Before the Ph.D.
What inspired you to pursue a Ph.D.? Was there a defining moment or motivation behind your decision? How did you choose a program or an advisor?
My research focuses on cryptography and cybersecurity. During my final year as an undergraduate, my university brought in a highly influential professor from Brown University. I had the opportunity to learn algorithms, cybersecurity, and cryptography from him, which was a game-changer for me. This connection led to us collaborating on several projects, and instead of starting the job I found after graduation, he invited me to stay and pursue a PhD. I gladly accepted, but my time there was short-lived, as I had always planned to move to Singapore. To keep things flexible, I enrolled in the master's program instead (It’s more like a condensed PhD, where the thesis must be exceptionally strong, and the defense is crucial. Honestly, it was even tougher than my actual PhD defense! 😅). The pay was good, so I stayed through the full 2 years programme, but my passion ultimately led me to book a flight to Singapore. Once there, I visited several professors in my field, asked countless questions, and eventually found a great intellectual synergy with another highly influential and brilliant professor. He hadn’t been looking for a PhD student, but he recognized the potential in our collaboration. The SINGA program was already in place, so when I returned, I reached out to them. Having an invitation from a professor made the process much smoother. Additionally, I had the opportunity to meet with a committee from Singapore for an interview. We had a great discussion, and they recognized both my passion and skills, which further facilitated the process. As a result, I began my PhD at NTU.
Challenges and Learning Moments
What obstacles did you face during your Ph.D. course, and how did you navigate them?
Honestly, I didn’t face any major obstacles. Those four years were almost the best of my life; I had the freedom to explore, learn, and conduct research on anything I wanted with nearly complete independence.
How did you stay motivated and manage stress, especially during intense periods or when things didn’t go as planned?
The choice of supervisor is crucial. Whenever I hit a roadblock, I would simply call my supervisor, explain the situation very briefly, and request more time before our meeting so that I could make the most of his guidance. I'm sure initially he suspected I was just procrastinating. But after a few months, we built a strong foundation of trust and understanding. He came to fully support my progress at my own pace, which made all the difference.
Was there a point where you doubted your ability to continue? How did you push through those moments?
A few times, maybe. Then I slept on it. And maybe I did that for a few more days. I just kept the problem simmering in the back of my mind. The brain works in incredible ways; one day, it simply pieces everything together for you. That’s my approach whenever I hit a roadblock or start doubting myself. Just sleep on it.
What’s a memorable mistake or failure you experienced during your Ph.D., and what did it teach you?
Aside from pursuing a few wrong ideas, ones I eventually abandoned after digging deeper and fully understanding the problem, there wasn’t much else.
What kept you passionate about your research throughout your Ph.D., despite the challenges?
The full independence allowed me to focus solely on what I truly enjoyed.
Did you have a personal mantra or philosophy that guided you during your journey?
If not today, then tomorrow; but progress is always within reach.
Achievements and Highlights
What was your proudest moment or achievement during your Ph.D. journey?
In my second semester, I published a strong paper in a top journal; a moment I was truly proud of. Then, at the beginning of my fourth year, I was asked if I wanted to graduate early. My answer was a clear no; why would I give up a year of doing what I loved? But just being asked was another proud moment in itself.
After the Ph.D.
What do you do? How did you reach the place where you are at?
I had the chance to meet with the two researchers leading, at the time, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign's efforts in Singapore. Interestingly, as I reflect on this 7-8 years later now, I find myself in the same role. Our meeting was pleasant, and I appreciated the opportunity to connect. I chose it simply because it felt like the right fit, even though it wasn't the top option on paper. For me, the independence and flexibility it offers are important, and I believe they help me do my best work.
How did completing your Ph.D. change your perspective on the world or your field of research?
Completing my Ph.D. didn't fundamentally change my perspective on the world or my field of research. I’ve always been someone who is either grounded or, perhaps, still a dreamer; I'm not entirely sure.
Advice for Current and Aspiring Ph.D. Students
If you could go back in time, what advice would you give to your younger self before starting your Ph.D.?
If I were to do it all over again, I would follow the same approach; carefully choosing my advisor rather than going to a place where you’re simply selected by them. I believe it’s crucial to find an advisor whose research aligns with your interests and who can offer the guidance and support needed for your academic growth. It makes a significant difference in shaping a fulfilling research experience. Avoid micromanagers at all costs; they can be detrimental to everyone involved.
How should students approach finding the right advisor or research topic?
Make sure to ask more questions than the professor asks you. Don’t just respond; engage with them by asking thoughtful questions. Aim to ask at least one more question than the number they ask you. This shows your interest and helps you get to know them better. Additionally, read their most influential research paper, along with at least 4 or 5 others, before you meet them. You can also ask them about the work they’re most proud of or the research they’ve had the most fun with. Inquire about their recent interests and outcomes, and take the time to read through them as well.
What strategies would you recommend for overcoming challenges and staying resilient?
Give yourself plenty of time and avoid overworking. Everyone has a limit to how many productive minutes they can handle each day; and trust me, it’s not as many as you might think. Pushing beyond that limit can quickly drain your energy and reduce your effectiveness.
What tools did you use to stay productive and manage your workload during your Ph.D.?
All that is available; tools are your allies. Honestly, this is a great question. I frequently spend some of my own time exploring and researching new tools that are out there. Staying up-to-date with the latest tools is essential to remain relevant and effective in your work.
Do you have any books to recommend for students?
I recommend choosing one book to serve as your go-to reference; something that covers the theoretical foundations of your field. For me, that book was Introduction to Modern Cryptography by Katz and Lindell. Invest in a high-quality copy; don’t skimp on this. Keep it with you and refer to it whenever needed. Now, I know this might sound like advice from someone old-fashioned, and yes, you could opt for a digital version. But personally, I stand by the value of a well-made, physical hardcover edition, with handwritten notes on it.
Any last advice to students who are currently pursuing or considering a Ph.D.?
Stay curious and never hesitate to ask questions, no matter the situation. This isn't advice for the classroom; it's about engaging with the world around you and continuously learning.
