My research interests include serious games for physical rehabilitation, procedural generation, and affective computing.
The focus of my Bachelor thesis was on the procedural generation of realistic landscapes using noise, hydraulic erosion, and L-systems.
I also did undergraduate research with Dr. Violetta Cavalli-Sforza on affective gaming in survival horror games.
Currently, I've officially kicked off a new adventure and I'm building my very own gaming studio.
Below is a list of different research topics I worked on during my Bachelor's.
The overarching theme of my work is Procedural Generation
by leveraging Fractal noise, erosion simulations, L-systems, pseudorandom generation, and optimization.
I also explored Affective Computing in Survival Horror Games using facial emotion recognition to regulate emotions and intensify the fear evoked in players during gameplay.
In this work we explored the creation of a procedurally generated natural
3D landscape using Unity. To achieve this, we generated 2D height maps by using fractal
noise that combines layers of Perlin noise and Simplex noise. we then converted our
2D map to a triangulated mesh by assigning vertices, UVs, and triangles, and
recalculating the normals. The landscape is refined further using particle-based
hydraulic erosion and L-systems grammar is used to procedurally generate trees.
Affective Gaming
Affective Gaming to Maneuver Menace Levels in Survival Horror Games
We study methodologies for designing realistic AI behaviors in survival horror games with the goal of dynamically regulating threat intensity.
Leveraging Unity3D, we implement a game featuring an enemy behavior tree that integrates the player's emotional state to influence in-game scenarios. Employing facial emotion recognition and training a Convolutional Neural Network on CK+ and BU-3DFE datasets,
we track players' facial expressions over time intervals.
We then use our findings to adjust menace levels during gameplay, achieved through modifications in enemy behavior and level and sound design.
Selected Projects
The list includes my class projects at UNCC and AUI with emphasis on game design and programming. I also archived some interesting projects that I worked on outside of my studies.
Games at UNCC
Edelwyn's Cure
ITCS 4230 Introduction to Game Design and Development, Spring 2020,
Taught by Dr. Julio Bahamón
First Game Project
Code /
Video
I developed and designed a pandemic-themed 2D platformer in GMS2.
The game's lore centers on uncovering the plague's source and healing the land of Edelwyn.
Players navigate levels, collecting cure ingredients, and engage in tactical combat against infected enemies.
I implemented movement, diverse attacks, health, enemy AI, and inventory management mechanics.
Additionally, the game features dynamic hazard descents, enhancing strategic elements in level design.
The Alien Key
ITCS 4230 Introduction to Game Design and Development, Spring 2020,
Taught by Dr. Julio Bahamón
Second Game Project
Code
Designed and developed a 2D isometric game in GMS2, where the player, an alien ejected from their ship, embarks on a mission to locate the ship and return home.
The gameplay involves finding keys on each floor, overcoming guards with stealth-oriented strategies, and navigating challenging environments filled with lava and water obstacles.
The deliberate scarcity of powerups, such as special shoes enabling movement over lava and water, was implemented to add challenge.
Additionally, features like setting traps, inventory management, and pathfinding, along with diverse enemy types, contribute to the game's complexity.
This project was recognized for 'Best Implementation' in ITCS4230 at UNCC.
Hide & Seek Home
ITCS 4236 Artificial Intelligence for Computer Games, Spring 2020,
Taught by Dr. Daniel Jugan
Individual Game Project
Code
Designed and developed 'Hide and Seek Home,' a Unity 3D stealth horror game where players must escape from an AI.
The enemy strategically patrols escape gates, pursuing players within its angle and distance of vision.
To survive, players can hide or lock themselves in coffins strategically placed around the environment.
The game introduces elements like stepping on noisy branches or screaming to divert the enemy's attention.
Winning requires reaching the gates unnoticed, emphasizing stealth and strategic gameplay.
Executed the entire project, including partial asset creation using Blender.
Other Side Projects
Eternal Chase
Procedurally Generated Endless Runner, Unity 3D & Blender
Code /
Video
This game is a 3D endless runner, featuring a procedurally generated race track that dynamically expands the gaming experience.
Leveraging Poisson disk sampling, obstacles are strategically placed to introduce an unpredictable element.
In this project I implemented player controls, dynamic particle systems to elevate both menu UI and in-game visuals,
a scoring mechanism and a gradual difficulty progression system.
This project involved a comprehensive exploration of Blender and the utilization of Unity3D.
Tutoring Manager
Web and Desktop App to Manage a Tutoring Center, Java & PostgreSQL
This Tutoring Platform project employs Java technologies, specifically utilizing the Java Servlet API for the web application
and Java Swing for the desktop interface, efficiently manages tutoring center operations.
It handles various functionalities including session management, payment processing, course organization, and employee administration.
The platform ensures effective coordination of tutor-tutee interactions,
secure financial transactions, and streamlined administration of courses and personnel.
Calculate the homography matrix
Angle Rectification Using Linear Algebra
Angle Rectification of Images, Python
Utilizing homography as a focal point, this project functioned as an educational resource for tutoring linear algebra concepts to students.
It demonstrated practical applications in computer vision, employing image processing techniques such as blurring filters,
Otsu Thresholding, and the Douglas-Peucker algorithm. The project showcased how linear algebra principles are instrumental in
rectifying image angles and detecting contours.
Neb's Bakery
Bakery E-Commerce Website, Django
Web application for the efficient management of a bakery in Morocco. The system streamlines product listing,
order placement, reservations, and transaction management for administrative users.
Developed using Django and HTML/CSS/JS, this platform ensures seamless integration and user-friendly functionality,
enhancing overall operational efficiency for the bakery.
Through these projects, I hope you could see the process of my development and growth as an engineer.
Work Experiences
Throughout my undergraduate studies, I've had three internship opportunities.
Each internship provided unique insights and experiences. Currently, I work fulltime at Salesforce.
Technical Architect
Marketing Cloud Developer,
Mulesoft Integration,
Salesforce Inc.
Jan. 2023 ~ Current
Collaborated with renown clients to automate and optimize marketing campaigns using Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
Implemented solutions leveraging Javascript, AmpScript, and SQL for personalized and dynamic engagement.
Integrated Salesforce systems with external platforms, such as MuleSoft's Anypoint Studio APIs, to ensure seamless
connectivity and data synchronization. Employed fuzzy logic algorithms to enhance customer data unification,
resulting in a significant boost in conversion rates.
Acted as a Game Producer for Girls Make Games summer camp and guided teens in mastering key game development skills, including design,
narrative, programming, marketing, and pitching. I led the creation of an action-adventure serious game focused on educating players
about the immune system, incorporating mechanics such as locomotion, shooting, and turn-based combat. Our project was honored as a finalist at the
international demo day.
Data Availability Sampling Research Internship
Research Intern,
Codex Storage
Status.im
Jan. 2023 ~ June. 2023
Developed and fine-tuned a Python simulator as part of DAS research collaboration between Codex and the EF.
The simulator is dedicated to studying Data Availability Sampling, focusing on networking perspectives.
Written in Python, the tool currently simulates the initial phase, modeling the transmission of 2D Reed Solomon
erasure coded block segments from the block builder to validators.
As a research intern at Oracle Labs, I implemented a graph machine learning model for early adverse drug reaction
detection using FDA medical records. This involved extracting drug ingredients and molecular formulas, normalizing drug
names with the RxNorm API, and implementing DeepWalk. I utilized FAISS to obtain node embeddings and ADRs similarity
matrix, evaluating model performance with various ranking metrics like MAP and NDCG. Additionally,
I conducted significant data analysis and cleaning throughout the project.
Software Engineering Internship
Telecommunications Equipment Business,
Nokia Networks
Jun. 2021 ~ Aug. 2021
During my internship at Nokia Networks, I independently developed a web application from inception to completion.
This application was designed to streamline the installation to commissioning approval process for cellular towers.
I implemented department-specific permissions using Django and created mobile-responsive user interfaces with HTML5,
CSS3, and JavaScript.
Awards & Community Involvement
International Game Developers Association Foundation
Selected as a grantee for the IGDA's Virtual Exchange program
Girls Make Games (GMG) Summer Camp
Mentored young developers at the GMG summer camp, guiding them in game creation and design
Women in Games International (WIGI)
Selected as one out of 10 women in the world to get a full sponsorship to attend GDC as part of the Get in the game program
International Game Developers Association (IGDA)
Full sponsorship to join the International Game Developers Association (IDGA) as a Studio Affiliate.
Entertainment Software Association (ESA)
Volunteer at the Nite to Unite in San Francisco
MoroccoAI
3rd prize in the MoroccoAI Artificial Intelligence summer school program
Arab and African Collegiate Programming Championship for Girls
Ranked 7th in Africa and the Middle East
NASA Space Apps Challenge
3rd prize winner in the national competition by NASA
AIESEC Turkey
Volunteer Teacher for children in Sakarya, Turkey
Dar Al Amane Orphanage
Volunteer Teacher for children in Azrou, Ifrane
AUI Merit Scholarship
Recipient of a full merit scholarship to attend Al Akhawayn University
FM6 Scholarship
One of 500 recipients of the government merit scholarship in Morocco
Website Design Credits: Jon Barron
Augmented with Bootstrap for mobile friendly website.
