This time Scientific Bangladesh has interviewed Md Mahamudul Haque. He is pursuing PhD in the 
Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, Canada. He has shared his journey for PhD in Canada. Here is his story and insights for prospective future PhD students:
1.Scientific Bangladesh: Please briefly introduce yourself, your PhD topic, and, your University to our readers.
Md Mahamudul Haque: I have completed my Honors and Master’s degree in Microbiology from Jahangirnagar University. After my graduation, I have worked as a Research and Development officer in Incepta Vaccine Limited for two years. My next career move was to shine in the academic setting. So, I joined in the Department of Microbiology at Primeasia University as a lecturer and worked for more than two and a half years. Currently, I am pursuing my PhD in the Department of Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, Canada. I am investigating the molecular mechanism and functions of the type six secretion system of Pseudomonas aeruginosa in interspecies interaction.
2.Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you have gone for PhD? In other words, why are you pursuing PhD?
Md Mahamudul Haque: I envisage myself to achieve research excellence in the field of microbiology and molecular biology concentrating on the bacterial intercellular interaction and new antibacterial targets. Studying the virulence factors as well as their regulatory networks of the pathogen paves the way to treat an infection. In relation to this, PhD program in Oral Biology, University of Manitoba, is just the right one I was looking for to study.
3.Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your i) PhD topic and ii) Institute?
Md Mahamudul Haque: I was very much interested in the work of my present supervisor who is working on screening novel antimicrobial drugs that match with my research interest. Alongside, I had previously worked with Dr. Hasibur Rahman on antibiotic resistance which sparked my interest to pursue my PhD in this research area. I chose the University of Manitoba because it is a well-ranked university in the field of health science and it provides an excellent environment for young researchers to accomplish their research endeavors.
4.Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as PhD student, Bachelor or Master degree?
Md Mahamudul Haque: It is better to have a Master’s degree if anyone wants to get admission to PhD program at the University of Manitoba.
5.Scientific Bangladesh: If anyone wants to do PhD in your University/country, what are the steps one has to follow?
Md Mahamudul Haque: Prospective students should have a decent cGPA in their undergrad and Master’s level. I believe this will add an advantage to get admission to grad school. In addition, relevant publications also help to find a suitable position. English proficiency test score (minimum requirement: IELTS-overall band 7 or TOEFL-90) is required. Also, a well-written statement of purpose (SOP) enhances the chance of getting admission in the program. A recommendation letter is another pre-requisite and I would suggest choosing your referee who knows you well in the aspect of academic and research background.
6.Scientific Bangladesh: What are mistakes one should avoid when contacting with University or Professor for PhD studentship?
Md Mahamudul Haque: First, the prospective student should study the recent publications before emailing them to the Professor. This is important because sometimes the students contact the Professor without knowing their research work well. Thus, the Professor takes it as a lack of enthusiasm and does not reply to the student. Second, the student should not email to the Professors at the same time who belongs to the same department. Third, the student should avoid emailing the Professor outside of working hours.
7.Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get PhD, by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain no of publications (journal articles)?
Md Mahamudul Haque: To get a PhD degree, a dissertation is needed to submit. Also, a few publications in good journals is an utmost requirement to get the degree.
8.Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your Supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing PhD supervisor?
Md Mahamudul Haque: Yes, I deliberately chose my supervisor. His profile and well-equipped laboratory attracted me to start my PhD at the University of Manitoba. His lab is one of the well-known labs that work in the area of bacterial interspecies interactions. I emailed him by expressing my interest to work in his lab because his research interest matches with mine. Then I had to face a couple of interviews and he finally selected me as a graduate student.
9.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
Md Mahamudul Haque: I believe good communication skill plays a major role in maintaining a good relationship with the supervisor. In addition, being honest and working hard are the main qualities which they look for in a student. It is always good to know the expectation of the supervisor at the beginning of the program.
10.Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
Md Mahamudul Haque: Well, this is an interesting question. I always maintain a decent relationship with my lab mates as I believe teamwork is essential for creating a good research environment in the lab. We can play to our strengths and complement each other.
11.Scientific Bangladesh: Doing PhD is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
Md Mahamudul Haque: Of course, PhD is a stressful job! I travel and hang out with my friends when I get some time off to release stress. Netflix is a good company if I am staying home.
12.Scientific Bangladesh: How many days in a week you go to the lab? Why?
Md Mahamudul Haque: I usually go to my lab on every weekday. Sometimes I go on weekend if some experiments need to follow up.
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 Mahamudul Haque: I am focusing on acquiring research knowledge and an array of advanced molecular techniques as part of my technical skills.
I am looking forward to developing soft skills including project management, networking, communication skills, research grant writing, and data interpretation.
14.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your future plan? Want to go back to Bangladesh or not?
Md Mahamudul Haque: After finishing PhD, I will go back to Bangladesh and will build my career in the academic field which I believe is my passion.
15.Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective PhD students?
Md Mahamudul Haque: PhD is a long journey. If you have the passion and full dedication towards it, then go for it. Utilize your time wisely. In this journey, you must learn how to deal with troubleshoots. Also, try to involve more in community work and leadership activities. Never lose hope and remember there is always good people to help you out when you are in trouble!
16.Scientific Bangladesh: Would like to share your weekly story with other PhD students? If yes, register at www.scfbd.net
Md Mahamudul Haque: Yes
Scientific Bangladesh: Thank you for deciding to write regularly in Scientific Bangladesh. the readers of Scientific Bangladesh will be waiting for your story.