Ouael Ben Amara
Final Year PhD Candidate & Co-Founder at Memorality
About Me
Final Year Ph.D. Candidate at the University of Michigan-Dearborn with a 3.9/4.0 CGPA. Expert in probabilistic databases, MCMC techniques, and unsupervised machine learning. Currently leading innovative research while building Memorality.
Skills
Advanced expertise in Python, C++, and ML frameworks (PyTorch, TensorFlow). Specialized in probabilistic databases, MCMC methods, unsupervised learning, LLMs, RAG, and vector databases. Strong background in statistical methods and system programming.
Achievements
Published researcher with papers in EDBT and SIGMOD. Contributed to Scikit-learn. Founded successful startups including Memorality and KernelSnap. Multiple academic honors including Dean's List recognition.
Experience
Research Assistant
- Currently working on explainability in probabilistic databases
- Tentative embedding of generative models like Hidden Markov Models / Bayesian Networks into G-PDB
- Conducted extensive research on statistical assumptions underlying various models like Word2Vec, HMM
- Implemented LDA using variational inference for Topic Model and Perplexity module
- Contributed to novel probabilistic database (Gamma-Probabilistic database) definition
- Currently have a paper under review at top-tier Data management conference
CoFounder
- Selected for and completed Station F startup program in Paris, France
- Won Arab Bank accelerator program and AI Factory accelerator program
- Secured second place at RAISE Summit and won MENA Chamber of Commerce award in USA
- Successfully exhibited at LEAP 2024 technology conference in Saudi Arabia
- Led successful fundraising round for company growth and expansion
Teacher Assistant
- Graded database management system and software engineering courses
- Taught and graded software engineering tools lab, including exams
Fintech Project Founder
- Developed automated identity verification process using Keras, OpenCV
- Integrated live processing OCR, Face Recognition and anomaly detection
- Handled marketing and business development including pitching and client acquisition
Publications
StarfishDB: a Query Execution Engine for Relational Probabilistic Programming
A novel query execution engine that combines probabilistic programming with relational databases, featuring vectorized execution and JIT compilation for high-performance probabilistic inference.
Ouael Ben Amara, Sami Hadouaj, Niccolò Meneghetti
Gamma Probabilistic Databases: Learning from Exchangeable Query-Answers
Introduces a new probabilistic database framework that learns from query answers while maintaining exchangeability, with applications in statistical relational learning.
Niccolò Meneghetti, Ouael Ben Amara
Speech Recognition for COVID-19 Keywords Using Machine Learning
Developed a machine learning approach for recognizing COVID-19 related keywords in speech, aiding in medical diagnosis and monitoring systems.
Wael Ben Amara, Amani Touihri, Salma Hamza
Learning From Query-Answers Using JIT-Compilation
Presents optimization techniques for query execution in probabilistic databases using just-in-time compilation.
Poster Presentation at Northeastern Database Day
Publication in Review
Novel theoretical results in probabilistic database theory, currently under review.
PODS 2025
Featured Work
StarfishDB
A vectorized query execution engine for Gamma Probabilistic Databases, built on Apache Arrow and ClangJIT. Implements novel probabilistic database concepts with high-performance computing.
DoVisual
A no-code platform for building AI backends using drag-and-drop interfaces. Features seamless integration with OpenAI, ElevenLabs, and various AI services for rapid development.