Shocker alum Arfath Mohammad is using artificial intelligence to help save lives during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Coronavirus has affected thousands of people all over the United States. I wanted to find a way to contribute and help prevent the spread,” said Arfath Mohammad, who graduated with a master’s degree in mechanical engineering in 2020.

Mohammad is making strides with an artificial intelligence-based software that helps enforce COVID-19 safety precautions, such as wearing face coverings, social distancing and hand-washing.

The software uses the face detection capabilities, allowing a machine to continuously monitor the surveillance camera in stores or crowded areas. The software then identifies people who are not wearing face coverings or taking precautions and alerts and managers.

With more safety precautions in placed at most retail and gathering locations, it’s essential to wear a face covering and prevent the spread of the virus. The software allows employers to ensure their customers are following social distancing and face covering precautions.

“I believe that the purpose of knowledge is to solve problems creatively using innovation,” Mohammad said. “After this pandemic, my plan is to develop and implement solutions and software’s using cutting- edge technologies in order to help humanity and make the world a better place to live.”

During Arfath Mohammad’s time at Wichita State he was the recipient of the WSU Ventures Bright Future award for innovation in 2016, and the Rhatigan Student Center dedicated a wall in his honor for his accomplishments in programing and innovation. His achievements opened doors to the development of several software applications that focus on the welfare of students and the community during his studies at Wichita State.

Along with his COVID-19 specific software, Mohammad was the first student to independently develop a computer program that prevents device theft. The software, called Dev-O-Theft, combats thievery of phones, tablets, laptops and other electronic devices used at Wichita State. He is also working on a development that will allow families to search and find missing persons through face detection techniques.

Overall, through his software development, Mohammad simply wants to help those around him.

“Programming is not just about writing codes, but it's more about thinking and using it for solving society problems,” Mohammad said. “I only want to help those around me through technology and software.”