This time Scientific Bangladesh has interviewed Mahbub Alam, Akanda, a Phd Student from Japan. He has briefly
shared his experience and insights. Here is what he says-
1. Scientific Bangladesh: Briefly introduce our readers to yourself, your PhD topic, and University
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: I am Md Mahbub Alam Akanda. I have completed my Bachelor of Science and Master of Science from the University of Dhaka, Bangladesh. Currently, I am a PhD candidate at the Institute for Catalysis at Hokkaido University, Japan. My research title is ” Macroscopic Surface-structural Characterization of Cerium Oxide Particles through Electron-trap Distribution Analyses.
2.Scientific Bangladesh: How did you choose your i)Research/PhD topic and ii) Institute?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: I was searching for an institute where I can do PhD in the field of my interest. I found Institute for Catalysis at Hokkaido University, Japan.
3.Scientific Bangladesh: What is the minimum qualification in your university to get admission as PhD student, Bachelor, or Master’s degree?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: Minimum qualification to get PhD admission is to complete at least 16 years of academic course and also a Master course from any University.
4.Scientific Bangladesh: What has made you have gone for PhD? In other words, why you are doing PhD?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: To become an independent researcher
5.Scientific Bangladesh: Tell us about your pathway to manage scholarship or funding for PhD.
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: (a). Discussing with senior Bangladeshi students, (b). Via the university’s webpage
6.Scientific Bangladesh: How will you get PhD, by submitting a thesis or publishing a certain no of publications (journal articles)?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: I have to submit a thesis and publish at least one research article from my PhD research. These are the minimum requirements for getting Ph.D
7.Scientific Bangladesh: Did you deliberately choose your Supervisor? What were your criteria for choosing PhD supervisor?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: I have tried to match my research interest while chosen PhD supervisor.
8.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your key to maintaining a good relationship with your supervisor?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: (a) Maintain time perfectly (b) Response quickly.
9.Scientific Bangladesh: What principle do you follow to maintain a good relationship with your labmates?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: (a) Friendly talking, (b) Showing a helping mindset.
10.Scientific Bangladesh: Doing PhD is a stressful job? How do you manage or release stress?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: Yes, It’s a really stressful job. I take it as a challenge, and I think I can learn many from it.
11.Scientific Bangladesh: How many days in a week you go to the lab? Why?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: 5 days in a week. It is our working days in our laboratory.
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?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: 1. Instrumental 2. Team Player Attitude, 3.Adaptability.
13.Scientific Bangladesh: What is your future plan? Want to go back to Bangladesh or not?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: (a) To build up a career in research and development. (b) If I get the proper scope than I will back to Bangladesh; otherwise not.
14.Scientific Bangladesh: What are your suggestions for prospective PhD students?
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: (a) Think your goal, (b) Prepare mentally to take the challenge, (c) Make an effective plan/manage a proper supervisor, (d)then Go ahead according to your supervisor’s directions.
15.Scientific Bangladesh: Would like to share your weekly story with other PhD students? If yes, register at www.scfbd.net
Md Mahbub Alam Akanda: Yes.
Scientific Bangladesh: Prospective PhD students will be waiting to story your weekly story.