Hassaan Qazi

For Hassaan Qazi, graduate studies are about more than research. Through mathematical innovation, mentorship, and student leadership, he is helping solve complex problems while building a stronger Waterloo Math community.

PhD Candidate, Applied Mathematics

Hassaan Qazi

For Hassaan Ali Qazi, graduate studies have been shaped by curiosity, interdisciplinary exploration, and a strong commitment to community.

Currently a third-year PhD Candidate in Applied Mathematics at the University of Waterloo, Hassaan’s academic path has been anything but conventional. After completing a BASc in Electrical Engineering in Pakistan and later earning a MASc in Electrical and Computer Engineering at Waterloo, he found himself drawn toward the mathematical foundations behind complex real-world problems. Inspired by the research of his supervisor, Professor Roberto Guglielmi, and by a memorable experience in CO 602 with Professor James Geelen, Hassaan made the transition to Applied Mathematics to pursue mathematically rich research with meaningful impact.

Today, his work focuses on solving urgent global challenges through mathematical modelling and optimization. One area of his research explores optimal control techniques for releasing sterile mosquitoes into the wild to reduce mosquito populations and help combat diseases such as dengue and malaria, offering a more sustainable alternative to chemical spraying. His second research area examines multi-robot, multi-task systems, developing efficient ways for swarms of drones to coordinate evolving tasks with applications in agriculture, aerospace, surveillance, and beyond.

Beyond his research, Hassaan has made a lasting impact through student leadership and volunteerism in the Faculty of Math community. He served as Chair/President of the Math Graduate Student Association (MGSA), completing his term in October 2025, after previously contributing as Event Coordinator and as an Applied Mathematics representative on the Graduate Student Association council. He has also volunteered in graduate orientation, TA workshops, mental health initiatives, and as a mentor in the Directed Reading Program organized by Women in Math (WiM). In recognition of his outstanding contributions to the Orientation to Graduate Math Conference (OGMC) and his efforts to strengthen the connection between MGSA and WiM, Hassaan recently received WiM's Distinguished Service Award.

For Hassaan, one of the most rewarding parts of graduate life at Waterloo is the opportunity to connect with students across disciplines, from biomedical sciences and neuroscience to AI, robotics, and fluid dynamics. That broad community has helped shape both his academic perspective and his sense of belonging.

Like many graduate students, Hassaan has also learned the importance of balance. After experiencing burnout early in his studies, he found renewed perspective by making time for badminton, table tennis, and social activities, a reminder that stepping away can often be part of moving forward.

As he looks ahead, Hassaan hopes to build a career in robotics and control, developing practical solutions to today’s engineering challenges. Whether through research, leadership, or mentorship, his journey reflects the kind of innovation, service, and community spirit that defines Waterloo Mathematics.

Fun fact: When he is not working on research or volunteering, Hassaan enjoys suspenseful and thrilling movies and TV shows.