Dr. Bashima Islam

Dr. Bashima Islam is an Assistant Professor of Electrical & Computer Engineering at Worcester Polytechnic Institute (WPI), where she leads pioneering research at the intersection of artificial intelligence, wearable sensing, and mobile health. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree and UbiComp Gaetano Borriello Outstanding Student Award Finalist, she has contributed major innovations in acoustic sensing, infant health monitoring, mindfulness technologies, and battery-free edge computing. Her research, supported by the National Science Foundation, National Institutes of Health, Samsung Research America, and Nokia Bell Labs, focuses on making AI and sensing technologies more accessible, energy-efficient, and impactful in real-world environments. Born and raised in Bangladesh, she earned her CSE degree from BUET—where, as a sophomore, she led her team to become National Champions of the Microsoft Imagine Cup, representing Bangladesh at the World Finals—and later completed her PhD in Computer Science at UNC Chapel Hill.

As a member of the MillionX Founding Council, Dr. Islam brings her deep expertise in AI, sensing, and global research ecosystems to help inspire and empower the next generation of technologists in Bangladesh. Her journey from Dhaka to leading-edge research in the United States reflects her commitment to mentorship, opportunity creation, and inclusive innovation. Through MillionX, she hopes to help open pathways for millions of young Bangladeshis to explore emerging technologies, build their creative confidence, and become part of the country’s next wave of a million 10x minds.