This time Scientific Bangladesh has interviewed Forhad Karim Saikot. He is pursuing PhD at the
University of Queensland in Australia. He has shared his insights, experiences and knowledge briefly in this interview. Read what he has to share
1.Scientific Bangladesh: Please briefly introduce yourself, your PhD topic and, your University to our readers.
Forhad Karim Saikot: I am pursuing PhD in the University of Queensland, a leading one in Australia. My research theme is structural biology. We focus on determining protein structure with state-of-art biophysical techniques such as X-ray crystallography and/or cryo-transmission electron microscopy.
2.Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you have gone for PhD? In other words, why are you pursuing PhD?
Forhad Karim Saikot: I am an academic in Bangladesh. My current position is Assistant Professor in Jashore University of Science and Technology. PhD is required for timely promotion; however, it is a way to develop skills for me.
3.Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your i) PhD topic and ii) Institute?
Forhad Karim Saikot: Initially I was looking for group leaders in the field of immunotherapy. Later, I found structural biology interesting and challenging, so I switched. I wasn’t worried about the institute; there are quite a few in UQ with similar facility.
4.Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as PhD student, Bachelor or Master degree?
Forhad Karim Saikot: Bachelor with thesis/research project.
5.Scientific Bangladesh: If anyone wants to do PhD in your University/country, what are the steps one has to follow?
Forhad Karim Saikot: Good academic result (albeit in relevant field), publications, a group leader to endorse application and required language proficiency.
6.Scientific Bangladesh: What are mistakes one should avoid when contacting with University or Professor for PhD studentship?
Forhad Karim Saikot: There is nothing written on stones. Few students study the background of the specific group leader and thus, don’t have enough time to reach many. Few send generic emails to as many group leaders as possible and risk many of them not being read.
7.Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get PhD, by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain no of publications (journal articles)?
Forhad Karim Saikot: Submitting a thesis
8.Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your Supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing PhD supervisor?
Forhad Karim Saikot: As I said before, I had the opportunity to talk to him directly. I liked the field, and he had recent high impact papers involving students.
9.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
Forhad Karim Saikot: Communication- open and consistent communication.
10.Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
Forhad Karim Saikot: Try to help them when they need.
11.Scientific Bangladesh: Doing PhD is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
Forhad Karim Saikot: By spending time with my wife, which is rare.
12.Scientific Bangladesh: How many days in a week you go to the lab? Why?
Forhad Karim Saikot: Sometimes 7 days. It is a requirement of the field of research.
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?
Forhad Karim Saikot: 1. cryoTEM 2. Micrograph processing
14.Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective PhD students?