Syed Irfan Ali Meerza, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor | Computer Science

Dr. Meerza’s research focuses on robust and trustworthy AI, including generative AI, multimodal learning, and data privacy.

Email: meerzas@vcu.edu

Areas of Expertise

AI Security and Privacy, Robust and Trustworthy AI, Responsible Content Governance, Smart Healthcare and Fitness

Education

University of Tennessee, Knoxville

Ph.D.
Computer Engineering
2026

American International University-Bangladesh

M.Sc.
Electrical and Electronics Engineering
2019

Khulna University of Engineering and Technology

B.Sc.
Electronics and Communication Engineering
2015

Media Appearances

Pitch Perfect Protection
Torchbearer Magazine
2025-05-09

Juan Carlos Quintero was working as a music supervisor for a television show when he got his first inkling that artificial intelligence could cause complications for musicians and other artists.

The show’s executive producer asked him about the possibility of generating a score with AI instead of hiring a composer. “He wasn’t thinking about the creative standpoint,” says Quintero, professor of practice and director of music business and communications in UT’s Natalie L. Haslam College of Music. “He was thinking about a computer creating music that could be inserted into his shows and generate royalties for him as the copyright owner.”

The executive producer walked back his suggestion when Quintero explained the importance of the human element in music creation. “When you give notes to AI, you cannot have the creative conversations that you would have with a composer about your vision for the music. You can’t have drinks with your laptop and discuss that, you know?”