This time Scientific Bangladesh interviewed S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury,a third-year PhD student in data science at the University of Texas at El Paso, Texas, USA. His insight might be helpful for PhD aspirants. Here is what he had to say:
1. Scientific Bangladesh: Please briefly introduce yourself, your PhD topic, and your university to our readers.
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: I am a third-year PhD student in data science at the University of Texas at El Paso, Texas, USA. My Ph.D. topic is ‘Advanced Machine Learning Approaches to Finding Propensities for Involvement in Wellness Programs Based on Lifestyle Behavior.’
2. Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you go for a PhD? In other words, why are you pursuing a PhD?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: To build my career as an expert in machine learning and apply statistical models.
3. Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your (i) PhD topic and (ii) institute?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: i) I am a full-time employee at a company where I work on personalized data and apply machine learning models to assist in designing the product. ii) This university requires two internships to obtain the degree, which I find unique among other data science Ph.D. programs in the USA.
4. Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as a PhD student, bachelor’s, or master’s degree?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: To gain admission to a PhD or master’s program, one must take an English Language Test and the GRE.
5. Scientific Bangladesh: If anyone wants to do PhD in your university or country, what are the steps one has to follow?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: Step 1: Take the TOEFL or IELTS. Step 2: Maintain a GPA of 3.00 or higher in previous academic records. Step 3: Take the general GRE. Step 4: Apply early.
6. Scientific Bangladesh: What mistakes should one avoid when contacting a university or professor for PhD studentship?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: Do not try to show fake interest, and do not include anything in the resume or CV that does not belong to the applicant.
7. Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get a PhD, by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain number of publications (journal articles)?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: I have to publish at least one article from the PhD research.
8. Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing a PhD supervisor?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: Yes, I chose my professor because he is an expert in Machine Learning Models and has graduated from Stanford University
9. Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: Honesty and punctuality
10. Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: I do not have a labmate.
11. Scientific Bangladesh: Is doing a PhD is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: For me, yes. Because I am doing both at the same time: having a full-time job and pursuing a PhD.
12. Scientific Bangladesh: How many days a week do you go to the lab? Should PhD students work 7 days/week?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: I do not go to the lab, so I don’t know the answer for this question. However, I believe no student should work 7 days/week.
13. Scientific Bangladesh: A PhD is considered training for a career in Research. What 1. technical and 2. Soft skills you are focusing on developing or developed by this time?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: The technical skill that I am focusing on is, applying advanced machine learning models to real-world data. 2. Regarding soft skills, I am focusing on maintaining the deadline that my professor gives me.
14. Scientific Bangladesh: What is your plan? Do you want to go back to Bangladesh or not?
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: No
15. Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective PhD students?
S. M. Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: First, ask yourself why you need to pursue a PhD study.
16. Scientific Bangladesh: Would you like to share your weekly story with other PhD students? If yes, register at www.scientificbangladesh.com
S M Atiqur Rahman Chowdhury: Yes
Scientific Bangladesh: Thank you for your time and insightful interview. Our readers will be looking forward to your regular writing.