1) Research Interests
Before coming to Penn State, I just wanted to have expertise in artificial intelligence. I didn't have much idea on what specific research area might be a good choice for me, because I was interested in too many disciplines. Now, it has been more than three months since I came here and began my Ph.D. studies. I have spent a lot of my time participating in social network analysis study group as my advisor encouraged me to do so. Now, it is obvious that I am interested in finding a way to associate the social network analysis with traditional A.I. concepts, which my advisor is also interested in. In this sense, following figure makes sense.
Jorge Cham ©2008, Source: PHD Comics (Jan. 21, 2008)
2) Life Ambition
I am not interested in winning Nobel Prize, though I will happily take it if given to me. Revolutionizing my field seems to be an interesting thing, though I don't think it is one of my goals. What I hope is to be a faculty member at a university. Ironically, I need to revolutionize my field and have a dream to win Nobel Prize to work at a prestigious institution. Will my ambition change into working at a community college at the end? Actually, it does not matter because my focus is giving basic knowledge to as many people as possible. So I am still eligible to say "World, here I come!"
Jorge Cham ©2008, Source: PHD Comics (May 5, 2008)
It's so funny, and I totally agree with that. :)