Ph.D. Peers
MLD Peers are happy to talk to you about whatever is on your mind.
We're here to talk about everything from really tough issues to more regular challenges that you may face as a grad student.
Sample Conversation Topics
- 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 Ph.D. 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 adviser's request for <fill in the blank> 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 MLD Peers understand that these are sensitive matters, and promise to uphold the confidentiality of any information shared with us.
Your Ph.D. Peers
ARUNDHATI BANERJEE
Office: GHC 8007 (or remote)
Email: arundhat at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: Planning and Learning for Robotics
I’m a sixth-year Ph.D. 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 Ph.D. 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 and Optimization
I'm a second-year, international student in MLD, working on ML theory and optimization. Besides research, I enjoy practicing sports and exploring Pittsburgh. Feel free to reach out to talk about anything, including adviser search, research directions, work-life balance, life in Pittsburgh, etc.
NARI JOHNSON
Office: GHC 8011 (or remote)
Email: narij at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: Human-Centered AI
I'm a fourth-year Ph.D. 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 Ph.D., mental health and wellness throughout the Ph.D., and finding/switching Ph.D. advisers.
TOLANI OLARINRE
Office: GHC 8226 (or remote)
Email: molarinr at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: Computational Neuroscience
I'm a sixth-year Ph.D. 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 fifth-year Ph.D. 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 and Deep Equilibrium Models
I'm a fifth-year Ph.D. 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. The Ph.D. process can be tough and taxing. I am happy to chat about anything — mental health, work-life balance, switching research directions, switching advisers, etc.
OSCAR LI
Office: GHC 8013 or Remote
Email: runlianl at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: Gradient Estimation
I’m a sixth-year Ph.D. student working on gradient estimation (previously on meta-learning). Earning a Ph.D. 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
Office: GHC 8226 (or remote)
Email: rschmuck at andrew.cmu.edu
Area: ML for Education
I’m a sixth-year Ph.D. student working on machine learning for education. In my free time, I enjoy cooking, photography and calisthenics. Doing a Ph.D. 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.