Hi, I’m Afsal

Introduction to FPGA Design for Embedded Systems

University of Colorado Boulder (Coursera)

2025

Explored the architecture and inner workings of Field Programmable Gate Arrays (FPGAs) with a strong focus on embedded system applications. Gained practical experience in HDL coding, simulation, and synthesis using tools like Xilinx Vivado. Designed basic digital components and integrated them into larger systems using modular and hierarchical design principles.

Oracle Cloud Infrastructure 2024 Generative AI Certified Professional

Oracle

2024

Earned professional certification from Oracle in deploying and managing Generative AI solutions using Oracle Cloud Infrastructure (OCI). Topics included large language model (LLM) integration, AI services deployment, OCI AI workflows, and ethical considerations in enterprise AI development. Demonstrated proficiency through real-world case studies and hands-on labs.

Introduction to Python for Cybersecurity

Infosec

2024

An introductory yet comprehensive course covering the application of Python programming to the cybersecurity domain. Learned to automate routine security tasks, write scripts for data parsing, network packet analysis, vulnerability scanning, and exploit research. Focused on integrating Python tools into the penetration testing workflow.

Web Application Technologies and Django

University of Michigan (Coursera)

2024

Focused on full-stack web development using Python and the Django framework. Covered HTTP, REST APIs, routing, templates, form processing, user authentication, and deployment. Built end-to-end web applications with PostgreSQL integration, applying MVC patterns and best practices for secure, maintainable code.

Cloud Computing with AWS

DevTown

2024

Hands-on certification workshop introducing Amazon Web Services and cloud computing fundamentals. Covered key services including EC2, S3, IAM, Lambda, and RDS. Demonstrated use cases through cloud-native application deployment, infrastructure automation with AWS CLI, and basic DevOps pipeline integration.

Ethical Hacking Associate

RedTeam Academy

2024

Practical certification program focused on ethical hacking principles, tools, and techniques. Covered reconnaissance, vulnerability analysis, exploitation, and reporting. Emphasized hands-on exposure to tools like Nmap, Metasploit, Burp Suite, and Wireshark in simulated environments.

ESP8266-Based Automated Water Level Control and Pump Protection System

Designed and implemented a smart IoT-based water management system to automate pump control based on tank levels. Integrated sensor-driven logic for dry-run protection, false-trigger filtering, and optocoupler-based isolation to ensure high-voltage safety. Enabled remote monitoring and control via Wi-Fi using the ESP8266 module.

Pediatric Pneumonia Prediction Using Deep Learning

Developed a deep learning solution for early detection of pediatric pneumonia using chest X-ray images. Leveraged transfer learning with DenseNet-161 and applied advanced image preprocessing and data augmentation techniques to improve model robustness. Achieved high diagnostic accuracy through extensive model tuning and evaluation.

Pipelined Multiplier with Timing Analysis

Implemented a pipelined 8-bit multiplier using Verilog and Quartus Prime. Verified design via RTL Viewer and ModelSim simulation, then analyzed setup and hold timing using TimeQuest Analyzer to achieve timing closure.

FPGA Architecture Explorer

Created a comparative analysis of FPGA architecture types including SRAM, FLASH, and Anti-Fuse. Explored real-world FPGA families and analyzed the usage of hard and soft IP blocks for embedded applications.