PhD Peers
MLD Peers is here to talk about everything from really tough issues to more regular challenges that you may face as a grad student. We're happy to talk to you about whatever is on your mind.
Here are some examples:
I'm not sure I have the right advisor.
I want to learn about xyz subject, but I don't know anyone in that area.
I could use some time management tips and tricks.
I'm thinking of changing areas.
I don't like my research project and I don't know what to do.
Should I apply for a joint PhD program? Can/should I take courses from department xyz?
I’m an international student, and I’m having a hard time adjusting to the cultural differences.
I am stuck on a problem, whom/how should I reach out for help?
Am I overworking? Am I not working hard enough?
I’m not sure if my advisor’s request for … is reasonable.
I'm having trouble balancing school and personal life.
How do I measure my progress in the program?
I'm overwhelmed.
I'd just like to talk to someone!
Confidentiality: All members of the MLD Peers group understand that these are sensitive matters, and promise to uphold the confidentiality of any information shared with us.
PhD Peers
ARUNDHATI BANERJEE
Office: GHC 8007 (or remote)
Email: arundhat at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: Planning & Learning for Robotics
I’m a 6th year PhD student working on planning and learning for robotics. In my free time, I enjoy music, novels and poetry, and the greenery in Schenley and Frick parks. Getting a PhD is a long journey through scientific and self discovery, so there are bound to be a few bumps on the way. I am happy to chat about anything you might have on your mind: finding community, mental health, research challenges, Pittsburgh winters and more. Feel free to reach out!
TOMAS GONZALEZ
Office: GHC 8108 (or remote)
Email: tcgonzal at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: Theory & Optimization
NARI JOHNSON
Office: GHC 8011 (or remote)
Email: narij at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: Human-centered AI
Bio: I'm a fourth-year PhD student studying AI evaluation and governance. My research is often interdisciplinary and draws from fields like human-computer interaction, design, law, and policy. Happy to chat about: finding and working with collaborators across disciplines, reasons to (not) quit a PhD, mental health and wellness throughout the PhD, and finding/switching PhD advisors.
TOLANI OLARINRE
Office: GHC 8226 (or remote)
Email: molarinr at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: Computational Neuroscience
I'm a 6th year PhD student working on (Biological) Neural signal processing with applications in Brain Computer Interface. I am also into long (really medium) distance running. My experience has been: The beginning is the most difficult part. Community really does help, so feel free to reach out about anything.
DON DENNIS
Office: GHC 8226 (or remote)
Email: donkurid at cs.cmu.edu
Area: ML Algorithms
I’m a 5th PhD student working on resource efficient machine learning -- making machine learning algorithms compute/memory/energy efficient. I am happy to chat on any topic you might want to discuss. Feel free to reach out!
ASHWINI POKLE
Office: GHC 8113
Email: apokle at cs.cmu.edu
Area: Diffusion & Deep Equilibrium Models
I'm a fifth year PhD student working on diffusion models and deep equilibrium models. In my free time I love to do indoor gardening, painting, and walking around in Schenley park. PhD can be tough and taxing. I am happy to chat about anything---mental health, work-life balance, switching research directions, switching advisors, etc.
OSCAR LI
Office: GHC 8013 or Remote
Email: runlianl at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: Gradient Estimation
I’m a sixth year PhD student working on gradient estimation and previously on meta-learning. PhD can be a stressful journey and you are very welcome to tell me all about it – for example, we can chat about picking research directions and problems, internship search, work-life balance, and how to maintain a positive mentality. During my free time, I enjoy watching many different sports (especially basketball) and recreationally practicing surfskating and bouldering.
ROBIN SCHMUCKER
Email: rschmuck at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: ML for Education
I’m a sixth year PhD student working on Machine Learning for Education. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, photography, and calisthenics. Doing a PhD is not an easy process and especially in the beginning it can take a while to adjust to the new environment and to find your way. Talking with others helps with putting things into perspective and many students were in similar situations before. Please feel free to reach out about anything.