Farhan Ali is an Assistant Professor in the Learning Sciences and Assessment Academic Group. A neuroscientist by training, he was previously an Associate Research Scientist at Yale University School of Medicine, performing translational neuroscience research related to brain disorders and learning using neuroimaging. Farhan received his PhD (Neuroscience) from Harvard University doing basic research on brain circuits underlying learning and a BSocSci (Psychology, 1st Class Honours) from National University of Singapore with undergraduate research in brain and cognition.

Farhan has taught and supervised students at NTU and Yale University in the areas of neuroscience, psychology, and education. His students have co-published papers and gone on to pursue education and STEM-related careers. At NIE, his teaching portfolio includes AI/machine learning, quantitative methods, technologies for learning and science of learning.

Research goals:
How we feel and what pushes us can determine what, and how much, we learn. Thus, our group is interested in using modern methods from educational data mining/data science, machine learning, and big data to better understand the complexities of emotions and motivation such as interest, curiosity, engagement. We tackle these issues particularly in technology-rich environments such as digital learning and social media. The overall goal is to discover and apply new knowledge to enhance learning experiences/outcomes, human functioning, and well-being.

Undergraduates, graduate students and research fellows are welcome to join our group.
Funding for PhD studies is available. More information at: https://www.findaphd.com/phds/project/emotion-and-motivation-in-everyday-informal-learning-a-big-data-machine-learning-approach/?p174912