Who am I?

I am currently a Ph.D. Canidate at Northwestern University in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering (ECE). My area of research is in Image Processing and specifically deals with image and video compression. But you know this already (because its on the previous page).
Many people ask me what kind of a name is Faisal Ishtiaq. It's a mixture of Arabic and Persian, although I am neither Arabic or Persian. Faisal is an Arabic name, some of you may have heard of King Faisal (if not, watch Lawrence of Arabia -- I think Alec Guiness plays Faisal). Ishtiaq is an Indian/Persian name. In Persian Ishtiaq means to want. In the Indian Subcontinent languages Urdu/Hindi/Farsi the word Ishq means to desire, or love -- as in to want someone.
I was born in Karachi, Pakistan in the disco age when the Village People were more than a bunch of old men in tight pants, and headbands were as popular as polyester. I spent my first 7 1/2 years in Karachi, and was a rather active kid. Unfortunately I was also a walking wreck. During those seven years I had managed to rack up a variety of wounds that would make a Marine proud. Run-ins with flying stones, door handles, and even cars (specifically Mercedes -- cause only the best will do) have all left me ample experience in giving "What-Not-to-Do" stories.

After moving to the US, I've lived in Chicago ever since. In 1994 I graduated from Northwestern University with a Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering with Departmental Honors. Along the way I also became a Brevet Second Lieutenant in the Illinois National Guard. After graduation I entered Graduate School at Northwestern University in the MS/PhD track. I received my Master's Degree in 1996 and hope to get my Ph.D. in 1999.

 
In 1998, I married the girl of my dreams Sobia Kanwal in Pakistan. Needless to say it is wonderful to be with a person you love and care for and is infinitely more joyous knowing that someone loves and cares for you just as much. Marriage is not as scary as some people make it out to be -- but as always you have to be willing to compromise.
 
Standard Statistics
 
Interests : Right now...finishing my research. Otherwise, Pakistani/Indian related things (Current Events, People, Culture, Movies, etc.) and anything that keeps me out of trouble.
Hobby : Nothing in particular but most anything that gets me out of studying.
Enjoy the Most : Spending time with a certain person.

My home Page            IVPL Home Page

faisal@eecs.nwu.edu (Jan. 26, 1999)