Journey of a PhD: Balancing Research and Creativity
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Chapter 1: A New Direction
I began my academic journey at a reputable engineering college in Coimbatore. However, the work I found in the industry failed to ignite my intellectual curiosity, leading me to seek more stimulating opportunities. A chance visit to the IISc campus captivated me, and I decided I wanted to immerse myself in that environment. Although I had not previously considered pursuing a PhD, I felt compelled to explore this new path. Enrolling in the MS program at IISc introduced me to research, where my enthusiasm for mathematics flourished—especially as I discovered the intersection between mathematics and computer science.
My research focus revolved around statistical machine learning, a relatively obscure field in India at the time. My fascination began during my undergraduate studies, particularly with the theory of computation, and I aspired to delve deeper into artificial intelligence. After completing my Master’s, I secured a job but realized that if I didn’t explore machine learning further, I might miss my chance. Thus, I took a leap of faith and returned to IISc for my PhD.
As my supervisor's inaugural PhD student, I faced the challenge of navigating this uncharted territory without a mentor. The greatest obstacle was identifying a specific problem to tackle. Initially, I aimed for an ambitious question in the field, but after months of deliberation, I learned that setting realistic goals is crucial for a successful PhD journey. My supervisor wisely advised me that the purpose of a PhD is not solely to solve groundbreaking problems but to develop a comprehensive understanding of the field.
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Section 1.1: Embracing Creative Outlets
Throughout my PhD, I encountered moments of demotivation, which I believe are integral to the doctoral experience. When faced with challenges, I found solace in writing and theater. My passion for storytelling blossomed in childhood, evolving into songwriting in college. I collaborated with musician friends to create humorous content that resonated with our peers. This creative outlet became a source of joy and fulfillment, especially during the taxing days in the lab.
In my first year at IISc, I launched a lighthearted project called "IISc Faking News" with friends, parodying the serious tone of confession pages. One of our first stories humorously depicted a missing head from the Tata statue, which gained popularity among students. My writing eventually earned me a column in the IISc newsletter, where I was humorously dubbed "Doctor Fake." Maintaining anonymity allowed me to poke fun at various departments without repercussions.
My involvement in extracurricular activities, including theater, provided a sense of achievement that positively influenced my PhD journey. Completing projects in these areas offered me small victories, essential during the marathon of doctoral research.
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Chapter 2: Cultivating a Supportive Environment
As a faculty member, my primary challenge has been attracting talented students. I believe it is the responsibility of professors to create an inviting atmosphere through sincere dedication to research and effective teaching. In the past, many worked in isolation, but I encourage collaboration, especially with the increasing significance of interdisciplinary research.
I also recognize the importance of addressing mental health and the need for a supportive environment for students. While training programs on sexual harassment are emerging, I advocate for similar initiatives focused on mental health. Supervisors must foster a space where students feel comfortable discussing their struggles, as many may hesitate to utilize existing resources due to stigma. It is crucial to remember that we are all navigating challenges together, regardless of our roles in academia.
-Dr. Arun Rajkumar, PhD in Computer Science, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore
Editor’s Note: Dr. Arun is currently an Assistant Professor at the Department of Computer Science and Engineering at IIT Madras.
Interviewed by Mahathi Bhargavapuri, Pallabi Haldar, and Rashmi Nautiyal
Written by Payel Das