GRAD ECHO

ihsanqazi

In general, Masters funding is very limited and in my experience, it is generally even lower outside CS and Engineering fields. However, scholarships can still work out, such as Erasmus Mundas in Europe, Commonwealth Scholarship in the UK and the Fulbright Scholarship for US. I don’t recall recent examples of students taking that path but will let you know if I find someone.

ActualAIz

ActualAIz is excited to bring prospective graduate students a brilliant opportunity in the form of a fully funded PhD position at the Rochester Institute of Technology.

About the Advisor:

Dr. Fawad Ahmad is an Assistant Professor at the Rochester Institute of Technology. His research focuses on building mobile systems that enable humans and machines like self-driving cars, and drones to perceive, and understand the world better. Research at Dr. Fawad’s lab is published at top networks/systems and mobile systems venues like MobiSys, MobiCom, NSDI etc. Students from his lab intern at places like General Motors.

About the Project:

A live 3D digital twin is a high-fidelity 3D replica of some physical object or scene, which evolves with the physical object in real-time. These twins are starting to enable ground-breaking capabilities in numerous applications ranging from autonomous driving and manufacturing to sports analytics. In his research lab, Dr. Fawad builds reusable perception infrastructure to build these digital twins and then build end-to-end cyber-physical systems that leverage these twins in different applications.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate Senior or recent graduate
At least 6 Months to 1 Year of Research Experience (preferably in the domain of the project)
Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering Major
Prior Experience in Computer Vision and/or robotics and networks/systems

Application:

Interested candidates should please email Dr. Fawad at fawad@cs.rit.edu with:

A short description about yourself
Provide a clear description of why you are interested in the specific topics above
Explain how your background applies specifically to this position,
Your academic curriculum vitae (CV).

Dr Fawad post.jpg

ActualAIz

ActualAIz is excited to bring prospective graduate students a brilliant opportunity in the form of fully funded MS and PhD positions at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst.

About the Advisor:

Dr. Muhammad Taqi Raza is an Assistant Professor at the University of Massachusetts, Amherst. His areas of expertise include Mobile Networked Systems, Quantum Network Security, and Internet of Things.

About the Research Lab:

The Khwarizmi Lab is a joint venture between University of Massachusetts Amherst, the National Science Foundation, and the Center for Quantum Networks. The Khwarizmi lab is dedicated to solving challenging problems lying at the intersection of systems and algorithms. In particular, their research focuses on developing secure and effective solutions in FinTech, Quantum Networks, and Critical Infrastructures – such as 5G Mobile Networks, and Industrial Control Systems.

Eligibility:

Undergraduate Senior or recent graduate
At least 6 Months to 1 Year of Research Experience (preferably in Networked Systems and Security domain)
Computer Science or Electrical and Computer Engineering Major
Applicants strongly motivated to apply to graduate school in North America are encouraged to apply

Application:

Interested candidates should fill this form. Dr. Taqi will personally oversee the applications, and reach out to select candidates.

Dr Taqi Final.jpg

ihsanqazi

The key components of a graduate school application for MS/PhD programs include Transcripts, Letters of Recommendation (usually 3), Statement of Purpose, Resume/CV, and Test Scores. Universities in some countries (e.g., Australia, UK) also require developing a research proposal when applying for PhD programs.

As a professor who has served on graduate admissions committees, I've seen firsthand how these components are used to evaluate applicants. As we examine each application component in this post, I invite you to imagine yourself as an admission committee member tasked with identifying the most promising candidates from a large applicant pool. The challenge is not just to select candidates who meet the criteria, but also to predict who will thrive in the program. This task requires a careful analysis of the components of graduate applications.

Each element provides a crucial piece of the puzzle, collectively forming a comprehensive picture of the applicant. Committees approach this evaluation holistically, considering how these components interact rather than fixating on any single factor. For instance, a stellar GPA might be offset by weak letters of recommendation, or exceptional research experience could outweigh mediocre test scores.

Now, let's dive into each component, examining its importance, limitations, and how it contributes to the decision-making process:

1. Transcripts

Importance: Transcripts provide a comprehensive view of an applicant's academic history, including course selection, grades, and overall GPA.
How they're used: Admissions committees analyze not just the overall GPA, but the trajectory of grades, difficulty of coursework, and performance in subjects crucial to the program. A rising trend in grades can sometimes outweigh a lower overall GPA. They also consider the reputation and rigor of the applicant's institution.
Limitations: Transcripts don't reveal the full story. They don't show circumstances that might have affected performance (e.g., personal hardships). The predictive power of a GPA can also vary significantly depending on the undergraduate institution's grading policies and the rigor of the coursework.

2. Letters of Recommendation

Importance: These letters offer insights into an applicant's abilities, work ethic, and potential from those who have worked closely with them.
How they're used: Admissions committees look for specific examples of the applicant's strengths, research capabilities, and how they compare to other students. Strong letters can significantly boost an application.
Limitations: Not all recommenders write equally compelling letters. Some may be overly positive without providing substantive information.

3. Statement of Purpose/Personal Statement

Importance: This is the applicant's chance to directly communicate their goals, research interests, and fit for the program.
How they're used: Admissions committees assess the clarity of thought, writing ability, and alignment between the applicant's interests and our program's strengths. It's also a chance to explain any weaknesses in the application.
Limitations: Some applicants may have received extensive help in crafting their statements, potentially masking their thought process, depth of applicant’s experiences, or true writing abilities.

4. Resume/CV

Importance: This document provides a snapshot of the applicant's academic and professional experiences.
How they're used: We look for relevant research experience, publications, presentations, and any unique skills or experiences that set the applicant apart.
Limitations: Resumes can be padded or may not fully capture the depth of an applicant's experiences.

5. Test Scores (e.g., TOEFL/IELTS, GRE)

Importance: While their significance is decreasing, test scores still aim to provide a standardized metric for comparing applicants from diverse educational backgrounds.
How they're used: Scores are often used as an initial filter and to complement other parts of the application. High scores can compensate for weaker areas elsewhere.
Limitations: These tests have been criticized for bias and may not accurately predict graduate school success. Many programs are moving away from requiring them.

6. Research Proposal

(Note: This is primarily needed for PhD applications in some countries/regions, e.g., UK, Australia and Europe but NOT in US/Canada in general)

Importance: This demonstrates the applicant's ability to conceptualize and plan a research project.
How they're used: Admissions committees assess the proposal's originality, feasibility, and alignment with faculty research interests. It's a key indicator of research potential.
Limitations: Proposals may be overly ambitious or may change significantly once the student begins the program.

ihsanqazi

For undergraduate students aspiring to pursue graduate studies or simply expand their academic horizons, gaining research experience can be invaluable. However, the path to meaningful research involvement isn't always straightforward, especially for students at institutions without extensive research programs. In this article, I will outline effective strategies for undergraduates to acquire and make the most of research opportunities.

Start Early and Be Proactive
The journey into research should ideally begin early in your undergraduate studies. Summer before junior year is an excellent time to start looking for research projects. Don't wait for opportunities to come to you; actively seek them out within your department. This could involve joining a lab, assisting faculty with ongoing projects, or proposing an independent study project. Being proactive demonstrates your enthusiasm and commitment, qualities that faculty members highly value in potential research assistants.

Find a Mentor and Build Relationships
A key step in your research journey is finding a mentor. A faculty advisor can provide invaluable guidance, support, and opportunities for deeper involvement in research. When approaching potential mentors, show genuine interest in their work and come prepared with questions or ideas. As you work with your mentor, focus on building a strong professional relationship. This can lead to more responsibilities, better letters of recommendation, and potentially even co-authorship on publications depending on the extent of research contributions.

Develop Essential Skills and Take Ownership
To excel in research, focus on developing crucial skills related to research methods, statistical analysis, and scientific writing. Take relevant courses, attend workshops, and seek out online resources to enhance your skill set. Once involved in a project, demonstrate your commitment by taking ownership. This means showing genuine engagement, learning new concepts and tools relevant to the research, and proactively exploring new ideas and approaches. Over time, aim to take on more responsibility by suggesting new ideas, contributing to writing papers, presenting work, and even mentoring junior students.

Engage with the Broader Research Community
Research doesn't happen in isolation. Attend talks, seminars, workshops, and conferences to stay informed about current research trends and connect with other researchers. These events provide opportunities to learn about cutting-edge work in your field and network with peers and potential future collaborators or advisors. Engaging with the broader research community can also help you identify new areas of interest and potential future research directions.

Document Your Work and Seek Feedback
Keep detailed records of your research activities, methodologies, and findings. This documentation will be invaluable when writing your statement of purpose or research summaries for graduate school applications. It also helps you track your progress and identify areas for improvement. Regularly seek feedback from your mentor and peers on your work. This not only helps you improve but also demonstrates your commitment to growth and excellence in research.

Consider Gaining Research Experience Post Graduation
If you're attending a university without extensive research programs or haven't had the opportunity to gain research experience during your undergraduate studies, consider dedicating 1-2 years after graduation to working as a research assistant. This extended period allows for deeper engagement with research projects and can significantly strengthen your graduate school applications. Look for RA positions at research-intensive universities or reputable research institutions in your field of interest. This experience can provide you with the skills, research experience, and recommendations needed to compete effectively for reputable graduate programs.

In my view, by following these strategies, undergraduate students can gain valuable research experience that will serve them well going forward. Remember, the key is to be proactive, committed, and always eager to learn. Whether you're working in a well-equipped lab or creating opportunities from limited resources, your attitude, effort and work ethic will be the primary drivers of your success in research.