About Me

I am a PhD student in computer science at Concordia University. I am involved in research at the Software Performance, Analysis, and Reliability (SPEAR) lab, advised by Dr. Tse-Hsun (Peter) Chen, where we focus on improving the quality of large-scale software systems. I also enjoy photography in my free time.

Research Interest

My research interests lie in the field of Software Engineering, specifically in fault localization techniques. Fault localization is the process of identifying and locating the root causes of software failures, which is essential for debugging and improving software quality. My current project involves developing and evaluating novel methods for fault localization based on machine learning and program analysis. Additionally, I am working with Large Language Models (LLMs) to enhance software debugging performance and reliability. This involves leveraging the advanced natural language processing capabilities of LLMs to better understand and analyze software errors, aiming to significantly improve the efficiency and accuracy of the debugging process in complex software systems.

Education

Doctor of Philosophy Computer Science, Concordia University (Fast-Tracked in 2024)
Master of Computer Science (MCompSc), Concordia University (2022-2023)
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, BRAC University (2016-2020)

News

July 2024. I was selected as the first-place winner in the ACM Student Research Competition at FSE 2024 for our work on enhancing code representation for graph-neural network-based fault localization.

July 2024. Our research paper, Towards Better Graph Neural Network-based Fault Localization Through Enhanced Code Representation has been accepted at FSE 2024

April 2024. Our short paper, Exploring Data Cleanness in Defects4J and Its Influence on Fault Localization Efficiency has been accepted at ICSE 2024

Publications

Towards Better Graph Neural Network-based Fault Localization Through Enhanced Code Representation
Md Nakhla Rafi, Dong Jae Kim, An Ran Chen, Tse-Hsun (Peter) Chen, Shaowei Wang
The ACM International Conference on the Foundations of Software Engineering (FSE 2024)
paper

Exploring Data Cleanness in Defects4J and Its Influence on Fault Localization Efficiency
Md Nakhla Rafi, An Ran Chen, Tse-Hsun Chen, Shaohua Wang
International Conference on Software Engineering: Companion Proceedings (ICSE 2024)
paper

Work Experience

Software Performance, Analysis, and Reliability (SPEAR) Lab, Concordia University

Graduate Research Assistant
Montréal, Québec Sept 2022 - Present

Conducting research on developing innovative techniques and methodologies for identifying and diagnosing software faults.

ERA Environmental Management Solutions

Data Anomaly Engineer
Montréal, Québec May 2024 - Present

Implement anomaly detection for customer product usage with customizable UI integration.
Develop anomaly validation strategies for B2B software handling variable end-user data.

BRAC University

Lecturer
Dhaka, Bangladesh, June 2020 - August 2022

Taught Data communication and Introduction to Programming Languages theory courses.
Took labs of Programming Languages 1 (Java), Object Oriented Programming (Java), Data Communication, System Analysis and Design, and Digital Logic Device course.

BUX Monitoring Team
Dhaka, Bangladesh, October 2020 - August 2022

Monitored the quality of online course contents of BUX (BRACU’s online learning platform).
Generated reports on course quality and improvements.

Teaching Assistant
Dhaka, Bangladesh, September 2018 - March 2020

Taught the theory contents of the Introduction to Programming Language I (Java) course to those who required extra help outside of their class time. Also helped students in the lab classes.