Semih Vazgecen

Semih Vazgecen

PhD Researcher @ University of Edinburgh

01

About me

I’m a second-year PhD researcher at the APRIL AI Hub, University of Edinburgh. My research focuses on efficient image processing using neuromorphic computing and unconventional hardware, particularly memristors, with the aim of developing energy-efficient AI systems for edge devices. My work explores hardware–software co-optimisation, bringing algorithms and hardware together to make AI systems more efficient and better suited to resource-constrained environments.

I hold an MEng in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Edinburgh, graduating with First Class Honours in 2025. During my studies, I developed strong analytical and problem-solving skills, led group projects, and became particularly interested in embedded systems and analogue mixed-signal applications. I gained experience across both hardware and software, from embedded programming and digital systems to analogue and mixed-signal design.

I’m passionate about challenging myself and inspired by the “Think Different” mindset that encourages me to question conventional approaches.

02

Work experience

PhD Researcher

APRIL AI Hub @ Edinburgh, United Kingdom

Oct 2025 — Present
03

Achievements

  • Ewart Farvis Project Award for Best MEng Project with Industrial Relevance
    The University of Edinburgh
    [Jun 2025]
  • Best Internal MEng Poster Award
    The University of Edinburgh
    [Mar 2025]
  • School of Engineering Industrial Scholarship
    The University of Edinburgh
    [Feb 2021]
04

Education

The University of Edinburgh

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Engineering

Research Focus: Unconventional Computing Architectures for Edge AI Applications

Oct 2025 — Sep 2028

The University of Edinburgh

Master of Engineering (MEng), Electrical and Electronics Engineering

Grade: First Class Honours

Sep 2020 — May 2025

05

Publications

Preprints

  1. Gen-TAS: A Generative AI-Aided Hardware-Software Task Allocation Framework for FPGA-GPP Heterogeneous Systems
    M. Kong, Y. Zhao, S. Vazgecen, C. Sestito, T. Prodromakis  ·  arXiv, 2026
  2. Non-frontal face recognition using GANs and memristor-based classifiers
    S. Vazgecen, C. Sestito, S. Stathopoulos, T. Prodromakis  ·  arXiv, 2026