Dr. Sara Shahzad

Supervised PhD and MS research in Software Engineering, guiding students in methodological frameworks, privacy-preserving technologies, and adaptive learning systems for teaching software development. Following is the list of MS and PhD students graduated with Software Engineering specialization.  

PhD

1. Dr. Shah Nazir, Chairperson/ Associate Professor, University of Swabi, Swabi
2. Dr. Islam Zada. Assistant Professor Department of Software Engineering, International Islamic University, Islamabad.
3. Fahmi Hassan Ali Quraada, Lecturer, Computer Science, Yemen

MS

1. Mir Muhammad Suleman Sarwar (2015)  Lecturer, COMSATS, Abbotabad

Research topic: Software Quality (complexity)

2. Dr. Shaukat Hayat (2015) Assistant Professor, Air University, Multan

Research topic: Empirical Software Engineering

3. Sidra Arshad(2015) Lecturer, Frontier College for Women, Peshawar 

Research topic: Agile Software Development

4. Dr. Islam Zada (2016) Lecturer, International Islamic University, Islamabad 

Research topic: Software Architecture

5. Sara Ali (2017) Freelancer (SPM) 

Research topic: Code Comprehension

6. Ali. M. Serat (2017) Lecturer 

Research topic: Pushto Text to Speeech (TTS) system

7. Bakhtawar Shah(2017) Assistant Professor, HED, KP

Research topic: Data Privacy

8. M.Jamil (2018) 

Research topic: Font Development for Pushto Language

9. Abidullah (2018)

Research topic: Agile Transformation

10. Rizwan (2019) 

Research topic: Software Quality

11. Najam us Saqib (2019) Lecturer Computer Science, HED, KP

Research topic: Software Quality

12. Ammara (2019) Lecturer Computer Science, HED, KP

Research topic: Clone Detection

13. Zainab (2019) Lecturer Computer Science, HED, KP

Research topic: Sourcing Models  (Insourcing)

14. Muhammad Nawaz, Lecturer, Computer Science (HED, KP)

Research topic: Software Quality (Technical Debt)

15. Momina (2021) Lecturer, Computer Science, HED, KP

Research topic: Sourcing Models  (Crowdsourcing)

16. Shahida Hayat (2021), Visiting Lecturer, Computer Science

Research topic: Software Estimation

17. Huma Mumtaz (2022) Lecturer, Iqra University, Peshawar

Research topic: Software estimation

18. Saman Riaz (2023) F.G Degree College, Peshawar

Research topic: Machine Learning for Biomedical Applications

19. Syed Shayan Ali Shah (2023)

Research topic: Software Architecture 

20. Inayat Ullah (PhD -  China (In progress))

Research Topic: Software Architecture (Software Ecosystems)

21. Faryal Ishfaq (2024), Lecturer, COMSATS, Peshawar

Research topic:ML integration for User Experience (UX)

22. Muhammad Shahbaz Ismail (2025), BIC, UoP, Peshawar

Research topic:Semantic Code Clone Detection using ML

23. Jawad Amir( 2026), Developer

Research topic:Gamified AI Conversation Agent for SE Education

 

 

 

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       Journal articles

1. Shahbaz Ismail, M., Shahzad, S., & Quradaa, F. H. (2026). Semantic code clone detection using hybrid intermediate representations and BiLSTM networks. PloS one, 21(1), e0340971. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0340971
2. Alfraihi, H., Zada, I., Ahmed, M., Shahzad, S., Rekik, S., Alshahrani, A., & Phi, N. (2026). A Structured Lifecycle Model for Quantum Software Engineering: Bridging Technical Challenges and Future Directions. IET Software, 2026(1), 7827044. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0340971
3. Ishfaq, F., Marwat, S. N. K., Khan, W. U., Shahzad, S., Khan, S., & Abbasi, Q. H. (2025). A machine learning based empathy mapping framework for enhancing user experience through app review analysis. Scientific Reports, 16(1), 335. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-025-30729-4     
4. Quradaa, F. H. A., Shahzad, S., Saeed, R., & Al-Hakimi, M. H. (2025). Enhancing semantic clone detection with siamese bi-lstm for multi-level source code representations. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-025-10675-z     
5. Zada, I., Shahzad, S., Omran, E., Alshahrani, A., Alfraihi, H., Hamid, Y., & Shah, M. A. (2025). The lagsse framework: Integrating lean, agile, and green principles for sustainable software engineering [e70058 JSME-25-0170.R1]. Journal of Software: Evolution and Process, 37(10), e70058. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1002/smr.70058     
6. Quradaa, F. H., Shahzad, S., Saeed, R., & Sufyan, M. M. (2024). A novel code representation for detecting java code clones using high-level and abstract compiled code representations. PLOS ONE, 19(5), 1–31.https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0302333     
7. Quradaa, F. H., Shahzad, S., & Almoqbily, R. S. (2024). A systematic literature review on the applications of recurrent neural networks in code clone research. PLOS ONE, 19(2), 1–40. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0296858     
8. Zada, I., Shahzad, S., Ali, S., & Mehmood, R. M. (2023). Ontosusd: Software engineering approaches integration ontology for sustainable software development. Software: Practice and Experience, 53(2), 283–317.
9. Nazir, S., Khan, H. U., Shahzad, S., & García-Magariño, I. (2022). Editorial on decision support system for development of intelligent applications. Soft Computing. https://doi.org/10.1007/s00500-022-07390-4
10. Zheng, M., Zada, I., Shahzad, S., Iqbal, J., Shafiq, M., Zeeshan, M., & Ali, A. (2021). Key performance indicators for the integration of the service-oriented architecture and scrum process model for IoT. Scientific Programming, 2021, 6613579. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6613579
11. Cui, Y., Zada, I., Shahzad, S., Nazir, S., Khan, S. U., Hussain, N., & Asshad, M. (2021). Analysis of service-oriented architecture and scrum software development approach for IIoT. Scientific Programming, 2021, 6611407. https://doi.org/10.1155/2021/6611407
12. Hayat, S., Kun, S., Shahzad, S., Suwansrikham, P., Mateen, M., & Yu, Y. (2021). Entropy information-based heterogeneous deep selective fused features using deep convolutional neural network for sketch recognition. IET Computer Vision, 15(3), 165–180. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1049/cvi2.12019
13. Li, M., Nazir, S., Khan, H. U., Shahzad, S., & Amin, R. (2020). Modelling features-based birthmarks for security of end-to-end communication system. Security and Communication Networks, 2020.
14. Nazir.S, Shahzad.S & Mukhtar, N. (2019). Software birthmark design and estimation: A systematic literature review. Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-019-03718-9
15. Nazir, S., Nawaz, M., Adnan, A., Shahzad, S., & Asadi, S. (2019). Big data features, applications, and analytics in cardiology—a systematic literature review. IEEE Access, 7, 143742–143771. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2941898
16. Nazir, S., Nawaz Khan, M., Anwar, S., Adnan, A., Asadi, S., Shahzad, S., & Ali, S. (2019). Big data visualization in cardiology—a systematic review and future directions. IEEE Access, 7, 115945–115958. https://doi.org/10.1109/ACCESS.2019.2936133
17. Nazir, S., Shahzad, S., Wirza, R., Amin, R., Ahsan, M., Mukhtar, N., García-Magariño, I., & Lloret, J. (2019). Birthmark based identification of software piracy using haar wavelet. Mathematics and Computers in Simulation, 166, 144–154. https://doi.org/https://doi.org/10.1016/j.matcom.2019.04.010
18. Nazir, S., Hussain, A., Shahzad, S., Rehman, H. U., Zada, I., Ahsan, M., Ahmad, Z., & Khan, A. (2018). Determination of awareness of piracy level on educational institutions- a questionnaire based study. EAI Endorsed Transactions on Energy Web and Information Technologies, 18(17). https://doi.org/10.4108/eai.10-4-2018.154450
19. Nazir, S., Shahzad, S., Mahfooz, S., & Nazir, M. (2018). Fuzzy logic based decision support system for component security evaluation. Int. Arab J. Inf. Technol., 15(2), 224–231. http://ccis2k.org/iajit/?option=com_content&task=blogcategory&id=127&Itemid=453
20. Shahzad, S., Keerio, A., & Nazir, S. (2018). Training for agile transformation at universities: A case study analysis. Sindh University Research Journal-SURJ (Science Series), 50(4), 575–582.       
21. Naseem, R., Deris, M. M., Maqbool, O., & Shahzad, S. (2017). Euclidean space based hierarchical clusterers combinations: An application to software clustering. Cluster Computing. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10586-017-1408-0
22. Naseem, R., Deris, M. M., Maqbool, O., Li, J., Shahzad, S., & Shah, H. (2017). Improved binary similarity measures for software modularization. Frontiers of IT & EE, 18(8), 1082–1107. https://doi.org/10.1631/FITEE.1500373      
23. Nazir, S., Shahzad, S., Atan, R. B., & Farman, H. (2017). Estimation of software features based birthmark. Cluster Computing, 1–14. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10586-017-0842-3     
24. Nazir.S, Shahzad.S & Riza, L. S. (2017). Birthmark-based software classification using rough sets . Arabian Journal for Science and Engineering, 42(2), 859–871. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13369-016-2371-4     
25. Nazir, S., Shahzad, S., Hussain, Z., Iqbal, M., & Keerio, A. (2016). Evaluating student grades using analytic network process. Sindh University Research Journal-SURJ (Science Series), 47(1).       
26. Nazir, S., Shahzad, S., Nizamani, Q., Amin, R., Shah, M. A., & Keerio, A. (2015). Identifying software features as birthmark. Sindh Univ. Res. Jour. (Sci. Ser.), 47(3), 535–540. http://sujo.usindh.edu.pk/index.php/SURJ/article/view/1222/1129        
27. Hussain, S. I., Javed, H., Khan, T., Shazad, S., & Khalil, F. N. (2015). Native process migration in wireless sensor networks. International Journal of Distributed Sensor Networks, 2015, 1 – 9. https://doi.org/10.1155/2015/607143      
28. Nazir, S., Shahzad, S., Khan, S. A., Ilyas, N. B., & Anwar, S. (2015). A novel rules based approach for estimating software birthmark. The Scientific World Journal, 2015.
29. Zada, I., Shahzad, S., & Nazir, S. (2015). Issues and implications of scrum on global software development. Bahria University Journal of Information & Communication Technology, 8(1), 81.
30. Khan, H., Shah Nazir, S. S., Iqbal, M., Dawood, M., Ali, F., Zaman, Q., & Ilyas, M. (2014). A comparative and spatial study of various areas of khyber pakhtunkhwa-an education perspective .Life Science Journal, 11(10s), 141–148.
31. Nazir, S., Anwar, S., Khan, S. A., Shahzad, S., Ali, M., Amin, R., Nawaz, M., Lazaridis, P., & Cosmas, J. (2014). Software component selection based on quality criteria using the analytic network process. Abstract and Applied Analysis, 2014, 1–12. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/535970
32. Nazir, S., Shahzad, S., & Abid, S. B. S. (2014). Selecting software design based on birthmark. Life Science Journal, 11(12s).
33. Nazir, S., Shahzad, S., Mukhtar, N., Khan, H., Zada, I., Nazir, M., & Amin, R. (2014). Test case prioritization for components using FANP. Life Science Journal, 11(6s), 501–511.
34. Shahzad, S., Hayat, S., Shah Nazir, H. J., Hayat, Y., Aamir, M., & Serat, A. M. (2014). Analyzing data for grounding a problem theory in software engineering. Life Science Journal, 11(10s).
35. Shahzad, S., Nazir, S., Abid, S. B. S., Zada, I., & Amin, R. (2014). Software component project evaluation based on quality measure.  Life Science Journal, 11(10), 98–107.
36. Shahzad, S., & Ali, S. (2013). Ucloud: Concept and design. Sindh Univ. Res. Jour. (Sci. Ser.), 45(3), 608–614.
37. Arshad, S., Muhammad, S., & Shahzad, S. (2013). Empirical analysis of traditional and agile requirement engineering process. Journal of Science, Technology and Development, 32(1), 44–47.
38. Hayat, Y., Ali, W., Hayat, S., Rahman, A., Shahzad, S., & Hussain., Z. (2013). Studying behavior attributes and student’s academic performance. Sarhad Journal of Agriculture., 29(3), 461–467.
39. Shahzad, S., Hussain, Z., & Chandio, A. A. (2012). Status of software engineering education in pakistan: A problem analysis . Sindh Univ. Res. Jour. (Sci. Ser.), 44(2), Article Special Edition, 1 – 6.
40. S.Shahzad, Keerio, A., Mahar, J. A., & Hussain, Z. (2012). Effective use of student projects in teaching software engineering. Sindh Univ. Res. Jour. (Sci. Ser.), 44(2), 167–170. http://www.surj.usindh.edu.pk/volume_44_02.htm
41. Z.Hussain, A.A.Chandio, M.Leghari & S.Shahzad. (2012). An implementation and analysis of koha integrated library system, in sindhi . Sindh Univ. Res. Jour. (Sci. Ser.), 44(2), Article Special Edition, 81–86.

 

Conference papers

42. Shahzad, S., Hussain, A., & Nazir, S. (2017). A clone management framework to improve code quality of foss projects. 2017 International Conference on Communication, Computing and Digital Systems (C-CODE), 253–258. https://doi.org/10.1109/C-CODE.2017.7918938
43. Mukhtar, N., Shahzad, S., Khan, M. A., & Nazir, S. (2013). Ontology for feature based selection of web development tools. Digital Information Management (ICDIM), 2013 , 90–95.
44. Gul, N., Siddiqi, M.-U.-M., Rehman, S., Jehan, A., Jabeen, S., Ali, S., Tunnisa, H., & Shahzad, S. (2013). A statistical approach to study ms (cs) research students research process and design. Proceedings of ICCSS-13, (1).
45. Nazir, M., & Rehman, H. u. (2013). Evaluating security of software components using analytic network process. 11th International Conference on Frontiers of Information Technology (FIT), 183–188.  https://doi.org/10.1109/FIT.2013.41
46. us Saqib, N., & Shahzad, S. (2018). Functionality, performance, and compatibility testing: A model based approach. 2018 International Conference on Frontiers of Information Technology (FIT), 00, 170–175. https://doi.org/10.1109/FIT.2018.00037
47. Suleman Sarwar, M. M., Shahzad, S., & Ahmad, I. (2013). Cyclomatic complexity: The nesting problem. Digital Information Management (ICDIM), 2013 Eighth International Conference on, 274–279. https://doi.org/10.1109/ICDIM.2013.6693981
48. Suleman, S. M. M., Ahmad, I., & Shahzad, S. (2012). Cyclomatic complexity for wcf: A service oriented architecture. Frontiers of Information Technology (FIT), 2012 10th International Conference on, 175–180. https://doi.org/10.1109/FIT.2012.39
49. Hussain, Z., Lechner, M., Milchrahm, H., Shahzad, S., Slany, W., Umgeher, M., Vlk, T., Koeffel, C., Tscheligi, M., & Wolkerstorfer, P. (2012). Practical usability in xp software development processes. Proceedings of ACHI 2012, The Fifth International Conference on Advances in Computer-Human Interactions, 208 to 217.  http://www.thinkmind.org/index.php?view=article&articleid=achi_2012_8_50_20217
50. Hussain, Z., Lechner, M., Milchrahm, H., Shahzad, S., Slany, W., Umgeher, M., & Wolkerstorfer, P. (2009). Concept and design of a contextual mobile multimedia content usability study. ACHI, 277–282.
51. Hussain, Z., Lechner, M., Milchrahm, H., Shahzad, S., Slany, W., Umgeher, M., & Wolkerstorfer, P. (2008a). Agile User-Centered Design Applied to a Mobile Multimedia Streaming Application. USAB 2008, 5298/2008, 313–330.
52. Hussain, Z., Lechner, M., Milchrahm, H., Shahzad, S., Slany, W., Umgeher, M., Vlk, T., & Wolkerstorfer, P. (2008). User interface design for a mobile multimedia application: An iterative approach. Proc. IEEE Int. Conf. on Advances in Computer-Human Interaction (ACHI 2008).
53. Hussain, Z., Lechner, M., Milchrahm, H., Shahzad, S., Slany, W., Umgeher, M., & Vlk, T. (2008). Optimizing Extreme Programming. ICCCE 2008: Proceedings of the International Conference on Computer and Communication Engineering, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, 1052–1056.
54. Hussain, Z., Lechner, M., Milchrahm, H., Shahzad, S., Slany, W., Umgeher, M., & Wolkerstorfer, P. (2008b). Integrating Extreme Programming and User-Centered Design. PPIG 2008, The 20th Annual Psychology of Programming Interest Group Conference, Lancaster University, UK. 10th - 12th September 2008.
55. Hussain, Z., Lechner, M., Shahzad, S., & Slany, W. (2008). Inside view of an extreme process [9 th International Conference, XP 2008, Limerick, Ireland]. Agile Processes in Software Engineering and Extreme Programming, 226–227.
56. Hussain, Z., Lechner, M., Milchrahm, H., Shahzad, S., Slany, W., Umgeher, M., & Vlk, T. (2007). The sustainable application of leadership and teaming in hrm - models for the today’s organisation’s needs ?? a meta-level perspective. Technology Transfer Society Conference 2007 (T2S).
57. Hussain, Z., Lechner, M., Milchrahm, H., Shahzad, S., Slany, W., Umgeher, M., Vlk, T., & Wolkerstorfer, P.(2007). User interface design for a content-aware mobile multimedia application: An iterative approach [ISBN : 978-3-85403-231-1]. Frontiers in Mobile and Web Computing: Proceedings of MoMM2007 & iiWAS2007 Workshops, 231, 115–120.