Welcome to laeeq.com! This website is a representation of my interests, ideas and everything related to learning, media, technology and development.
I am a doctoral candidate at Michigan State University in the Media and Information Studies PhD program, which I consider as only a beginning in the wonderful and amazingly vast world of knowledge. I have a diverse educational background with an undergraduate specialization in Economics, an MS in Telecommunications Systems Management and Masters in Business Administration (MBA).

I have a firm conviction that life must have a purpose. There may be exceptionally intelligent people in the world but the most important ingredients of success are hard work and a positive attitude. I believe that my personal growth and development over the years can be rightly attributed to both. I cannot ignore the role my family, my teachers, and my friends have played in what I am today.

In these changing times, technology has redefined the way we communicate and transfer information and knowledge. I am particularly interested in understanding media, technology and communications; and have a firm conviction that Communication forms the basis for any sustainable societal change communication forms the basis for any sustainable societal change. It is thus important to research how effective technology-based communications takes place and explore its relationship with a real transformation resulting from a qualitative change in the lives of individuals at a global level. In this transformed landscape increasingly being defined by advanced technologies, policy makers need to understand and update their skills to be in line with the needs of individuals in the 21st century.

Internet technologies in general and video-sharing technologies in particular are playing a key role in modern communications. User-generated content (UGC) on social media has attracted the attention of various researchers. My background and keen interest in understanding the role of UGC such as comments on YouTube videos and Facebook pages in shaping communities and opinions, drives my interest in the Media and Information Studies PhD program. The Time magazine cover page sums up the need for and importance of better understanding the role individuals play in the information age. While the value of mainstream published content cannot be ignored, it is worth understanding how the users who participate in these communities have an impact on other users who read the content generated by users.

I truly enjoy research. It not only satisfies my inner desire to understand problems and possibly their solutions, but also gives satisfaction that the work may benefit someone positively. Solving real world problems through research is demanding and quite time consuming, however the sweetness of its fruits makes every bit of this experience rewarding.

Besides research, teaching different courses in business, education, media and information technology (2005-current), I tried to give learning a new meaning by incorporating web based learning aids (text/audio/video) for better course organization. Teaching is my passion and I believe that quality research is best complemented by superb teaching.

My teaching philosophy is based on three core points – Learn, Inspire and Lead. This teaching philosophy emerged after careful thinking on the importance of learning that has lead me to pursue a doctorate in Media and Information Studies (MIS). Learning forms the start of a change mechanism and can further lead to improvements in several spheres of life. Inspiring is another point of my teaching philosophy. Educators can inspire others into learning and thus leading. Individuals through their positive actions have the potential to inspire others towards positive change. This leads us to the process of leadership which is a desired goal for an educated person. Leaders not only guide the way for the society but can also turn inspire others into learning.

At the MIS program at Michigan State University, I am blessed to be among one of the world’s best academicians. All members of the MSU family help in making the experience very enriching and rewarding.

Feel free to navigate through my site and if you feel like communicating, drop me a note at my email address. Happy surfing!