This time Scientific Bangladesh interviewed Rubaya Rashid. She is pursuing her PhD at Hokkaido University in Japan. She has briefly shared her experiences and insights. Here is what she says
1.Scientific Bangladesh: Please briefly introduce yourself, your PhD topic and, your University to our readers.
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: I have completed my Bachelor of Science in Chemistry and Masters in Physical Chemistry from Dhaka University. PhD topic: Force Determination of Circular Swarm Microtubules Driven by Kinesin using Electromagnetic Tweezers. Now I am a PhD student at Hokkaido University.
2.Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you have gone for PhD? In other words, why are you pursuing PhD?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid:From the beginning of my research journey in 4th year project, I was introduced to the research field. From then I wanted to come abroad to pursue a PhD degree.
3.Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your i) PhD topic and ii) Institute?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: I discussed with my seniors and also searched on online to choose the institution and my PhD topic.
4.Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as PhD student, Bachelor or Master degree?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: Masters degree.
5.Scientific Bangladesh: If anyone wants to do PhD in your University/country, what are the steps one has to follow?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: First to choose the research field, then choose supervisor in that field. After that he or she can write to the supervisor about his or her interest and qualifications.
6.Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get PhD, by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain no of publications (journal articles)?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: I have to publish my research in at least one international journal and have to submit the thesis.
7.Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your Supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing PhD supervisor?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: Yes, I did. Actually I was Interested in the field of Bimolecular motor.
8.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: Try to follow his instructions and try to discuss everything about the research with the supervisor/s.
9.Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: Discuss about research works and also sometimes spend some time with them. And most importantly doing the common lab duties together.
10.Scientific Bangladesh: Doing PhD is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: Yes, sometimes. On stress I try to talk to my family and close friends.
11.Scientific Bangladesh: How many days in a week you go to the lab? Why?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: 6 days per week. 5 days’ regular lab day and 6th day is weekly report.
12.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?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: I am focusing on skill development in experiments and Data science.
13.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your future plan? Want to go back to Bangladesh or not?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: I have not decided yet.
14.Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective PhD students?
Mst. Rubaya Rashid: Please choose the field of your interest.