Nayan Mujadiya(CVEST)

Details

Name: Nayan Mujadiya
Research Experience(years): 4.5 (BTW wrong question)
Lab: Center for VLSI and Embeded Systems Technology(CVEST)
Occupation: R & D Engineer
Professor: Dr. Madhu Mutyam
Area of Interests: Computer Architecture , Compiler Optimization, EDA
Email Id:  nayaneye@gmail.com
Link to your homepage or blog: http://nayaneye.co.in/

Motivation to pursue research

What was your intention or motivation to join a research program before you joined IIIT H? Interest,Aim and Purpose that made you pursue research program.

I joined IIIT-H as an M.Tech student. But syllabus of M.Tech was more or less advanced repetition of B.Tech. And I was more interested in specialisation. E.g. Computer Architecture.

Doing in depth study of Computer Architecture was the main motivation behind perusing Research Program.

How did you feel in your first semester when you have to select a lab and decide under which Prof. you have to work?
As I converted from M.Tech to M.S. this was relatively an easy decisions for me.

What was your motivation behind staying in Academics rather than joining industry ?
In your opinion,what are the major differences between academics and industry?Tread-offs are part of our life. In this case you need to choose between money and your interest. General perception is that you will be paid less (relatively) if you stay in Academics.

When it comes to joining Industry again you will have two option.

1. Joining any XYZ company.
2. Joining company who works in your domain ( area of interest ).

I opted latter one where you may not have to comprommise ( monetary ) and still you can work in your domain ( with some compromise ).

Thesis

How did you choose your thesis area?And why did you choose that particular area?
My advisor ( guide ) , Dr. Madhu Mutyam helped me in deciding thesis area. Though it was not an easy one. One need to read ( and understand ) many research paper. Also you need to have some quality research , this will ensure you a publication in reputed conference.

Choosing particular Area:-
One need to see recent trend in research area ( also your interest ) and your expertise. E.g. Some ppl are not good at programming. One need to consider this also because you may need to implement and/or update some simulator to prove your point (solution of problem you picked).

Also you need to solve the problem quickly otherwise you may miss the train.

How did you narrow down to your search(for your thesis problem)to one particular problem?
Prior work in your area of research will help you to narrow down your search. In my case I extended the prior work of my advisor.

Also bringing ideas from some other domain will help you to solve problem.

How was your experience w.r.t paper (or thesis) writing and do have any tips that will make paper (or thesis) writing process an easy one?
You need to maintain soft copy of each and every things.
E.g.
* Meeting and/discussion with your prof.
* Past research papers you read. ( this will help you in citation )
* Discussion with you friend and/or labmate.

Tips ( for writing research content ):-
* Don't copy content from old papers.
* Use mathematical formulation as and when it is possible ( basically we are engineers )
* Use textbooks ( you can cite them )
* Frame your paper/thesis in your mind. ( brainstorming )
* Discuss with your guide.
* Discuss wit your friend/labmate.
* Get it reviewed from guide/friend/labmate.

Suggestions to existing research students at IIIT H

What do you suggest for newly joined research students with regard to choosing lab and enrolling under a Prof. ?
What should students consider while choosing a lab and enrolling under a Prof. ?
Student should consider following things:-
* Clarity on fees
* Clarity on stipend
* Clarity on graduation criteria ( e.g. 2 international publication )
* Your area of interest
* Talk to past student ( graduated ) of same prof.

Does regular writing of your ideas and your understanding of a concept (or a research paper) in own words help? If yes how?
YES, this will surly help. This will help while writing publication ans/or thesis.

What practices would you suggest for young research students at IIIT H?
For newly joined MS:-
* Try to take subject ( course work ) in your area of research. ( 1st Sem )
* More in depth knowledge and focus on problems ( in your area of research ) ( 2nd Sem )
* Make list of your target conferences and follow their dates. ( refer past papers to understand acceptense ratio )
* Proper utilisation of summer vation to write and/or submit paper ( publication ) to conference. ( before 3rd Sem )
* Publication will boost your confidence.

How to resolve dilemma of either going for Ph.d or job? When a MS by research or dual degree is about finsih his programme?You only know answer. Ask following questions to yourself

1. Why I want to do PhD? ( motivation ) - give enough time to answer this as PhD need prepare motivation & dedication.
2. Do I need money to survive ( how much ) ?
3. Do I have any family concerns or age constraints ?
4. Am I ready to spend more 4-5 years ? Can I survive with stipend during that time period ?
5. PhD India OR abroad ?
6. What I will do after PhD? ( industry or academic job )

View about research at IIITH

What should be improved with regard to research culture at IIIT H ?Do suggest any change in structure of MS or Ph.d program?Why?
Anything which you felt lacking in research culture at IIITH while you were pursuing your research !!!!
Things which need some attension:-
* Fee structure ( this should not be headache of Prof. )
* Clarification on stipend.
* Criteria for graduation ( for research program it is tough but some guideline will help )
* Quality of research.
* Exposers to Indistury.
* collaboration with othe universities.
* Placement

In your opinion, how does environment at IIIT H helps an individual in pursuing research? Anything like freedom do it your own way, weather, green campus, …
IIIT-H has plenty of resources, starting from

* Telentd Prof.
* Intelligent students.
* Good infrastructure.
* Accesss to Internet.
* peaceful campus.


How does research program at IIIT H helped in your overall growth as a responsible person(or citizen) of society(or India)?
As person:- you will gain following

* You will be come mature person.
* Your problem solving skills will improve.
* Your view to any problem will change.
* Your concentration will increase.
* You will become good human being.

To Society :- your international publication put India on Map. In some sense you contribute to your institute/country. Even your work will be helpful to next generation of researcher.

Centre

How was your overall experience w.r.t work culture of your centre?
Our Lab ( intel multi-core Lab , now altrea Lab) was a bit isolated from our center ( CVEST ). But we were happy with our freedom as we had access to almost every thing in our lab only.

Does discussions with fellow researchers in same centre helps? How does it help?
Importance of discussions with fellow researchers !!
YES, discussion with fellow researchers will surly help. As I mention. Earlear in this post, you can always bring ideas from different areas. Your fellow researchers might be solving completely different problem but discussion will always helps it gives you more insight to your research area and good exercise to your brain.

Final Comments

Please quote us your favourite tagline which let you 'get going'?
There Are Too Many to List but to Name a Few

1) One more thing... ( from Steve Jobs )

2) Apple - Think Different
http://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=fvwrel&v=cFEarBzelBs

3)
Think. Don't just do. Set aside time to explore ideas.
Thinking is more important than reading. ( this one is from my Advisor's Home Page)

4) Know Thyself ( from movie "The Matrix" )

Please add anything like comments,suggestions or anything you like to share,which did not get included in the questionnaire !!!
Don't delay your work.

काल करे सो आज कर, आज करे सो अब ।
पल में प्रलय होएगी,बहुरि करेगा कब ॥

kal kare so aaj kar,aaj kare so ab
pal men pralay hoyegi,bahuri karega kab...

jo kal karna hai usse aaj kar aur jo aaj karna hai woh abhi kar.pal bhar men agar pralay ho gai toh phir kab karega...

Siladitya Padhi(CCNSB)

Details

Name: Siladitya Padhi
Research Experience(years): 2 years
Lab: Center for Comput Nat Sci and Bioinf (CCNSB)
Occupation:  PhD (pursuing)
Professor:  U Deva Priyakumar
Area of Interests: Computational Biophysics and Computational Drug Design
Email Id: siladitya.padhi@gmail.com

Motivation to pursue research

What was your intention or motivation to join a research program before you joined IIIT H? Interest,Aim and Purpose that made you pursue research program.

Well, I have always been inquisitive, and science has been one thing that has been able to provide an answer for a lot of things I have wondered about. As I began to understand the scientific approach more clearly, I became all the more interested in science. By the time I finished my 12th grade, I was convinced I wanted to do something in science.

How did you feel in your first semester when you have to select a lab and decide under which Prof. you have to work?
Actually it was the other way round for me. I applied for a research assistant position in my supervisor's lab (I had chosen my supervisor before I joined IIIT), and got selected after a written test (not the PG entrance) and an interview. Things went fine, and I was offered a PhD position after a semester.

What was your motivation behind staying in Academics rather than joining industry ?
In your opinion,what are the major differences between academics and industry?
I was never the streetsmart, corporate kind of guy. I thought academia would suit me better. You have a lot of freedom. Targets and deadlines are a bit lenient. Introspection and round-about thinking is encouraged.

What was your motivation behind pursuing Ph.d?
As I mentioned before, I felt I should do something in science by the time I was an undergrad. The first step towards scientific research is, of course, a PhD. PhD is when you first have a taste of research. Forget principles, even from a practical standpoint, a PhD is a must for a research career.

Thesis

How did you choose your thesis area?And why did you choose that particular area?
My area of research can broadly be called computational biophysics. I was always interested in biomolecules, especially proteins implicated in disease. Moreover, I had a feeling during my MSc that I was better suited for computational work than for experimental work. My supervisor's group does computational work on biomolecules, so I thought this is just the kind of lab I would love to work in!

How did you narrow down to your search(for your thesis problem)to one particular problem?
I would like to thank my supervisor for framing a clear-cut problem. He gave me a clear picture of the problem, so I knew how to go about approaching the problem. My objectives were clear right from the first year.

How was your experience w.r.t paper (or thesis) writing and do have any tips that will make paper (or thesis) writing process an easy one?
The more you go through research papers, the better you know how to write them. It is a good idea to go through as many papers as possible when you are doing your literature survey. It was only by going through papers that I had some idea of scientific writing. A couple of important points: (1) Describe things in a way people can understand. Remember, you are trying to explain something, not just summarising your results. (2) Write in your own language. (3) It's natural for manuscripts to undergo a lot of revisions and corrections, so have patience! It happens with everyone.

Suggestions to existing research students at IIIT H

What do you suggest for newly joined research students with regard to choosing lab and enrolling under a Prof. ?
What should students consider while choosing a lab and enrolling under a Prof. ?
(1) Their interest in the lab's research activities
(2) The prospects of pursuing a career in a field that involves this kind of research activity (the prospect of employment in industry/academia for someone who has specialised in this kind of research)
(3) The lab's work environment (one can have an idea of this by talking to lab members)

Does regular writing of your ideas and your understanding of a concept (or a research paper) in own words help? If yes how?
I think one can briefly jot down some points to make sure one doesn't forget about them. But only brief points will do, I think.

What practices would you suggest for young research students at IIIT H?
Apart from principal investigators, I think one must talk to other lab members as well to have a clear idea of the lab's interests and work environment. Dual degree students get a nice opportunity for doing this, since they can (and ideally should) work in a number of labs before finalising a particular lab for their final MS project. Another thing I would like to suggest is that students should be aware of both research activity (via papers) and employment prospects in their field.

How to resolve dilemma of either going for Ph.d or job? When a MS by research or dual degree is about finish his programme?
Generally speaking, if you are passionate about your field, and have a lot of patience, go for PhD. If either of the above is missing, forget about PhD! A lot depends on prospects in your field. See what is the kind of job you would be doing after pursuing a PhD in your field, and what is the kind of job you would be doing without a PhD. Try to find out what would suit your temperament, and be practical at the same time.

View about research at IIITH

What should be improved with regard to research culture at IIIT H ?Do suggest any change in structure of MS or Ph.d program?Why?
Anything which you felt lacking in research culture at IIITH while you were pursuing your research !!!!
Firstly, I think there should be more exchange between IIIT-H and industry/other universities. Secondly, I think dual degree students must be encouraged to take lab rotations before they select a supervisor. They can can work with, say, three-four research groups over the course of these lab rotations, spending about a month or so in each research group. This would allow students to select the research group that would best suit them. Often, students realise that the research group's interests/methodology does not suit them, and they can't do anything about it because it's too late.

In your opinion, how does environment at IIIT H helps an individual in pursuing research? Anything like freedom do it your own way, weather, green campus, …
There is a lot of freedom. Coworkers in most labs are cooperative and willing to help. The campus is pretty compact.


How does research program at IIIT H helped in your overall growth as a responsible person(or citizen) of society(or India)?
At first the research program made me feel I was fit for nothing (neither for coursework nor for research!). Although I was a bit depressed initially, I got over it, and was able to identify things on which I need to work on. Now I have realised that one cannot identify one's weak points unless one fails. Another conviction that I now have is that research must in some way (be it directly or in a less obvious way) benefit the humankind. Doing research just for the sake of doing "something" is not impressive.

Centre

How was your overall experience w.r.t work culture of your centre?
I would rate it as good. There were a few friends who helped when I was stuck in my work. Things have been changing for the better. More collaborations are being set up with experimentalists, and exciting research problems are being approached. Things certainly are better than what they were two years ago.

Does discussions with fellow researchers in same centre helps? How does it help?
Importance of discussions with fellow researchers !!
Yes, it helps a lot! You get to know about research in fields that are related to your own area. You get to know how others go about approaching problems. You even find solutions to your own problems. Unless a fellow researcher is a nosey parker interested in your data, such discussions are healthy.

Anand Swarup Das(CSTAR)

What was your intention or motivation to join a research program before joined IIIT H?
How did you feel in your first semester when you have to select a lab and decide under which Prof. you have work?
I had no particular target in mind. It was more like  stepping into an unknown zone. All I knew and still believe is that it is more like starting and persisting with a new venture.

While joining a lab, I had one thing in mind and it was that I will try as much as possible not take help from my Guide. I personally believed that I joined a programme to discover myself rather than discovering the technical acumen of my guide. Else, why should my guide sign my dissertation if I have not demonstrated enough effort to develop problem solving acumen ?  
A degree is not the final thing. The zeal to persist with a problem is what  I desired to develop. There were setbacks, failures and delays but those were  part of discovering myself.

(However, I must add that one should have periodic say weekly discussions on the problem with the guide or at least one should make one’s guide aware of the approaches one is adopting for solving the problem.)

Personally, I have no words to thank Dr. Srinathan. He is simply superb. His understanding of nature and life is so profound that it is really soothing to speak to him at distress. Dr. Prosenjit Gupta taught me how to maintain consistency at work. He is  a person who never forced upon anything but always ensured that I remain disciplined. The way he plans the break up of a problem is something astonishing.   Dr. Kishore Kothapalli is again a person of tremendous determination and insight. Discussions with him have been very helpful.

Overall, IIIT has been a very enriching experience.  


What you do suggest for newly joined research students with regard to lab and Prof.  ?
(1) The general psychology of human being is to averse risk. However, when you step into unknown zone, it is impossible to guess or judge the risks of failure. So stop worrying about failing. You will get ample chances  to clear things.   

(2) Go and personally explore the labs and decide what attracts you more.

(3) At times you may come across people who may give you negative feedbacks about certain aspects. Listen everything but Trust nothing. Exercise your intelligence.

(4) In case of doubt, meet Dr. P.J. Narayanan. I can assure you that he is a person who tries his best to resolve any issue that is bothering you related to research or MS/ PhD programme in general.  Do not feel shy to approach him.  

(5) Finally, remember that your Prof. is just not your guide, he is a human being. To get help/ advice from a human being, you have to open up yourself. So feel free to discuss things with your guide.


How did you choose your thesis area?
I started reading papers and took nearly one and a half year to select my first problem.


Why did you choose that particular  area?
I particularly focused on  the breadth of  the usefulness of the area.

How did you narrow down to your search(for your thesis problem)to one particular problem?
I did not restrain myself to one single problem. My general scheme was:
(a) At the first step I selected and solved  a problem which was (i) very new ; (ii) have some applications; (iii) no one else was targeting.  I used this problem to learn tricks of the area  and to boost my confidence.

(b) At the second step, I selected two problems which were relatively new but were addressed/studied previously and then tried if the problems can be solved in  better ways. In the course of solving these problems, I explored different models and techniques. This gave me the feeling of being in competition.

©  At the final step, I picked  two problems which are more classical. These problems are such that these are aggressively studied  in the community. Targeting such problems and solving them with very simplified approaches is what my target is. These problems surely gives a rush of adrenaline and tests your patience to its fullest.    

I never picked a very tough problem at the first go. I split my choices into three categories and carefully decided when to pick what.


How was your overall experience w.r.t work culture of our centre?
I do not think it matters much. Define your own. If you have to work, you simply have to work. Say, if you are ill, you have to take medicine.  It simply does not matter if the medicine is sweet or bitter.  


What was your motivation behind Ph.d?
Trust Life. It has great things in store. PhD is one of them :)


What basic practices you suggest for newly joined MS students?
Stop comparing yourself with others especially with M.Tech students when you see them graduating with a job. Finish your work and you will discover that life had great stuffs in store for you.


Does discussions with fellow researchers in same centre helps?How does it help?
Yes, of course. It should just not be a technical discussion.  Share your joys and sorrows.

Does regular writing of your ideas and understanding of a concept or a research paper in your own words helps?If yes how?
Of course, at least in my case. I discovered many flaws in ideas which otherwise would have gone unnoticed.  

What are major differences between academics and industry?
One has the enlightenment and the other has the money ! Jokes apart, the difference is more in terms of what you are allowed to do. If a company is a service or a product company, it is more dependent of customer demands. However, if it is a research lab, things are different.  

IIIT Hyderabad has its focus on being a research-based academic institute. The freedom one enjoys here is unmatchable. A couple of months back, I had a discussion with my friend Mr. Anuj Gupta who is at present pursuing PhD at IIT Delhi and we concluded that the way IIIT Hyderabad has tried to maintain its focus is remarkable.

 
In your opinion, how does environment at IIIT H helps an individual in pursuing research?
The biggest asset of IIIT is its body of faculty members. If one thinks IIIT is not a cooperative environment, then one must try to move out of the canopy of IIIT.  I am certain that  the kind of treatment one will rendered upon outside world will make one understand why one should be thankful for making it to IIIT.


What should be improved with regard to research culture at IIIT H ?
Remember that you are part of IIIT Hyderabad. IIIT H without its human capital is just a set of buildings. So, the onus to improve something at IIIT is finally upon you. Improve yourself and  IIIT improves in itself.  

There is one thing that I will suggest the MS students of IIIT.  I  have personally felt that  there is a lack of communication among MS students themselves. This is something disturbing. MS students generally start feeling lonely once their M.Tech friends leave the campus.
It has happened with every M.S batch and hence it is nothing new. But there is a way to deal with it. It is very important for MS students to form a close knit family among yourself. Such a close knit group of friends will always allay your fear.   

Why should one pursue research when there is whole lot to do ?
It is up to an individual choice.

How does an research program at IIIT H helped in your overall growth as a responsible person(or citizen) of society(or India)?
It definitely developed patience in me.

Do suggest any change structure of MS or Ph.d program?
I think the programs are well defined.

Please quote us your favourite tagline which keeps you going?
Trust life. Magic  happens.

How to resolve dilemma of either going for Ph.d or job?

In the year 2005, there were roughly 9-10 students being admitted for MS by Research for CSE at IIIT. Most of these students graduated in the year 2008. By the end of the year 2011
at least 7 students of this batch joined for PhD.  :)