Salam arrived to the Design and Computation MA holding a Bachelor of Arts in Visual Communication with a focus on Typography from the Lebanese University in Beirut.

During his Master’s, he explored the integration of robotics and interactive systems with typography, as well as the interactive archival of personal histories and genealogies. His MA thesis, “Maqām characteristics and semiotics in tarab and moods,” investigated Arabic maqam music as an intercultural design system. Through an extensive literature review, historical research, informal source analysis, and expert interviews, the work identified the characteristics that connect maqām to moods and ecstacy, ultimately arriving at an expanded definition of maqām. Salam graduated in summer 2024 and his thesis was awarded a grade of 1.0 (GPA 4.0).

Alongside his academic and independent practice, Salam has continued to work across visual communication, digital experiences, and research-led design. He is currently working at motiontag, a company specialized in mobility research and analysis. In his role as a user experience and interface designer and product researcher, he contributes to the design of multiple data-driven tools and interfaces.

Outside work and academic pursuits, Salam enjoys Arabic poetry, woodworking, playing percussion instruments, and cyanotype printing.