UROP Project

Meta-Analysis of the Use of the Requirements Interchange Format (ReqIF)

ReqIF, Requirements Engineering, MBSE, Data Exchange
Research Mentor: Mr. Naqash Ali,
Department, College, Affiliation: Center for Advanced Power Systems, N/A
Contact Email: na22j@fsu.edu
Research Assistant Supervisor (if different from mentor): Mr. Matthew Bosworth
Research Assistant Supervisor Email: matt@caps.fsu.edu
Faculty Collaborators:
Faculty Collaborators Email:
Looking for Research Assistants: Yes
Number of Research Assistants: 1
Relevant Majors: Industrial Engineering, Systems Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science
Project Location: On FSU Main Campus
Research Assistant Transportation Required:
Remote or In-person: Partially Remote
Approximate Weekly Hours: 5-10, Flexible schedule (Combination of business and outside of business. TBD between student and research mentor.)
Roundtable Times and Zoom Link:
Not participating in the roundtable

Project Description

This project conducts a meta-analysis of the Requirements Interchange Format (ReqIF) in MBSE and requirements engineering workflows. Students will examine literature, case studies, and tool implementations to assess how ReqIF is applied, what benefits it provides, and where adoption challenges remain. The objectives are to (1) review the role of ReqIF in facilitating requirements exchange, (2) classify patterns of use and tool support, and (3) provide recommendations for best practices in requirements interoperability.

Research Tasks: Learn the basics of requirements engineering, MBSE, and ReqIF.
Search for academic papers, industry reports, standards, and software documentation related to ReqIF.
Create an annotated bibliography summarizing the main findings from each source.
Identify software tools and engineering workflows that support ReqIF.
Group examples into common uses, such as exchanging requirements between tools and maintaining traceability.
Review case studies from industries such as aerospace, automotive, and defense.
Record how ReqIF was used, which tools were involved, and what challenges were reported.
Compare ReqIF support and interoperability across different tools and case studies.
Create tables, charts, and workflow diagrams summarizing the findings.
Help identify common practices, remaining gaps, and possible recommendations.
Contribute to the final report and presentation.

Skills that research assistant(s) may need: Required

Interest in engineering, technology, or how information is exchanged between software tools.
Ability to read technical material and summarize the main points.
Basic experience with Word, Excel, or Google Workspace.
Good organization and attention to detail.
Ability to keep clear records of sources and findings.
Willingness to learn requirements engineering, MBSE, and ReqIF concepts.
Ability to communicate and work reliably with the research team.

Recommended, but not required

Coursework or interest in engineering, computer science, information technology, or library and information studies.
Experience searching for and reviewing academic or technical sources.
Familiarity with requirements, MBSE, XML, or engineering software.
Experience creating comparison tables, charts, or technical presentations.

No previous experience with ReqIF or MBSE is required; training and guidance will be provided.

Mentoring Philosophy

As a mentor, my goal is to create an environment where undergraduate researchers can confidently explore new ideas, develop technical skills, and contribute meaningfully to active research. I view mentorship as a collaborative process — students bring curiosity, fresh perspectives, and energy, while I provide guidance, resources, and structure to help them grow.
I believe in balancing independence with support. Students will receive the background, tools, and initial training needed to get started, but will also be encouraged to take ownership of their work, make decisions, and learn through problem-solving. I emphasize clear communication, regular check-ins, and constructive feedback to ensure progress while maintaining flexibility for different learning styles.
My projects often combine technical research with creative problem-solving, so I encourage students to ask questions, challenge assumptions, and connect their work to real-world applications. Above all, I want students to leave the experience with not only new skills but also greater confidence in their ability to learn, adapt, and contribute in any professional or academic setting.

Additional Information


Link to Publications