I was born and raised in Iran, where my curiosity and passion for exploration were ignited. This drive has led me on a journey across various fields of study and through several countries, profoundly enriching my life experiences. I began my academic journey in electronics and control engineering, then developed and pursued academic interests in artificial intelligence, neuroscience, and cognitive sciences. This evolution has been shaped by my experiences living and working in diverse cultural landscapes, including Russia, Spain, Italy, Germany, and the United States, where I am currently continuing my studies at Duke University.
At Duke, I am weaving together my multifaceted interests, conducting both theoretical inquiries and experimental investigations into human behavior and interaction dynamics. My research delves into the intricate nuances of social bonding, exploring how our interactions shape our perceptions and relationships. As someone who is neurodivergent, I have always been honing my skills in self-assessment and development, leveraging technology to effectively organize and plan my career trajectory. I hold a leadership diploma from Duke's Emerging Leaders Institute (ELI) and am dedicated to continuous growth and self-improvement. As a mentor, I am eager to share my insights and experiences, aiming to empower others in their personal and professional journeys.

I graduated in Psychology at Santiago de Compostela (Spain) on 2014. Later moved to Madrid where I worked as an intern for more than 1 year in two different labs studying attention and dementia. After this I studied a master in Human Resources and worked for two companies as an intern.
In 2017 I moved to Iceland where I worked first as a volunteer on an NGO and later in a business related to tourism.
On 2018 I moved to Moscow for my master studies in Cognitve Sciences and later stayed for my PhD

I graduated from the HSE University International Laboratory for Applied Network Research.
Few of my notable research papers are:
1. Pran, R. H. (2022). Statistical Comparison among Brain Networks with Popular Network Measurement Algorithms. arXiv preprint arXiv:2212.09749.
2. Pran, R. H. (2023). Advancing Network Securing Strategies with Network Algorithms for Integrated Air Defense System (IADS) Missile Batteries. arXiv preprint arXiv:2303.11293.

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Foreign Languages from the University of Turin (Italy), where I majored in Russian and English languages and during which I spent two semesters abroad: one at Saint Petersburg Polytechnic University (Russia) and another at Colorado State University-Pueblo (USA). 
In 2023, I graduated from the Master of International Business (MIB) at HSE University.

I graduated from the MIB Programme (Master of International Business) last year in 2023. I originally come from Italy and completed my Bachelor's in the UK, where I studied foreign languages (German and Russian). During this time, I completed my first internship in digital marketing in Germany, worked for a production company in the UK, taught English to Russian children at a summer camp in Kostroma, and participated in an exchange semester at Tomsk State University. 

I then decided to pursue my Master's in International Business in Moscow. During this time, I interned at Confindustria Russia (similar to a chamber of commerce) and later started working for a startup called Amma-pregnancy tracker, where I began as an intern and was then promoted to Junior Business Development Manager. 

While at HSE, I also completed a semester abroad in Germany (Frankfurt). Before graduating, I also did an internship at BOSCH in Service Product Management in Stuttgart. Currently, I am almost finished with my trainee program at Commerzbank AG. During this time, I had the chance to rotate between several departments (COO Office, IT, Credit Risk, and Sales/Advisory). I spent two months in Asia (one month in the Singapore office and one month in the Shanghai office), and between February and March, before the end of the program, I will spend six weeks in the London office.

1. Business Informatics
2. In the founder of ZenStudy.ai - AI for students 
3. I have multiple years of experience in the software and data engineering field at places like Palantir, autarc, and VC.

Graduated from Shukhov Lab, Urban Planning and regional development. I am working on different projects like commercial, residential and interior projects. Nowadays working on two types of projects which is commercial and the second is residential projects from intial till finishes.
First I did internship during my university and after graduation i joined as an architect in architectural firm. Later I opened my own architectural firm and also started teaching in different universities in Pakistan.

I am a dedicated professional with a robust educational background, holding a degree from the HSE University-Master of International Business (MIB). Currently, I serve as the CEO of Lingualino, where I am not only responsible for the overall strategic direction of the company but also actively manage the brand and marketing initiatives. My role involves developing innovative marketing strategies, overseeing brand positioning, and enhancing customer engagement, which have significantly contributed to our market presence.

Throughout my academic journey, I completed numerous internships that provided me with valuable hands-on experience in various aspects of business and marketing. These experiences allowed me to refine my skills in project management, strategic planning, and team collaboration. 

Additionally, I was participating in the:
• Congress of Young Scientists in Sochi, 2023
• St. Petersburg International Economic Forum (ПМЭФ), 2024
where I engaged with industry leaders and broadened my professional network.
 

Economics; Worked always on international companies and now working on owns ones
 

Banking and Finance 
Working as a Deal Maker in an investment firm
Worked in the past in corporate finance, private equity and turnarounds

I graduated from the Faculty of World Economy and International Affairs (Bachelor) and the Faculty of Economic Sciences (Master). Currently I am a banking analyst at EBRD (European Bank for Reconstruction and Development). My day-to-day responsibility is banking analysis, as our clients are mostly local banks. My job is fun. I enjoy the multinational environment, communicate with world-class experts, and have wide opportunities for professional development.
During my studies, I managed to participate in various programs related to international affairs and the world economy. I visited UN Headquarters, World Bank, EEU Headquarters, various forums and festivals. Now I understand that it was not only interesting but also helped me a lot with setting my professional goals. I also worked at Russian Railroads as an intern, at KPMG as an audit specialist, and in a Moldavian company as an advisor to the financial director.

I graduated from the Faculty of Economic Sciences with a Master's degree in Strategic Corporate Finance in 2023.

I am currently a Senior Analyst at Global Impact Assets, a U.S.-based private credit lender specializing in impact infrastructure. My daily routine involves managing emails, evaluating credit applications, financial modeling, structuring credit proposals and agreements, and conducting introductory or follow-up calls with clients. I take pride in most of the projects our company finances because they focus on creating measurable social and environmental impacts. These include job creation, improving energy accessibility in underserved communities, and reducing carbon emissions by financing clean energy projects such as solar, wind, hydroelectric power, and sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Each project aligns with our mission to make a difference while generating financial returns.

During my internship at B1 Consult LLC (formerly EY) as a Foreign Desk Intern, I collaborated with partners to develop business strategies for foreign companies entering the Russian market. This role provided me with valuable experience in market analysis, strategy development, and client communication. Additionally, I represented the Higher School of Economics (HSE) in the Europe Regional Terminal Live Spring competition organized by Citadel. Competing against top universities such as Cambridge and Oxford, our team placed in the top 15. All these experiences have forged my quantitative problem-solving, teamwork, and interpersonal skills, as well as my ability to perform under pressure in a competitive international setting.

I graduated from the Faculty of Economics (Mathematical Methods of Economic Analysis) with a Master’s degree in 2012 and later earned a PhD in Economics (2017). Additionally, I hold a Master’s degree in Applied Mathematics and Physics from the Moscow Institute of Physics and Technology (2012) and a Master of Laws (LL.M.) in Intellectual Property from the University of Turin (2024).

Currently, I am on a career break, focused on advancing my academic and professional expertise in intellectual property. During this time, I successfully completed the LL.M. program at the University of Turin, gaining valuable insights and strengthening my international network within the IP field. I also enriched my knowledge by taking specialized courses, such as the WIPO-Harvard Law School Course in Patent Law and Global Public Health.

My career includes 11 years as Senior Intellectual Property Counsel at Kaspersky. In this role, I managed the full lifecycle of over 70 patent applications, encompassing freedom-to-operate analyses, novelty searches, claim chart preparation, and close collaboration with R&D teams to safeguard innovations in artificial intelligence and cybersecurity. I became a Patent Attorney in Russia in the field of inventions and utility models in 2017.
Among my professional achievements are co-authoring two granted patents in AI and cybersecurity, publishing six scientific papers, and presenting at over ten international conferences in Econometrics and IT. Additionally, my participation in global technology events, such as TechCrunch and WebSummit, has enhanced my understanding of emerging technologies and the evolving landscape of intellectual property.

I, Irfan Ullah Khan, have an academic qualification in the Department of International Business from the HSE University, Russia, a Master of Science (Management Science) from SZABIST, Islamabad, and a Bachelor in Business Administration from the University of Peshawar has equipped me with a solid foundation in organizational strategy, project planning, and field management. I am enjoying the research work and gap analysis that the market requires for data collection and publishing to connect with the students' learning and share knowledge from both sides.

As a Project Coordinator at Solutrix Pvt Ltd., in the department of “Rehabilitations & Construction” North Waziristan, KPK, Pakistan, I identified and developed relationships with potential partners “Care International, USAID, and British Council Pakistan,” managed and maintained existing partnerships. I have a proven track record of successfully negotiating mutually beneficial agreements and understand the strategic importance of teamwork to an organization's overall success. I am highly organized in data management, market-oriented in the smooth implementation of my work ethic, and have managed multiple projects simultaneously in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa (ex-Fata region) and Gilgit Baltistan. 

As a Lead Rapporteur at the International AIDS Conference in 2016 (South Africa) and 2018 (Netherlands), the premier gathering for those working in the field of HIV to showcase my ability to manage high-profile international events with participants of more than 1500 from all over the world and contribute significantly to capacity-building. My role was to synthesize the teams of various session reports into the daily summary distributed to various media groups, referenced in the conference bulletin, posted on the conference website and presented the final report in the closing session.

I have been trained by the British Council Pakistan and Y Peer International in project analysis and proposal writing, which aimed to spread awareness at the community level. Within the session, we conducted interviews and person-to-person discussions to highlight common problems and promote words that were spelt out during community services.

As a data analytical with the International Commission of Jurists Pakistan (Hope Pakistan), I worked as lead data collector and interviewer between 2020 and 2021; the collection of data/ interviews/ personal statements was compiled from specific districts of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and presented to government officials for quick decisions and prompt response.

My proficiency in statistical software (SPSS, AMOS, and R Studio) and comprehensive computer skills, including MS Office, add a technical dimension to my qualifications.

I am the Creative Director of A M Arte aun Medya, an arts and media company that creates creative solution for businesses using the social media content creation. Also involved in organization of creative and artistic events where arts is mainstreamed into other sectors, like Arts therapy, Arts masterclass, Creative sessions for team bonding, etc.

I was Paid Teaching Assistant in Research Semianr Course in Academic writing during my Masters second year, where I consulted with Masters student on their Academic writing, research posters, Annotated biliographies. Listening to the defense of the term paper research poster presentation, and also assisted in grading bachelors students in English Language course. I have been involved in several projects, awarded a Goge Africa Arts Ambassador in Nigeria, Also one of Top 30 creative entrepreneurs in Nigeria. I worked with Goge Africa, a foremost Culture and tourism compny in Africa, as the Social Media Manager and Content creator, and also assited in script writing for weekly Televison Episodes airing across Africa. Currently a PhD Candidate in Arts and Design, working on Recycled and Upcycled Material in Visual Arts content of Soci-ecological innovations. I have partaked in organizing a project by the State Hermitage Museum through the Youth Centre, Also worked with IT Startups in Russia to grow Social media presence. I also was part of a team that developed a museum game for audience interaction at one of the museums, and also helped in developing English Contents of Website of Association of Museums, Russia.

I have personally mentored about 10 individuals since my arrival in Russia through scholarship applications, by guiding on developing convincing motivational letters, and outstanding CVs. I have about 10 years experience in student leadership across Universities in Nigeria, serving as resource person in Leadership Trainings.

More than what I did during these endeavors, it has rather helped me to learn more and added skills like people and time management, effective presentation, etc.

I've completed two master's degree in HSE, namely Strategic corporate finance 2022 and Business Analytics & Big Data System 2024.

Prior to studying in Russia, I've worked a few years in an international project in metallurgy, and in Russia, I've firstly worked at Ozon, Russian e-commerce giant, as an international business development manager and then later joined Nordgold, a top Russian gold producer, as a supply chain manager.

At my job, I conduct cross-departmental, cross-cultural, cross-discipline project coordination and implementation in a multi-language and diverse environment with ambitious corporate goals everyday facing very challenging but interesting external factors. Proactive, problem-solving mindset and result orientation are key requirements at my job to assure undisrupted mining operations.

I've graduated Business & Management faculty in 2019 with Major in Strategic Marketing. I've started my journey in marketing back to 2015, by joining Neslte company. It was a love at a first sight. Marketing is the place, where you want to be, if you inspired by creativity and numerous opportunity to make something remarkable. For the past several years, I was leading strategy for such global brands as Nesquik, Nido, Actimel, Zacapa & Captain Morgan. Currently, I am working within Diageo company as a Senior brand manager responsible for two clusters: Eastern Europe & Mena. I am leading portfolio of luxury dark spirits and working on: go-to-market strategies, local brand-culture landscape definition and flawless omnichannel execution.

Faculty of Computer Science, "Data Science" Master's degree
Lead Marketing analyst, MTS (2024). Working with all products within the MTS ecosystem on anti-fraud projects and analysing user's data and behavior from mobile applications to detect fraudulent installations. Developing validation rules to block frauds real-time. Developing manual rules for every product individually, to double check and remove fraudulent installations.
Manager of the project Online Degree, HSE (2023-2024)
Middle Statistical Programmer, The Gurus LLC (2020-2022)

I feel extremely honored to be graduated with a Masters degree in International Business from the HSE University, Moscow. The School of Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the HSE not only enabled me to accomplish this monumental achievement but also helped me perfectly synchronize the business goals I had set for me in the future. I posses more than 3 years of professional work experience in diverse fields, roles and working capacities. My most recent and lasting experience has been at the New Trend Industries in Pakistan, which is recognized as a prominent manufacturer of cosmetics products and exporting them in various International Markets. This particular experience has allowed me to hone my skills and gain rich expertise in Team Building and Organizational Development, Human Resource Management and Marketing. Entrusted with the responsibilities of working in the Sales and Marketing Department of the Company, my key tasks included assisting the manager with the:

• Development, Integration and Implementation of the secondary sales software of the company in order to better track and analyze the sales and operational system of the company using various performance indicators.
• Proposing strategies for brand promotion at Local Modern Trades (LMT's)
• Acquisition of distributors and sub distributors for sales management across the country

During my stint at the company, I had the honor to be a part of the 3-member Marketing Managers team, where I actively participated in planning, arranging and organizing a marketing stall of the company at an International exhibition held in Kazakhstan.

Besides this, I have worked in different organizations in the country both as an internee as well as on full-time contractual roles and have rendered my services as a Content and Curation Executive, Marketing Intern and as a Communications Officer.

Rahul Kumar is a graduate of the Department of Psychology, having completed his studies in 2020. He is an accomplished author, certified communication fitness coach, strategic consultant, researcher, and seasoned writer. With over six years of diverse international work experience, Rahul has contributed to various start-ups, media agencies, and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). He is known for his exceptional interpersonal and strategic communication skills.

Rahul is a strong advocate for continuous learning and professional growth. He holds two Master's degrees and has completed five online certifications, enabling him to combine academic knowledge with practical expertise. His areas of specialization include Interpersonal Emotion Regulation (IER), effective communication strategies, and the impact of media. This unique blend of experience and education empowers him to understand human behavior more deeply and to build meaningful relationships with clients, stakeholders, and partners. As a result, he has successfully driven business development initiatives and forged strategic partnerships.

Achievements:
2024: Authored two books "Does Your Personality Influencer Your Way of Learning", and "Social Media and Academic Accomplishment" both are available on Amazon.
2018: Awarded a full scholarship by the Russian Government to study at the HSE University.
2015: Honored with a Media Fellowship by the Israel News Agency for a month-long training program in Israel.