Combining his AI expertise with his passion for mental health support, London Met graduate Rohullah explains why he applied to become a KTP Associate with London Met, and the benefits it has brought him so far.
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I'm Rohullah Khalid, an AI enthusiast with a background in computer science and web development. I completed my MSc in Artificial Intelligence from London Metropolitan University in 2023, focusing on autonomous vehicles for my final project. Currently, I'm a KTP Associate – AI at London Met, starting March 2024.
What brought you to this role as a KTP Associate with London Met?
The opportunity to work on a project that aligns closely with my passion for using AI to support mental health and psychological well-being brought me to this role. The KTP program offers a unique hybrid environment, combining academic research with practical business implementation, which I believe is an excellent way to start my career in AI.
Tell us more about the KTP you manage.
I'm managing a two-year KTP project to build an Intelligent Personalised Information System (IPIS) supporting the UK's unpaid carers. This partnership involves UKRI, London Metropolitan University, and Mobilise. We're developing a personalised recommendation system using various user data, including demographics, service interactions, and emotion detection. The goal is to create comprehensive user profiles and generate tailored support plans to help carers overcome challenges in their roles.
What is your biggest passion in life and where did that passion come from?
My biggest passion is using AI to help people with mental health and psychological problems. This passion stems from my belief that one of the most significant issues facing humanity is the lack of happiness due to various life challenges. I realised that the greatest contribution I could make would be to help people overcome these problems that lead to dissatisfaction, depression, sadness, and mental instability.
What drives you?
I'm driven by the desire to make a positive impact on people's lives, particularly in the areas of mental health and well-being. The opportunity to use cutting-edge AI technology to address real-world problems and improve the quality of life for others is what motivates me every day.
What has been the proudest moment in your life?
One of my proudest moments was securing this KTP Associate position. It represents the culmination of my academic journey and the beginning of a career where I can directly apply AI to help improve people's lives, which has been my long-standing goal.
Tell us a little bit about your interests outside of work and why they are important to you.
Outside of work, I enjoy playing chess, running, practising meditation, and reading about spirituality. These activities are important to me because they help maintain a balance in my life. Chess challenges my strategic thinking, running keeps me physically fit, meditation improves my mental clarity and focus, and reading about spirituality broadens my perspective on life and helps me stay grounded.
What’s next in your career?
My immediate focus is on successfully completing this KTP project and maximising its impact on supporting unpaid carers. In the longer term, I aim to continue working at the intersection of AI and mental health support, potentially pursuing further research or entrepreneurial opportunities in this field.
Do you have any advice for anyone considering applying for KTP Associate roles?
For those considering KTP Associate roles, I would highly recommend it. These positions offer a unique opportunity to work in a hybrid environment, combining academic research with practical business applications. It's an excellent way to kickstart your career, allowing you to grow both professionally and personally. My advice would be to look for KTP projects that align with your passions and long-term career goals, as this alignment can make the experience even more rewarding.
"The opportunity to use cutting-edge AI technology to address real-world problems and improve the quality of life for others is what motivates me every day."