Beyond the Lab

My appreciation for complex systems starts in the physical world. Growing up in Pakistan exposed me to a geography of stark contrasts, from the glaciated peaks of the Karakoram Range to the sweeping coastlines of the Arabian Sea. This sparked a fascination with how environments operate on a massive scale. I want to explore diverse global topographies like high-altitude ridges and rugged coastal archipelagos. This kind of exploration goes beyond travel, as it helps me understand the physical constraints that have historically shaped human movement and interaction.

Physical geography also influences the evolution of human language. I see a strong parallel between distributed networks and cultural systems. Both rely on syntax, exchange, and adaptation. Growing up speaking Urdu gives me a living case study, and tracing its vocabulary back to Farsi and Arabic roots naturally drew me into comparative linguistics.

Recently, I started exploring the Sino-Tibetan language family with a focus on Mandarin and Cantonese. But language never exists in isolation. The ancient trade routes of the Silk Road captivate me, as these networks allowed early mathematical, technological, and philosophical ideas to flow across West, Central, and East Asia. Understanding how different Asian cultures historically approached logic and ethics provides important context for working in today’s highly global research community.

Narrative Architecture & Cultural Storytelling

I also love intricate world-building and the mechanics of storytelling. I am enthralled by how we construct and communicate complex human experiences across different mediums. I often analyze these narratives through the lens of cinematic and interactive media scoring. I pay close attention to how composers use cultural music traditions and thematic leitmotifs, whereby they do not just accompany the story, rather, they establish cultural context, shape pacing, and drive the plot forward.

My tastes span a broad cultural spectrum. I admire the stark narratives anchored by Ennio Morricone's classic orchestrations, and I am equally drawn to the historical tragedies explored in West Asian epics like Mokhtarnameh, where atmospheric modal arrangements create a powerful emotional link to the past.

I am especially captivated by the meticulously crafted lore of contemporary East Asian digital worlds. Composers like Yu-Peng Chen and the HOYO-MiX team elevate these narratives by weaving traditional regional instruments into grand structures as they map the cultural geography of stories excellently through sound. I also appreciate the complex stories of modern Eastern media, where Yugo Kanno's dynamic compositions intensify the experience. Engaging with these works offers a masterclass in weaving cultural heritage, emotional depth, and artistic structure into a cohesive whole.