This time Scientific Bangladesh has interviewed Md Ahsanuzzaman. He is doing his PhD at Queen’s University in Canada. Here is his experience and insights.
1. Scientific Bangladesh: Briefly introduce our readers to yourself, your PhD topic, and University
Md Ahasanuzzaman: I am doing my PhD at Queen’s University, Kingston, Canada. Earlier, I finished my MSc at the same university. I started my PhD with the same supervisor who was in my MSc. My PhD topic is Software Engineering Data Analysis which mainly focuses on mining software repository data with machine learning models for learning the pattern and provide actionable suggestions to practitioners (e.g., developers).
2.Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your i) Research/PhD topic and ii) Institute?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: i) Matching with the interest and had some experience in the topic ii) Mainly found the professor who is an expert in my research area.
3.Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as PhD student, Bachelor or Master degree?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: Bachelor
4.Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you have gone for PhD? In other words, why you are doing PhD?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: I had a strong desire and interest to pursue my career in academia.
5.Scientific Bangladesh: If anyone wants to do PhD in your University/country, what are the steps one has to follow?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: 1) Finding relevant professors 2) Communicating with the professors 3) English proficiency test (e.g., IELTS).
6.Scientific Bangladesh: What are mistakes one should avoid when contacting with University or Professor for PhD studentship?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: 1) Never copy/paste the same email template to professors 2) Do not write a long email 3) Not mentioning how his/her research work aligns with the professor (e.g., mentioning 3 pros and 3 cons of any of the paper he/she finds interest).
7.Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get PhD, by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain no of publications (journal articles)?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: A certain number of publications and thesis submission.
8.Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your Supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing PhD supervisor?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: Yes. 1) Expert in the field, 2) Number of publications, and 3) A good lab environment
9.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: Maintain a good performance and try to catch the deadline.
10.Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: Socialising with the labmates (e.g., going out for pizzas or hang out with them), discussing topics outside of the research areas.
11.Scientific Bangladesh: Doing PhD is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: Going to the gym, playing guitars, watching movies, and doing anything that I love most.
12.Scientific Bangladesh: How many days in a week you go to the lab? Why?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: 5 days. Going to the lab makes me productive.
13.Scientific Bangladesh: PhD is considered as training for a career in Research. What 1. technical and 2. Soft skills you are focusing to develop or developed by this time?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: Becoming an expert with software related data analysis (e.g., R programming language) and data visualization
14.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your future plan? Want to go back to Bangladesh or not?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: Future plan is to become a professor. I have not decided yet whether will go back to Bangladesh or not.
15.Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective PhD students?
Md Ahasanuzzaman: Plan before you think and enjoy your time :D. Think think think.. this will definitely broaden your mind. I believe PhD in abroad is a journey, a journey of learning everything…