Reflecting on Year One of My Ph.D. Journey: A Tapestry of Learning and Connection
Abdul Wadud
As the year draws to a close, I find myself reflecting on the vibrant tapestry of experiences that have marked the first year of my Ph.D. journey from January to December 2023. It has been a whirlwind of growth, learning, and connection, and I’m eager to share some of the highlights with you.
A Global Classroom
My year kicked off with a series of immersive academic experiences that took me across the globe. The highlight was participating in the RE-ROUTE Training Workshop on Intelligent Transport Networks in the historic city of Thessaloniki, Greece, on the 13th and 14th of July. Here, I delved into the complexities of modern transport networks, surrounded by the beauty of a city where past and present seamlessly intertwine.
Soon after, I found myself at the Connect-Lero Summit 2023 in Athlone, Ireland, on the 30th and 31st of August. Discussions on cutting-edge research and innovation were the orders of the day, set against the backdrop of Ireland’s stunning heartland.
The learning journey continued with the Securenet Summit 2023 at UCD, Dublin, on the 11th of September. It was a day packed with enlightening talks on network security that echoed through the halls of academia.
As the year wound down, I ventured to Hainan, China, to attend the prestigious IEEE CPSCom 2023 from the 17th to the 21st of December. It was an opportunity to witness the intersection of cyberspace, physical systems, and computing at an international level.
Showcasing Research
Amidst these conferences, I took to the stage with poster presentations at the Connect-Lero Summit and the Securenet Summit. My work received intriguing feedback that sparked conversations extending beyond the confines of the events. Back home, I continued this trend with a presentation at the UCD School of CS in early 2024, engaging with peers and mentors alike.
Expanding Knowledge Horizons
I also joined a webinar on 'Energy Saving Features Design for Open RAN' by TIP Academy. It was an enriching session that expanded my knowledge and offered new perspectives on energy efficiency in the rapidly evolving landscape of Open RAN.
Teaching and Sharing Knowledge
My year was not just about receiving knowledge but also about giving back. I took up a teaching assistantship at BDIC in Beijing from September to December, where I had the opportunity to contribute to the academic growth of bright minds. This teaching stint has continued with demonstrations in UCD starting January 2024 for the spring semester.
Giving Back to the Community
Beyond academia, I volunteered at the Dublin Tech Summit 2023 from the 31st of May to the 1st of June. It was a fulfilling experience that allowed me to give back, network, and learn from industry leaders.
As I pen down these experiences, I realize how each one has contributed to my growth, not just as a researcher but as a global citizen. I am grateful for these opportunities and look forward to what the coming year holds. Here’s to another year of discovery, engagement, and academic pursuit!