Ali was a professor in our Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and cross-appointed to the Department of Mechanical and Mechatronics Engineering. He was also Director of the Centre for Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems (CIARS), a $15 million world-class research lab, known for being the quietest spot in Waterloo Region. This lab, created by Ali himself, was used to train and mentor an abundance of researchers and students, as well as enable private industry to create next generation wireless communications devices, vehicular radar for driverless cars, satellite communications, nanosensors and other smart devices. As the NSERC/C-COM Industrial Research Chair in Intelligent Antenna and Radio Systems for Next Generation Millimeter-Wave Mobile Communications, he was globally renowned for his expertise in the field of electromagnetics.
This week I have seen not only a tremendous outpouring of emotion from Ali’s colleagues, but also from his students and research team. It is clear Ali was more to his students and team than simply a supervisor. Through his investments of time and effort he was dedicated to ensuring their success. His passion for his work served as inspiration for them to follow through and reach the goals they set for themselves. He was not only their mentor, but a friend, and to some, as significant as a fatherly-figure.
Maya Angelou once said “if you’re going to live, leave a legacy. Make a mark on the world that can’t be erased.” Ali did just that. His legacy strengthens our electrical and computer engineering community – he helped shape the larger picture. Ali’s dedication to research, mentorship, and friendship inspired and will continue to grow connections between people. Ali crafted his legacy everyday until his far too soon end.
We will remember him as a noble and humble man, and an extraordinary scientist who was limitless. My thoughts to all during this difficult time as we grieve together as a community. We can carry on Ali’s legacy by being kind and persevering through all obstacles life throws at us, and above all else, by doing what we love. Always missed, never forgotten. Rest in peace, Ali.
Sincerely,
Manoj Sachdev, Chair, Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering