Education

2019 Sharif  University of Technology, B.S.
2024 Texas Tech University, Ph.D.

Courses Taught

Network and Cloud Infrastructure

Career Specialties

Ala’s academic interests focus on understanding curiosity in information technology (IT), exploring its role in learning and engagement. He also investigates topics in information security and NeuroIS, examining the intersection of human cognition, emotion, and technology use.

Professional and Community Activities

Ala’s research examines curiosity in information technology (IT), information security, and NeuroIS. He investigates how curiosity influences IT learning and information-seeking behaviors, as well as how targeted interventions can enhance these outcomes.

In NeuroIS, Ala applies methods such as fMRI, eye-tracking, facial expression analysis, and physiological measures to study the cognitive and emotional processes underlying human–technology interactions. His work includes published research (Parmar et al., 2022) on neural dynamics in technology adoption decisions and ongoing projects exploring IT learning, creativity, and curiosity using non-traditional measures.

Parmar, H., Tahvildar, A., Ghasemi, E., Jung, S., Davis, F., & Walden, E. (2022). To download or not to download? Spatial and temporal neural dynamics across the brain regions when deciding to download an app. International Journal of Information Management, 66, 102531.

Honors and Awards

2023 James Wetherbe PhD Fellowship Award, Texas Tech University