | June 2016 – July 2016
Summer Intern
Tubitak is the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey, a government research institution
– Created a simulation program in Matlab to geolocate a moving object using TDOA and AOA-based geometric localization techniques under various levels of noise and conducts error analysis to determine estimate reliability. Showcased the results to entire R&D department and intern cohort.
– Received a return offer for a full-time position upon successful completion of internship.
Qualcomm Fellowship, 2022
– Awarded to students specializing in Wireless Comms. to support advancements in the field.
GT LEAD Leadership Fellowship, 2022 – 2023
– Endowed to exemplary students within GT community to bolster their leadership development.
Outstanding Success Scholarship, 2016 – 2021
– Granted by Turkish Education Association to students with distinct vision, character, and success to reinforce their college education.
Comprehensive Scholarship, 2016 – 2021
– Given to successful students. Covers tuition, housing, and includes a stipend.
298th in University Placement Exam, 2016
– In a cohort of 2+ million students.
High Honor Roll (Undergraduate), 2016 – 2021
– All semesters.
QPR Gatekeeper Certificate, 2023
– Question, Persuade, Refer framework-based suicide prevention training.
Engaging with Different Personalities, 2019
– Turkish Education Association-led seminars to establish successful professional relationships with different personalities.
Ericsson Professional Foundation Program, 2019
– Series of educations on computer networks, 5G, AI, Machine Learning, Data Science, Cloud, Automation, Blockchain, IoT, Communications.
Rotary Foundation (Turkish Branch), 2018
– Attended Leadership Development camp.
Advanced Programming Techniques Course Projects | Fall 2022
– Implemented several projects in C++, gaining proficiency in common graduate-level algorithms, libraries, templates, and applications.
– These projects include:
o Finding number of unique paths in a maze through dynamic programming.
o Solving a large number of Sudoku’s concurrently through multithreading.
o Multiplying large matrices efficiently with OpenMP.
o Creating a 2D Pacman game via SFML graphics library.
o Computing temperature of a plate in a HPC cluster GPU with CUDA and Open MPI.
o Creating a multi-client error log server via SFML networking tools.
o Rendering a 3D sonic game map model from multiple meshes using OpenGL.
Statistical Learning and Data Analytics Course Project | Fall 2020
– Created a Suicide Number Predictor to approximate number of suicides to be committed over the next year in a target country.
– Preprocessed Kaggle World Statistics Dataset to interpolate missing values. Ridge / Lasso Regression with PCA, Neural Networks and Random Forests are implemented from scratch (sans any machine learning tools). Achieved ~93% accuracy.
– Prepared a poster and presented the results in an exhibition.
Computer Networks Course Projects | Spring 2019
– Coded a web client via Java Socket API that can send and receive images to/from a web server implementing TCP protocol and providing authentication service.
– Coded a reliable data transfer protocol (Selective Repeat Protocol) over UDP via Java Socket API and threading to ensure reliable data transfer over UDP.
Microprocessors and Digital Design Course Projects | Spring 2018 – Fall 2018
– Developed an ATM using a mbed-enabled FRDM-KL25Z and Arduino Mega. OLED display, Bluetooth and force resistive sensors, and a touchpad are interfaced to Arduino and mbed. A colorful UX, opening and closing multiple accounts, depositing & withdrawing cash and coins, and overdraft alerts were among the functionalities.
– Designed a responsible parking system allowing only drivers who obey the speed limits (as estimated by ultrasonic sensors) and know the password to enter to a parking garage. An FPGA (programmed via VHDL), servo motors and ultrasonic sensors were utilized.
Amateur Radio for Analog Electronics Course Project | Fall 2017
– Soldered and tested an analog transceiver circuit that can transmit & receive audio signals at two different frequencies (28 KHz and 28.8 KHz).
Quiz Game for Programming Course Project | Spring 2017
– Contributed to a location-based android game where players need to be at certain coordinates to unlock & answer questions, collect points (developed with a group of 5).
Resident Asst. at Grad Housing, 2023 – present
– Assisting residents to enhance their stay at GT Graduate Housing. Serves as first point-of-contact in all issues regarding housing.
– Helping out-of-state and international residents to integrate to GT and State of GA.
– Organizing biweekly fun events to build a fun, connected, and inclusive community.
LEAD @ GT, 2022 – present
– Coaching undergraduates to support their personal, professional, academic, and leadership development.
Turkish Education Association, 2016 – present
– Attended in-network trainings for personal growth. Currently a statutory member.
Mentor’ink, 2021 – present
– Mentoring Turkish students on Ph.D. degree, Ph.D. applications, and work opportunities abroad.
Coursework (Undergraduate): Introduction to Computer Graphics; Introduction to Psychology; Introduction to Social Psychology; Cultures, Civilizations, and Ideas I & II; Science, Technology and Society; Introductory Astronomy; Basics of Photography.
Readings and Essays: History, Philosophy, Psychology, Economy and Finance, Theology.
Extracurriculars: Science-based regular workouts at gym, occasional hiking, lover of fine food & hater of cooking.
AHMET FARUK SAZ 