Ali comes from an engineering background with a PhD from the University of Alberta and an MSc from the University of Michigan.

Over the years, the focus of his research has revolved around sensing and automation for safety analysis, integrated productive and safe workplace design, motion-capture based automated ergonomic assessment and biomechanical simulation, virtual reality for prevention through design, motion level modeling of manual operations, and simulation and visualization of labor efficiency and safety. He acts both as a Director of Innovation, Technology, and Research in the industry and as a Research Scientist and Advisor in academia, collaborating with many universities internationally. He is highly interested in use of applied research and technology to develop solutions for improving health, wellness and safety.