New Jersey Institute of Technology - PhD

Q&A with Dr. Edgardo Farinas, Associate Professor, Chemistry and Environmental Science

rje5 — Tue, 11 Apr 2023 13:18:55 +0000

Earning a Ph.D. in chemistry and environmental science can put you on the fast-track for many career opportunities as well as boost your personal growth. A Ph.D. in chemistry can provide the education and training necessary for to substantiate your expertise and develop the skills necessary to become an independent professional.

We got the inside scoop about �鶹��˰�’s Ph.D. offerings in the Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science from Dr. Edgardo Farinas, Associate Professor.. In this Q&A, he discusses everything you should know about pursuing your Ph.D. in chemistry and environmental science!

Q: What are the current Ph.D. offerings in Chemistry and Environmental Science?

A: In the College of Science and Liberal Arts (CSLA) at �鶹��˰�, we currently offer Ph.D.s in both Chemistry and Environmental Science. We take an interdisciplinary approach to look at and discover new chemical phenomena, and create strategies for a more sustainable and healthier world. We do that through designing analytical technology, microbial and enzymatic bioremediation, chemical synthesis, nanotechnology for environmental and energy applications, understanding and solving environmental problems of the sky, land and water, and materials for sensors and diagnostics. �鶹��˰�'s Department of Chemistry and Environmental Science views scientific discovery as a benefit towards humankind — our goal is to advance the frontiers in chemistry and environmental science with the commitment to train the next generation of pioneering scientists and educators.

Q: What type of research will Ph.D. candidates be involved with?

A: In our department, we use computation to try and understand how we could store energy and how we could use that energy for conversion purposes. When studying the environment we focus on a variety of topics. For example, you may be learning about bioremediation where we use microbes and enzymes to degrade human made contaminants such as plastic since there's a huge amount of plastic in the world. You may also use nano-technology and nanotubes to make clean water and disinfect microbes and viruses. Imagine maybe coating some clothing with nanotubes and having them kill contaminants.

Another type of research you may take part in focuses around biosensors and looking at surfaces and electro-chemistry with the emphasis of developing innovative technologies to improve human health, energy and the environment. You’ll also be involved with chemistry where we try to mimic biology to design an artificial system for solar energy conversion.

The tools we have at �鶹��˰� are state of the art instruments and techniques, such as mass spectrometry, nuclear magnetic resonance, different optical lasers, and high powered microscopes — the tools offered to our Ph.D. students are cutting edge to make their research as detailed and accurate as possible.

Q: What sets �鶹��˰�’s research opportunities apart from other universities?

A: We're relatively small and because of that the professors spend a lot of time with the graduate students. In many big schools, first year Ph.D. students are often left to be supervised by a more senior graduate student. At �鶹��˰�, you spend a lot of time with the actual professor and so it's a two way learning process — we learn from the graduate students and the graduate students learn from us.

All the current faculty here are eager and constantly writing grants for funding. We have grants from the National Institutes of Health (NIH), the State of New Jersey, National Science Foundation (NSF), Department of Defense, and more. So we get funding from a variety of national funding agencies. It just goes to show that research is relevant and we strive to make breakthroughs in the research we do here at �鶹��˰�.

Another aspect that is unique to �鶹��˰� is that we have some professors who have a few part-time students. These Ph.D. students are working in big pharmaceutical companies and taking part in research at the same time. The research they do here not only helps them in their current roles, but makes them more competitive to move up to higher positions. Part-time students are highly dedicated — working during the day and then they're getting their Ph.D. at night.

Q: In what ways does having a Ph.D. from �鶹��˰� help your career growth?

A: A Ph.D. in chemistry and environmental science can allow you to do many things. You aren’t limited to working in a lab — you can go into pharmaceutical science, green energy, polymers, coatings, agrochemicals, instrument manufacturers and management consultancies, and corporate positions as well. Many corporations want candidates who possess the skills of a Ph.D. in chemistry for applied research and product development positions. Having a Ph.D. also allows for greater opportunities and leadership in the industry side as well as academics. A doctoral degree is the next step before becoming a university professor — if you want to get a tenure track position, typically you’ll need a Ph.D.

Just because you have a Ph.D. in chemistry doesn't mean you have to be a traditional chemist. This doctoral degree prepares you for a variety of different occupations. For example, it's really great for patent law, to be a consultant to develop products, and also other related entrepreneurial opportunities.

When you get trained as a scientist, you're not necessarily being trained as a chemist, so to speak, but it's a way of looking at things. It gives you a different outlook on how you view both science and society. A lot of issues in science are also very closely related to societal issues, making an impact in the real world.

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹��˰�

Earning your Ph.D. in Chemistry or Ph.D. in Environmental Science from �鶹��˰� can propel your career and help you become a valuable member of any team. You’ll be able to use these critical problem solving skills to make strategic decisions in the computer science or information systems field. Apply now to start your Ph.D. journey.

Tagged:

The contributions chemistry provides are crucial for meeting our basic needs and enriching our quality of life. In the Chemistry Ph.D. program, students will learn critical skills needed to pursue independent research investigations, collaborate on research projects or teach in an academic setting, with the goal of making a positive impact in the world.

Post Date:

Tuesday, April 11, 2023

Q&A with Dr. Reza Curtmola, Director of the Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, and Professor in the Computer Science Department

rje5 — Tue, 06 Dec 2022 16:32:09 +0000

Earning a Ph.D. from the Ying Wu College of Computing (YWCC) can put you on the fast-track for many career opportunities as well as boost your personal growth. A Ph.D. in either Computer Science and Information Systems provide the theoretical foundations and application areas in computing that are in the forefront of the computing domain.

We got the inside scoop about �鶹��˰�’s Ph.D. offerings in the YWCC from the Director and Professor of the Computer Science Ph.D. Program, Dr. Reza Curtmola. In this Q&A, he discusses everything you should know about pursuing your Ph.D. in computer science and information systems!

Q: What are the current Ph.D. offerings from YWCC?

A: The Ying Wu College of Computing currently offers two Ph.D. programs — Ph.D. in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Information Systems.

Q: What type of research will Ph.D. candidates be involved with?

A: Ph.D. candidates will do both basic and applied research. Most of the research done is funded by federal funding agencies such as the National Science Foundation (NSF) and The Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA). We also have funding from the local state agencies.

Ph.D. candidates in the computer science program focus on solving real world challenges in the field of computing. This includes areas such as databases and big data, machine learning, cybersecurity, programming languages, software engineering, mobile computing, cloud and distributed systems, medical Informatics and bioinformatics. Students will also do research covering the theory of computer science and the theory of computing including algorithms, complexity theory, and optimizations.

In the information systems program, Ph.D. candidates concentrate on research that covers social networks and the interface with human things such as human computer interaction, computer simulation, and virtual reality systems.

The type of research that’s covered and the topics are fluid — every year we hire new faculty into each department and those new faculty strengthen the existing research areas, or they will bring new expertise to cover new areas within the broad field of computing.

Q: What areas of computer science are covered in the Ph.D. program?

A: There are multiple areas of computer science covered in the program — some areas are more theoretical while others are experimental and require lab work. An area like security and privacy touches upon almost everything ranging from computer systems to networks and databases. When you browse the web, there are many security and privacy issues. The research for this involves working with computers and looking at all these issues in-depth.

Within the program, students will be doing both basic research and applied research. Basic research refers to trying to solve some of the very basic and fundamental problems that appear in computing, including some of the more theoretical problems. When you move on to the applied side, you really try to combine some of this basic research with tools or technologies that will be useful in the real world.

For example, doing research in cybersecurity often requires you to think like a hacker in some sense. You might be trying to find out new attack avenues right, research the attack surface, and examine existing systems to identify any vulnerabilities. All of this is done in order to come up with new ways of defending current systems and achieve security while preserving usability.

In terms of tools for research, Ph.D. candidates work with various tools that look at statistics of computing analytics and data to figure out trends and try to predict outcomes or modify to come up with new tools and techniques. For example, in the field of network security I may work with tools that look at network traffic and capture that network traffic in order to later analyze it for packets that are malformed or have evidence of intrusion.

Q: What sets �鶹��˰�’s research opportunities apart from other universities?

A: �鶹��˰� is a R1 doctoral research university by the Carnegie Classification. This means we are described as a university with very high research activity, and we are one of the nation's leading public Polytechnic universities. �鶹��˰� was also ranked number one by Forbes for upward economic mobility as well as the number one public school in New Jersey for net price value.

Additionally, New Jersey has a long standing tradition as a hub for scientific and technological innovation due to its location next to New York, and is part of a vibrant ecosystem of high technology players. There are ample opportunities for internships and employment with big pharmaceutical companies such as Pfizer, Merck, Bristol Myers Squibb, and Johnson & Johnson. We also have connections with telecommunication companies, such as Audible, Verizon, AT&T, and other large scale companies like Bloomberg and Goldman Sachs. Students may also have the opportunity to work in a corporate research center such as Panasonic, NEC, and Siemens.

�鶹��˰� also has incredible faculty that drive all the research. They are the ones in charge of recruiting the students, driving the research agenda, and having impact ultimately on the real world. Our Ph.D. candidates work on research problems under the supervision of faculty who are world renowned researchers. And the fact that they are world renowned researchers makes a big difference. The scholarly work that our faculty does, such as publishing work in journals and presenting at well-known top venues and conferences is remarkable. Our faculty have strong connections with others in the industry which helps Ph.D. students find internships and jobs upon graduation.

Q: Is a Ph.D. beneficial in today’s job market?

A: Once you graduate a Ph.D. there's definitely a difference in salary. Within the computer science field, a person with their Ph.D. will make between 500,000 to 1 Million more than somebody who has just a bachelor's over their lifetime. As you have more and more bachelors and masters flooding the market, having a PhD will command more upward mobility and job choices over time. Finally, with a Ph.D. you will have the option of working in either academia as a professor, or in industry, or even to both. Some professors are employed by a university and also have a startup company at the same time.

Q: In what ways does having a Ph.D. from �鶹��˰� help your career growth?

A: Ultimately earning a Ph.D. means you are training to become a professional researcher. As a Ph.D., you’ll create new knowledge and develop significant and original research in an area of expertise. Getting a Ph.D. will actually distinguish you as an expert in your field of study and in that process, you get a chance to make a lasting contribution to that industry — you can create a new area of research, new techniques, and new ways of thinking about computing. Those with a Ph.D. are at the forefront of technology and can have a real world impact.

For example, I do research with my doctoral students in cyber security, and I'm currently working on a project about user privacy when browsing the web. We uncovered some disturbing attacks and in that process we also came up with some defenses. The research my students and I discovered actually got covered by the popular press, including the Wired magazine. We are now working with major browser vendors and standardization bodies to deploy defenses against these attacks. So this is a clear example of just how impactful Ph.D. research is.

Another research project I'm working on with my students is about the security of the software supply chain. This has gotten a lot of attention after the Solar Winds attack that occurred at the end of 2020. In this area, we have developed a framework to secure software supply chains, which has been integrated into several large software projects in the real world, and those projects have millions of users. This framework was mentioned in Microsoft's president, Brad Smith’s, testimony in front of the U. S. Congress.

These are just a couple of examples where the research done by Ph.D. candidates can have a significant impact in the real world.

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹��˰�

Earning your Ph.D. from the Ying Wu College of Computing can propel your career and help you become a valuable member of any team. You’ll be able to use these critical problem solving skills to make strategic decisions in the computer science or information systems field. Apply now to start your Ph.D. journey.

Tagged:

Without computer science and information systems professionals, technologies, programs, and software as we know it would not exist. A Ph.D. in one of these specialized areas puts you right at the forefront of the computing industry, giving you the ability to partake in cutting edge research that can make a real-world impact.

Post Date:

Tuesday, December 6, 2022

Q&A with Dr. Roy Goodman, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the Department of Mathematical Sciences

rje5 — Thu, 01 Dec 2022 18:58:38 +0000

Earning a Ph.D. in the mathematical sciences field can put you on the fast-track for many career opportunities as well as boost your personal growth. A Ph.D. in mathematical sciences provides students with the vital knowledge in mathematics and statistics needed to teach at college-level, conduct strong independent research in their areas of expertise or succeed in a range of diverse careers within government and private sector environments.

We got the inside scoop about �鶹��˰�’s Ph.D. in mathematical sciences from Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies, Dr. Roy Goodman. In this Q&A, he discusses everything you should know about pursuing your Ph.D. in mathematical sciences!

Q: What tracks are offered in the Ph.D. in mathematical sciences program?

A: The Ph.D. offering in mathematical sciences has two tracks — one in applied mathematics and one in applied statistics. The applied math program is one of the most applied focused departments and Ph.D. programs in the country. The coursework is focused on mathematical modeling, analysis of differential equations, and numerical analysis and computation.

Almost all the faculty in the department works in some aspect of applied mathematics with strengths in fluid mechanics, mathematical biology — especially neuroscience — and various aspects of wave propagation.

Also housed in the math department is the applied statistics Ph.D. program. Our faculty work in areas such as statistical genetics, survival analysis, spatial statistics, machine learning, deep learning, multiple testing, and clinical trials.

Additionally, students may have opportunities to take courses from both tracks. Machine learning and data science are coming into more prominence, and applied math students may find these offerings within this applied statistics curriculum.

Q: What type of research will Ph.D. candidates be involved with?

A: Students will participate in the specialty of a faculty member, all of whom are working on applied problems. There's an opportunity to work on all the aspects of an applied problem in their area of concentration — modeling, analysis, and computation. They may integrate methods from the increasingly important fields of data science and machine learning into their research.

Modeling, analysis, and computation are three separate modes of working that come into different stages of an applied problem. Modeling is combining knowledge of mathematical model building with knowledge from a specific area of science to recast problems in mathematical form. Analysis is largely paper and pencil: mathematical and theoretical study, and extraction of conclusions from those equations. Mathematical scientists use numerical computation to gain understanding of problems that are too complex to study using analysis alone. This involves writing computer software to simulate equations and visualize the results in order to develop intuition and see what solutions really look like. In addition, students may work on developing new numerical methods to address such problems.

Q: What makes �鶹��˰�’s Ph.D. programs and research opportunities unique?

A: [�鶹��˰�] has a strong focus on preparing our students to work on applied problems. The course offerings within the applied mathematical Ph.D. program focus toward that goal…Very few places offer the opportunity to do [applied problems] in that capacity.

�鶹��˰�’s Center for Applied Mathematics and Statistics is also a very collegial and encouraging environment. There’s a lot of activity going on in the department and a lot of people who you can talk to for advice. Student led initiatives are also strongly encouraged. Our current Ph.D. candidates have put together a weekly seminar, brown bag journal club on machine learning on their own.

The department runs four active seminar series that bring in researchers from around the region and country. Students are encouraged to meet the visitors and ask questions. We have a lively research environment with really great connections to the applied math community — if you wanted to meet somebody, you could find someone in our department who knows them.

Q: In what ways does having a Ph.D. from �鶹��˰� help your career growth?

A: The types of quantitative and modeling problems our students work on require a very specific skill set. They need to be able to take problems from a particular domain of science and formulate them as a mathematical model. They then have to understand how to apply all the tools such as analysis, modeling, and computation to further understand these systems.

These are very particular skills that take time to develop. Ph.D. students are entering their desired field at a higher level. They're more ready to take on leadership positions with their deeper knowledge and understanding of these skills and problems.

Q: What is the benefit of earning your Ph.D. in mathematical sciences?

A: For a lot of people it's just the pleasure of finding answers. Beyond that, it’s learning to solve problems, write, and communicate the results of their research. Our students have found jobs in academia, national labs, and the finance industry, and as data scientists.

A growing number of applied mathematicians work in pharmaceutical companies, and we've placed a number of students in mathematical modeling groups at pharmaceutical companies.

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹��˰�

Earning your Ph.D. in mathematical sciences can propel your career and help you become a valuable member of any team. You’ll be able to use these critical problem solving skills to make strategic decisions in the mathematical sciences field. Apply now to start your Ph.D. journey.

Tagged:

Mathematical scientists play increasingly important roles as advances in research use and benefit from quantitative mathematical models. With a Ph.D. in the mathematical sciences, there’s no telling what amazing research you will be a part of.

Post Date:

Thursday, December 1, 2022

Q&A with Dr.Matt Bandelt, Associate Dean and Associate Professor for Ph.D. Research and Graduate Studies at the Newark College of Engineering

rje5 — Thu, 10 Nov 2022 14:14:58 +0000

Earning a Ph.D. in an engineering field can open the doors to many career opportunities as well as boost your personal growth. A Ph.D. in engineering can give you:

Enhanced critical thinking skills and the ability to identify worthy technical challenges
Application of scientific principles and technology to address societal and technical challenges by conducting well-designed and comprehensive research campaigns, resulting in meaningful as well as original contributions
Opportunity to pursue investigations and studies at the highest levels of sophistication and complexity, and help address the most important objectives of our society.

We got the inside scoop about �鶹��˰�’s Ph.D. offerings within the Newark College of Engineering from Associate Dean and Associate Professor Dr.Matt Bandelt. In this Q&A, he discusses the structure, content, goals and benefits of doctoral studies at �鶹��˰�.

Q: What Ph.D. programs are being offered at the Newark College of Engineering (NCE)?

A: All our engineering departments (Biomedical, Chemical and Materials, Civil and Environmental, Electrical and Computer, and Mechanical and Industrial) offer Ph.D. programs. Those Ph.D. programs include:

Biomedical Engineering
Chemical Engineering
Civil Engineering
Computer Engineering
Electrical Engineering
Environmental Engineering
Industrial Engineering
Materials Science and Engineering
Mechanical Engineering
Transportation Engineering

The Ph.D. programs encompass the main areas of engineering, and extend the student’s horizons well beyond earlier undergraduate studies in the same areas. The doctoral programs are meant for individuals who are highly interested in research, possess the ability to think analytically, wish to address major challenges in technology and engineering, and are capable of methodical and original thinking.

Q: What type of research will Ph.D. candidates be involved with in each program?

A: It really varies depending on the program. Some of the students who enter our programs will have laboratory-intensive experience — they may be working in a lab designing experiments, running tests, and collecting and analyzing data. Other students, for example, our environmental engineering and our transportation engineering students, may be collecting data in the field, using the real-world as their laboratory for collecting data for their research. For example, transportation engineers may be gathering data on driverless cars, traffic systems, and other components of transportation infrastructure that are used to keep our roads and cities more efficient.

Nearly every engineering field has the potential to benefit from computer simulation work — students can research and develop the next generation of computational tools to model and solve complex engineering problems.

For example – In our biomedical engineering degree program, we currently have several researchers who work on biomechanical, tissue engineering, and brain imaging problems. Students working in this area of research often develop new biomechanical systems and assist devices for humans with different needs in order to alleviate the impact of certain diseases and improve patient quality of life.

Ph.D. candidates in our chemical and material engineering program often combine computer modeling work with lab experiments, moving between simulations and physical prototypes. Such studies are common in the development of new materials and in understanding how they interact with new environments.

We are tailoring the path of every student toward the Ph.D. degree to accommodate the student’s interests and talents, and to ensure that students study important problems whose resolution can have a positive impact on human welfare, society, and the environment.

Q: What makes �鶹��˰�’s Ph.D. programs and research opportunities unique?

A: �鶹��˰� is well known for the collaborative spirit of its Ph.D. programs. In almost every project we engage multiple researchers and advisors, encourage cooperation between research groups and multiple students, and work across departmental and college boundaries. In addition, we have very strong ties to industry – in New Jersey and in the nation. Many projects are funded and guided by the industry, with input from seasoned practitioners and policy makers. Many of our Ph.D. students do some of their research work in labs and installations of companies, utilities, and government agencies. The strong ties that �鶹��˰� has developed with industry increase the practicality and relevance of research work performed at �鶹��˰�.

Another exciting part of �鶹��˰�’s engineering Ph.D. programs is the energetic and highly active faculty. In our departments you will find side-by-side senior researchers who are named fellows of their professional societies along with young faculty members who are recent graduates from the top engineering programs in the nation and in the world. This combination of long-time experience and evolving expertise provides our doctoral students with comprehensive, robust, and multi-dimensional mentoring. Many of our younger faculty members are recipients of the prestigious NSF CAREER award and of other federal and industrial recognitions. These distinctions signify excellence, and reflect on the education that our doctoral students receive.

The location of �鶹��˰� and the generous support that we provide to student travel allow our Ph.D. students to attend professional conferences, present their findings to the community, improve their communication skills, and build a strong professional network. This network is often proven invaluable when the fresh Ph.D. graduate seeks employment in industry, a national lab, or an academic institution.

Q: In what ways does having a Ph.D. from �鶹��˰� help your career growth?

A: Earning a Ph.D. qualifies you to do highly technical and research work. When you do start your career, you're going to be able to accelerate significantly faster, and address more challenging, and hence more rewarding, challenges. With this rapid acceleration, appropriate opportunities will open up, and you can advance into roles that are geared for those with a Ph.D. For example, companies that do their own R&D (research and development) tend to hire Ph.D. graduates to work on the most important and more complicated problems. The likelihood is that you will get access to the best equipment, computation facilities, and software.

Personally, I'm a structural engineer, and some of my past students have gone on and worked for companies where they do forensic analysis of buildings and bridges that failed. These are the really complicated types of problems where a person who earned a Ph.D. can help resolve a truly complex scenario.

If you’re interested in becoming a professor or working at a national laboratory, then you would certainly need a Ph.D. to pursue that career.

Q: What is the benefit of earning your Ph.D. in engineering?

A: While going through the process of earning your Ph.D., you work directly with a research advisor, but you're also doing highly independent work. You receive guidance from your advisor and your research group on how to solve certain problems, but you also develop new ways of thinking on how to solve problems on your own. Additionally, your own intellectual curiosity brings about new questions, and helps you think in an entirely new manner. In time you create your own challenges.

In addition to developing a deep understanding of a particular research area, you often become very good at designing experiments and at developing computational tools to address new situations. You become a much more original and daring thinker. You become more strategic in your decision making and in your engineering judgment.

Writing and presentation skills also benefit from doctoral studies. Individuals who get a doctoral degree will often develop strong technical writing abilities. Ph.D. graduates often have to write, present, and explain complicated topics to wide audiences, from the general public to policy makers to other experts in their fields. It makes them better presenters, and the result is professionals who are deep thinkers and at the same time are also well-organized, factual, reliable, articulate and persuasive.

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹��˰�

Earning your Ph.D. in Engineering can propel your career and help you become a valuable member of any team. You’ll be able to use these critical problem solving skills to make strategic decisions in the engineering industry. Apply now to start your Ph.D. journey.

Tagged:

Succeeding as an engineer requires excellent technical, communication, and collaboration skills. Take your skills and knowledge to the next level with a Ph.D. in engineering.

Post Date:

Thursday, November 10, 2022

New Jersey Institute of Technology - PhD

Q&A with Dr. Edgardo Farinas, Associate Professor, Chemistry and Environmental Science

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹���˰�

Tagged:

Q&A with Dr. Reza Curtmola, Director of the Ph.D. Program in Computer Science, and Professor in the Computer Science Department

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹���˰�

Tagged:

Q&A with Dr. Roy Goodman, Associate Professor and Associate Chair for Graduate Studies in the Department of Mathematical Sciences

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹���˰�

Tagged:

Q&A with Dr.Matt Bandelt, Associate Dean and Associate Professor for Ph.D. Research and Graduate Studies at the Newark College of Engineering

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹���˰�

Tagged:

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹��˰�

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹��˰�

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹��˰�

Pursue your Ph.D. at �鶹��˰�