Muhammad Avicenna Naradipa
Nationality: Indonesia
Faculty & Year of Study: Faculty of Science, Year 2
Undergraduate: University of Indonesia (UI), Indonesia
"If you're not struggling, you're not learning."
Why Did You Choose To Pursue A PhD?
In undergrad, I studied condensed matter physics on strongly correlated systems. It focused on emergent properties of materials that was interesting and surprising. I took a master’s to have a sip of the cutting edge research. The experience was very exciting and I decided to continue it and start a PhD, hopefully to gain more knowledge on strange correlated systems and share it to the world.
Why Did You Choose To Pursue Your PhD At NUS?
NUS has one of the best, if not the best, facilities to do research both theoretically/numerically or experimentally. I am also exposed to some of the most advanced topics and research up close. We can just ask and knock on the Prof’s door.
Can you tell us briefly about your research topic?
My research about the electronic and optical properties of strongly correlated systems. I use theoretical calculations and experimental data (using spectroscopic ellipsometry) to probe and discover novel and exciting properties in strongly correlated systems (interaction between electrons and holes are very strong).
How does PhD graduate education compare with your undergraduate experience?
Definitely more independent. You also need to be more creative. We need to analyze (often) never before seen phenomena that most people don’t even know. A good supervisor and colleagues are always good for discussions and getting through this. The great advantage is you can definitely venture into unknown turfs freely, and getting a paper out of it.
What do you like most about graduate school?
I can go to other grad students and share each other’s research. It’s way more fun and interesting to have an actual conversation about a certain topic, instead of just reading it on paper.
What challenges have you faced during your stint as a PhD student?
Writing academic papers is quite a challenge for me (still is) because it’s a whole way of expressing your ideas. I often go back and forth fixing just one paragraph. It’s a challenge but I’m learning everyday.
Can you tell us something fun about your PhD journey in NUS?
I found that lots of Indonesian people are taking PhD and Masters but they rarely meet up. A few of my friends decided to have a sort of regular dinner/lunch so we could get to know everyone. It was very fun because we got to meet lots of people from different backgrounds.
Any advice for someone who's considering a PhD in NUS?
PhD is a long and challenging journey. It will take time and effort but if you are passionate and resilient everything will go smoothly.
Any other words of wisdom to share?
If you’re not struggling, you’re not learning.