Zhenlu Qin - ECE PhD Student of the Month - June 2023
Zhenlu Qin is a Ph.D. candidate in the Helen and John C. Hartmann Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His advisor is Prof. Qing Liu of the HPC Lab. His research interests are in HPC computing, data reduction and data compression.
What would you say that could be the next big thing in your area of research?
I think the combination of HPC with emerging applications and new architectures will become a big thing. Notably, the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) into HPC applications has garnered increasing attention. This trend is evident not only in the growing recognition of powerful GPUs and special-purpose AI computing hardware but also in the potential for AI and ML models to enhance HPC systems. By leveraging both software and hardware, this comprehensive utilization holds immense promise in better serving the needs of emerging applications.
You joined the PhD program before the pandemic and are now in the final phase of your research after the lockdowns. Please share your thoughts about on-campus presence and in-person activities.
I really enjoy the on-campus presence and in-person activities because it makes work more efficient and life more fun. For example, being present on campus allows for face-to-face interactions with advisors, lab mates, and friends. These interactions often lead to the discussion efficiently and clearly. Moreover, in-person activities, such as seminars, defenses, and workshops, offer so many opportunities to learn different kinds of research areas and facilitate the dissemination of knowledge. In addition, more chatting and outdoor sports can contribute to achieving a good work-life balance.
What's your experience regarding improving skills of communication and public speaking through being a TA?
In general, the experience of being a TA provides so many opportunities to practice and refine communication and public speaking skills. I think having a brave mindset is crucial. This requires overcoming fears associated with the course itself, such as the fear of being unclear when conveying knowledge and the fear of encountering sudden problems. Second, try to speak all sentences clearly and slowly. Don't try to escape. While such an approach may not be considered strictly professional, it can be understood by students. Finally, if something is not understood, it is beneficial to ask for clarification. Sometimes, the students' use of slang and fast speech challenges my comprehension, but asking them questions in a friendly manner helps me express my point of view more effectively.
Having opinions different from your advisor on research can actually be helpful to form dialectical conversations that converge towards better ideas. Please share your experience.
In my understanding, research itself is a process of discovering and solving problems. Therefore, encountering problems and disagreements is often a sign that the research is on the right track. Different individuals hold varying perspectives on the same issue, and having diverse opinions is actually beneficial. Firstly, engaging in discussions and persuading others can strengthen the validity of my viewpoint and enhance the overall strength of the argument. Secondly, others' valuable suggestions can provide feedback to improve our research and enhance our methodology. My advisor, in particular, possesses extensive knowledge and insights in the research field, offering valuable guidance and suggestions. Building upon this foundation, considering different viewpoints during the specific implementation process helps me approach problems from various dimensions and achieve a more comprehensive evaluation.