Arash Zargar is a Work Study Student in the Digital Humanities and Cinema Iranica projects. Arash is currently pursuing his PhD at the University of Toronto where his research focuses on the development of innovative numerical models for the study of human lung tissue diseases. Arash began his academic career studying aerospace engineering at Amirkabir University of Technology in Tehran, and subsequently acquired his master’s degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Alberta. Arash served as the Editor-in-Chief for Peik Scientific Magazine where he managed a team of over thirty individuals and ensured the production of significant scientific content. He was also an executive member of the Iranian Students’ Association at University of Alberta, earning several accolades from the university. Complementing his academic and professional pursuits, over the past decade he has been mastering the Setar, a classic Iranian musical instrument.
“I, Arash Zargar, have been a work-study student at the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies since April 2023. In this role, I have contributed to the development of Artificial Intelligence-driven tools for the analysis of Persian Poetry, with a specific focus on Iranian Women Poets. My involvement in this project not only allowed me to connect deeply with my cultural heritage as an Iranian but also provided a platform for me to contribute meaningfully to its exploration and preservation. Additionally, this role has significantly enhanced my programming language skills, particularly in utilizing Large Language Models like ChatGPT for research purposes.
It has been an enriching experience to work as part of a team at the Institute. One particular achievement I am proud of is our successful collaboration in overcoming technical obstacles to implement AI-driven analysis tools tailored specifically for Persian poetry. Through this experience, I have gained invaluable insights into the intersection of technology and humanities, learning the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration in tackling complex research challenges.
Furthermore, my time with the Institute has facilitated personal growth and skill development. I have honed my programming abilities, particularly in natural language processing and machine learning, which will undoubtedly benefit my future academic and professional endeavors. Moreover, the supportive and intellectually stimulating environment at the Institute has allowed me to cultivate strong relationships with my supervisors and fellow researchers, fostering a sense of belonging to a leading-edge scientific community.
Overall, the Elahé Omidyar Mir-Djalali Institute of Iranian Studies stands as an exemplary institution that not only promotes academic excellence but also fosters cultural preservation and interdisciplinary collaboration. It serves as an excellent model of learning and community, showcasing how scholarly endeavors can bridge diverse perspectives and contribute meaningfully to our understanding of the world.”