Exchange Diaries  

Abha Kumari | Chemical Engineering

University of Michigan Ann Arbor, USA

From where did you get the motivation? How did it all start? How did you handle your preparation with your academics?

In my 2nd year, I started undergraduate research in the “Microscale Transport Processes” Laboratory, under Prof. Sunando DasGupta. I liked reading papers and doing experiments in the lab. Microfluidics fascinated me. The senior members in the lab were very helpful when I had doubts. They kind of also inspired me. Then, the internship experience at Purdue University in summer 2019 further motivated me. Thus, through the research experiences associated with my projects, I gradually became sure of pursuing a Ph.D. I never felt that I was preparing for a Ph.D. separately. Whichever projects I did and whatever knowledge I gained felt like a part of the academics. Research and courses went hand-in-hand. Yes, I did spend more time in the lab but that added to my experience and helped in building the experimental skills. As far as the preparation of applications is concerned, they did take up a lot of time. I selected the GRE and TOEFL dates later than what people usually do, so it was kind of a rush for me in the end. SOPs, personal statements, and other requirements had to be written too. Moreover, the online semester in my final year was very hectic, so yes, it was difficult. However, I could eventually manage to submit all application materials on time. My seniors helped me too.

Did you apply to multiple universities? If yes can you please elaborate on the differences in the selection process of the universities? In universities in which you were not selected can you please share what you felt you lacked, what could you have done better?

Yes, I applied to a total of 9 universities in the US. The selection process in all of them was the same- we had to submit our application materials, viz. SOP (word-limit varies), personal statement (PS), research experience, CV, LORs, and test scores. A selection committee reviews these materials, then decides based on them. We are informed of the decision by email. Some universities also take phone-call interviews before the final selection, but I didn’t appear for any. Having an advisor was not mandatory in any of the schools I applied to. Instead, students are matched with an advisor later.

There can be many reasons why I faced rejections from some schools- internal and external factors. (Internal) I didn’t have any publications- I feel it made my profile weaker compared to other students who might have had one or many. (Internal) My SOP, LORs, and PS might not have hooked the readers or there were better ones of students who got selected. Competition is a big factor here. (External) It was unfortunate for the 2021 batch that competition became tough after the pandemic. Some top-ranked schools accepted only those international students who were exceptional researchers. The possible reason can be the deferments in 2020. As there are limited seats in every batch, seats offered to new students are automatically fewer.

How are you planning to manage your finances? Have you applied for any scholarships? If yes, what was their procedure?

One of the main reasons for applying for Ph.D. in US universities is that most of them have fully-funded Ph.D. programs. I am not very strong financially. I opted for a Ph.D. and not a Master’s (I could have thought of getting a double Master’s) because I knew that my finances will be well-taken care of by the university itself. I had consulted my seniors and they told me that the stipend I’ll get will be more than sufficient for accommodation, food, and basic stuff. I didn’t have to apply for any scholarship program separately. The application forms, GRE, and TOEFL fees are so expensive that I managed them with my Dual Degree M.tech stipend.

What was the role of the CGPA?

I would say that CGPA is very important for Ph.D. applications. It helps more if you have DRs. A high CGPA tells about your sincerity that is required in a Ph.D. career. However, CGPA is not the most important aspect.

The research experience in the field of interest also matters a lot. The more projects you have done, the better is your motivation for research (and hence Ph.D.) reflected. If you feel that your CGPA is not competent enough, you can still get an edge if you have published papers. So, it’s a combination of both that is checked.

How is your university going to manage everything in the confusion of covid-19?

The University of Michigan has dealt with things very well. We had a virtual meet in February 2021where we got to interact with the professors and graduate students. They hosted it extremely well, and I am glad I could be a part of it remotely. Due to the lockdown, UG students were restricted to online classes but labs were open for research scholars. They were able to continue their work, though things slowed down because of obvious reasons. Adding on to this, the University of Michigan has a medical school and hospital of its own, so the authorities dealt with the pandemic quite well. For the coming year, UMich plans to start in-person classes and gradually make things back to normal for all.

How did IIT Kharagpur help in your journey?

Oh! A lot. I am from a very small place- Bokaro. The best level of education you can get here is up to 12th grade. IIT Kharagpur, along with giving me a brand, also gave me a unique environment that was conducive to research. The labs here were fully equipped with all the instruments that I needed to perform my experiments. Other excellent research facilities exist too. The guidance of good professors helped me in my academics. I owe my confidence and knowledge to Kharagpur. If a student makes the best use of what this place has to offer, he/she will reach the best of his/her career.

What difficulties do you think the pandemic will bring or has brought already in the first?

There are many problems that are unique to the pandemic. March 2020, the FT offers of students were canceled. We were worried and stressed because we had a compulsory internship that year and an FT experience would be of great help in expanding our research skills. Next, the online mode of working was unpleasant. My Masters’ project that was supposed to be experiments-based was modified to a numerical/theoretical one. I did not enjoy doing my project from home. Moreover, studying in the online mode was challenging. Being at home made it hard to focus on one task at a time. The plan we had set for our Ph.D. applications for the year was disrupted. We could not take the GRE, TOEFL on time, could not work for our FT or MTP with 100% satisfaction, etc. So, the implications were directly or indirectly on our Ph.D. applications (what we write in CV and SOP). There was also an increased level of stress associated. In 2020, students also had the option to defer. While it was good for those who had more time to do a job or work on new projects, it wasn’t the best deal for many. To sum up, among all aspects of life that the pandemic has touched, Ph.D. is definitely one of them.

What are the opportunities after the Ph.D. course?

You have many options after getting your Ph.D. degree. Some apply for jobs in companies(need not be R&D). You can choose the industrial sector and the non-core domain as well. Some choose to become professors and some go for further higher studies(like postdoctoral). Some join national labs too and work as a scientist.

What messages do you want to give the juniors today who are interested in pursuing similar courses?

One should work to maintain a decent CGPA. Do not neglect academics. Do projects in your department and try to have some foreign research experience too (only if possible, not necessary). The professors are very helpful and will support you. Approach them. Ask for projects. It will help you develop a habit of reading research papers and eventually understand the exciting research being done around you. Keep building your experience and make sure you like it. For students who are thinking of a Ph.D., start early! Take your GRE and TOEFL tests before your final year starts. Do not wait until the last minute to write your application. Prepare rough drafts of CV and SOP and get them reviewed by your seniors. Ask for honest feedback and reiterate the process. Applying for a Ph.D. is exciting- you get to learn a lot. Be patient throughout. All the best and good luck!