Collaboration for better outcomes

‘Joint PhD programs offer enhanced impact and visibility of one’s research in the global arena,’ says Nasreen, who is researching AI in joint Deakin University/Vellore Institute of Technology program. Additionally, she points out, these collaborations address complex international challenges and advance knowledge and offer a ‘significant competitive edge garnered through pooling of expertise and resources.’

Nasreen has an academic background in software engineering and AI techniques. She also has practical industry exposure working in the field of development security operations. Her passion and interest to leverage and build upon her expertise motivated Nasreen to choose the PhD program offered jointly by Vellore Institute of Technology, a leading institution in India and Deakin University.

Nasreen is focusing her research on innovative AI-driven framework for real-time threat detection in networks. Through the joint research program, she is undertaking strategic development of advanced security mechanisms built for the contemporary digital world.

The benefit of collaborative  programs

Nasreen has access to a wide range of resources, including faculty expertise, research facilities, funding opportunities, and more. ‘I get advice and suggestions from multiple research supervisors from both India and Australia, and it is a huge advantage for moulding my research and enhancing my contribution,’ she says. This access enhances the quality and depth of her research.

Nasreen puts a lot of emphasis on the quality of research and the contribution of the research process. ‘It is what makes your research stand out,’ she says. Through this program, Nasreen’s research outcomes will combine the expertise and resources of both institutions to achieve broader impact.

A real-world benefit of joint research programs as per Nasreen is the difference in exposure that a scholar gains. She is directly benefiting from opportunities to interact with peers and faculty members from diverse backgrounds thus enriching her learning experience and giving her a global perspective. ‘Getting a doctorate awarded by two premier institutes is a big thing and the international opportunities and exposure reflect in the development of your work,’ Nasreen says. ‘It makes sure your research quality and contribution stand out.’ She highlights the enhanced impact and visibility of one’s research in the global arena and how it can have a huge impact on the opportunities that open for scholars ahead. It sets apart programs like these from ones that are conducted in a single institution in one’s country.

Support for success

Nasreen credits the significant support from her research supervisor, Prof Gang Li from the Faculty of Science Engineering and Built Environment, towards the quality and relevance of her research outcomes. ‘There is always help at hand and apart from the HDR team of Faculty of Science, Engineering and Built Environment,’ says Nasreen. the Student Central at Deakin is the place where every query, doubt and issue gets resolved.’

Nasreen encourages all research scholars to explore global opportunities through Deakin’s multiple research pathways and contribute in ways that matter to communities world-wide. There is a lot of support offered by Deakin and ease of process right from application to transition and settling down. ‘Deakin has made the research pathway quite accessible for scholars like me,’ she says. ‘I would encourage others not to let go of an opportunity like this.’

For Nasreen, her research is her passion, not just a career. Her expertise in advanced technology for cyber security is in demand globally. She feels equipped and ready to explore research and development, teaching and even the industry-academia-research space professionally in future.