What inspired Jayati Deshmukh a Postdoctoral Researcher currently at the School of Electronics and Computer Science at the University of Southampton was an exceptional research culture at IIIT-Bangalore. The presence of highly qualified professors leading various labs with diverse research directions, coupled with their approachability and willingness to discuss science and research, creates a conducive atmosphere for academic growth.
She has done PhD from the Web Science Lab at IIIT-Bangalore. She holds an MTech in Data Science from IIIT-Bangalore and a BE in Computer Engineering from Gujarat Technological University.
In this piece of column, Jayati motivates undergraduate students to consider numerous research avenues IIIT-B offers while recounting her own PhD journey to Naviiina.
“My Journey from M.Tech to PhD
After completing my undergraduate studies, I faced a choice: join the industry or pursue an MTech at IIIT-Bangalore. I chose the latter, and it proved to be an enriching experience. The MTech program was intense, with four courses each semester, each involving projects, but it was also immensely rewarding. I formed a close-knit circle of friends, and we remain in touch even after a decade.
In my last semester, I opted to do a thesis under the guidance of Prof. Srinath Srinivasa, which gave me a taste of research and what pursuing a PhD would entail.
After working in the research industry for a few years post-MTech, I felt the urge to dive deeper into focused research. This led me back to IIITB to pursue a PhD. The past five years have been transformational, allowing me to research a topic I am passionate about—multi-agent systems. The journey has fostered significant personal and professional growth.
Challenges in Transitioning from Undergraduate Studies to Doctoral Research
Transitioning from undergraduate studies to doctoral research presents unique challenges. In undergrad, the path is well-defined with courses, projects, and exams. However, research is different; it involves creating a new path and gaining expertise in a specific area over time. The freedom to explore a subject deeply and contribute something new to the field made me realize my inclination towards research.
Supporting Undergraduate Research at IIIT-Bangalore
IIITB provides robust support and encouragement for undergraduates interested in research. Students can engage in project electives, working with professors and research scholars to actively contribute to a project. They can also take up reading electives to explore new areas beyond the offered courses, undertake a master’s thesis, participate in internships at universities and industrial research labs, and attend various talks and conferences. Events like RISE and Samvaad offer platforms to learn about diverse research topics and interact with experts. These opportunities help students explore different research fields and identify their interests.
Research Enables Students to Contribute Back to Society
Engaging in research activities offers numerous benefits. It not only helps students acquire relevant skills and knowledge but also enables them to contribute back to the field and society. Research allows individuals to bring their unique perspectives and narratives, advancing the field in meaningful ways. It provides an opportunity to pursue long-term goals and build collaborations with like-minded individuals possessing complementary skills and research interests.
Passion, Patience and Perseverance for Successful PhD Journey
Excelling in research and succeeding in a PhD program requires certain qualities. Passion for the chosen area, enjoyment of the learning process, patience, objectivity, acceptance of failures, and a can-do attitude to approach problems differently are crucial. A PhD is a long-term commitment, demanding dedication and a transformative mindset to thrive in the journey of research.”
Jayati’s journey from M.Tech to PhD at IIIT-Bangalore is a testament to the power of a supportive research environment and personal determination. Her experiences and insights offer valuable guidance for aspiring researchers looking to embark on a similar path.
