Nuclear News 40 Under 40—2025 -- ANS / Nuclear Newswire
Syed Bahauddin Alam
Age: 38
Title: Assistant professor, University of Illinois–Urbana-Champaign
Hometown: Chandgaon, Chattogram, Bangladesh
Alam is a rising star in the field of digital twins, cybersecurity, and foundational models, which led to his appointment to the NASEM Committee on AI Foundation Models and being named as a national AI leader in his organization’s response to the White House AI Action Plan. His research integrates first-physics principles with empirical data-driven ML methods, contributing to predictive algorithms for real-time virtual sensing for inaccessible locations.
When you reflect on your career so far, which achievement stands out most? Being appointed to the National Academies Committee on AI Foundation Models and named a national AI leader in UIUC’s response to the White House AI Action Plan.
What is your secret talent? I enjoy cooking, and I can sing (though that’s debatable).
Who has been your greatest influence? My mother, Reena Jahan, and my father, Syed Moinuddin Alam. My mother taught me to work hard, stay humble, and remain grounded, and my father taught me resilience.
What was your first job, and what did it teach you? At Nokia Siemens Networks in Bangladesh, I learned that sometimes you need to sacrifice something valuable to reach a bigger goal.
What is your favorite food or restaurant? Traditional Bangladeshi food—it always brings me home.
If you had a theme song, what would it be? “Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).” I just find it uplifting.