Research Interests

My research interests lie in the area of Software and Systems Engineering. The main focus of my research is on developing knowledge and techniques for creating better quality systems in shorter development cycles. In my work, I use a mixture of mathematical techniques and highly practical software engineering methods. I am interested in formal languages such as variants of Automata, Petri nets and semi-formal languages such as Unified Modelling Language (UML) and Business Process Modelling Languages. I am also interested in Automated Software Engineering and Software Tool development via technologies such as Model Driven Architecture (MDA) and Domain Specific Languages (DSL). Most recently, I have been working on the following topics:

For a brief description of my research activities, view my research page.

If you are interested to perform research, especially at PhD level, in any of these areas, email me.

Conference and events

Program Committee member of

Former and current PhD students and Research fellows

  • Thanos Staikopolous (graduated 2008)
  • Kyriakos Anastasakis (graduated 2009)
  • Seyyed Shah
  • Mohamed Ariff Ameedeen
  • Mohammed Alodib
  • Emsaieb Geepall
  • Philip Weber
  • Dr Xiaofeng Du

Teaching- past and present

Click on this link for my Teaching page including link to course details, Slides, Handouts,...

Software

  • Simple Transformer (SiTra): An MDD environment written in Java created in collaboration with University of Kent. SiTra allows specification of transformations in Java and embodies a powerful engine for the execution of transformations. SiTra has been applied to a number of case studies including transformation of state machine to VHDL and OWLs to BPEL. read more
  • UML2Alloy: a tool for automated transformation of models created in UML class diagrams and OCL to Alloy models. The Alloy model can be automatically analysed, hence the approach bridges the gap between design and analysis by allowing analysis of UML models via Alloy (with the help of SAT-solvers). UML2Alloy has been applied to analysis of Web applications, manufacturing systems and security in e-commerce systems.read more
  • Time Action Lock Checker (TALC): A tool for detecting deadlocks and time-action locks in Timed Automate models via using Rational Presburger Arithmetic (RPA). TALC is created in collaboration with University of Osaka, Japan, and embodies an implementation of the fastest available RPA algorithm. read more
  • Dblue : a transparent, fault-tolerant JDBC drive for connection via Bluetooth, which facilitates development of m-commerce applications such as various types of e-wallets. 

Collaborations

Academia: I am very fortunate to have worked with and have the following people as my co-authors and friends: Rene Boel, David Akehurst, Dirk Draheim, Gerald Weber, Russell Beale,John Derrick, George Jiroveano, Gill Waters, John Pym, Rachid Anane, Kozo Okano, David Holding, Juliana Bowles, Athanasios Staikopoulos, Kyriakos Anastasakis, Gareth Howells, Matthias Horn, Ina Schulz, Peter Rodgers, Nigel Dalgliesh, Luisa Giacomini,Geert Stremersch, Michael Evans, Steen Brahe, Guadalupe Ortiz,Juan Hernández, Sukhvir Dhillon, Geri Georg, Indrakshi Ray, Basim Majeed, Mohammed Alodib, Mohamed Ariff Ameedeen, Philip Weber, Emsaieb Geepall, Seyyed Shah

Industry: Among others, I have ongoing industrial collaboration with IBM Research (Switzerland), BT Research Laboratory (UK), Thales (UK) and Danske Bank (Denmark). In the past, I worked as an IBM visiting Scientist. In 2008, I was awarded BT Research Fellowship.