Introduction and Background
Can you introduce yourself? What was your research topic during your Ph.D.?
My name is Kentaroh. I studied computer science, focusing on applied security and privacy in emerging technologies like the Internet of Things (IoT). I’m the founder of Researcher Story, a senior scientist at a national research institute, A*STAR, Singapore, and a visiting lecturer at Keio University, Japan.
Before the Ph.D.
What inspired you to pursue a Ph.D.? Was there a defining moment or motivation behind your decision?
I decided to become a research scientist after attending an open laboratory event at my university. Seeing students passionately showcase their research outcomes gave me a strong sense that this was something I wanted to do. I’ve never been one to follow the default path, so while many of my friends were job hunting, I knew I wanted something different.
How did you prepare for your Ph.D.? (e.g., choosing a program, advisor, or research area)
I followed my advisor from my final undergraduate year through to the completion of my Ph.D. He gave me the freedom to choose research topics and methods, which I greatly admired. His trust and guidance played a big role in my decision to pursue this path.
Challenges and Learning Moments
What obstacles did you face during your Ph.D. course, and how did you overcome them?
The freedom my advisor gave me was a double-edged sword. On the one hand, I could choose topics that genuinely interested me. On the other hand, I had to learn everything from scratch because my chosen topic was outside my advisor’s expertise, and I was the only Ph.D. student in the lab.
The default length of a Ph.D. in Japan is three years, but by the end of my second year, I hadn’t had any journal papers accepted. I felt desperate and doubted my ability to succeed in research. However, my supervisor’s trust and the fact that this was the path I had chosen kept me going.
I took two key steps to overcome these challenges:
- Analyzing Successful Papers: I compared my manuscripts to published papers to identify what was missing. I realized my paper writing needed significant improvement. I revised my manuscripts and resubmitted them, eventually receiving major revisions and, later, acceptance.
- Mentoring Others: I co-supervised the lab’s students, mentoring them based on my own mistakes and lessons. This gave me a sense of responsibility and helped me refine my own understanding.
Achievements and Highlights
What was your proudest moment or achievement during your Ph.D. journey?
Throughout my 3-year Ph.D. journey, I got 5 peer-reviewed journal papers, 5 letters, and 10+ conference papers and received an Despite a challenging start, I published 5 peer-reviewed journal papers, 5 letters, and over 10 conference papers during my 3-year Ph.D. journey. I also earned a place on the dean’s list.
Careers
What have been your careers since your Ph.D.?
After completing my Ph.D., I had the opportunity to conduct postdoctoral research at a different lab in the same university. I spent three years there, eventually becoming an assistant professor. However, by the time I turned 30, I felt the need to leave my comfort zone.
One day, I reached out to a friend working in Singapore to ask how he was doing. He immediately responded that his institute was hiring and encouraged me to apply. Despite struggling in interviews due to my poor English, I managed to secure the position and joined A*STAR, a national research institute in Singapore.
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.?
During my Ph.D., I didn’t read many books, but in hindsight, I should have. Books offer valuable lessons and tips. If I could start over, I would prioritize learning time, project, and health management.
The key difference between undergraduate and Ph.D. work is the lack of a fixed scope and the much longer timeline in a Ph.D. This makes planning and execution more complex. I recommend reading books like Time Management and Project Management by Brian Tracy. They are concise and to the point, and I consider him a virtual mentor.
Health management, both physical and mental, is equally important. Maintaining regular sleep, eating, and exercise routines helps you complete the Ph.D. “marathon.” It’s also crucial to spend time with family and friends and engage in activities that inspire you. Interestingly, many of my research ideas came while I was away from my desk.
Any last advice to students who are currently pursuing or considering a Ph.D.?
Once you have an idea, write it down, think it through, and discuss it with your advisor or peers before committing to it. This ensures you’re climbing the right mountain. Once you begin, the time and effort invested are costly, so starting with clarity is crucial.
Lastly, remember that progress is not linear. It takes time to find your way, and it’s normal to feel like you’re behind. Don’t compare yourself to others. Instead, focus on identifying areas for improvement and steadily working on them. Trust yourself—you can do it.
