Computer Science and Engineering

The department of Computer Science and Engineering (CSE) at Ahsanullah University of Science and Technology (AUST) successfully organized a seminar titled “Demystifying PhD Applications: Navigating Your Path to U.S. Graduate Programs” on January 27, 2025. The seminar aimed to provide students with valuable insights into the PhD application process in the United States, covering key aspects such as university selection, faculty outreach, major selection, and the preparation of essential application materials.

The session was conducted by Mr. Tonmoy Hossain, a Ph.D. Candidate and Graduate Endowed Fellow at the University of Virginia, who is also an alumnus of AUST and a former Lecturer at the CSE department. Drawing from his own experiences, Mr. Hossain delivered an in-depth discussion on the critical steps of applying to U.S. universities, including:

Selecting the Right Universities – Understanding ranking systems, faculty profiles, and research areas.
Contacting Professors – Crafting professional emails and approaching potential advisors.
Choosing a Research Area – Identifying research interests and aligning them with university programs.
Writing a Statement of Purpose (SOP) – Structuring a compelling personal statement that highlights research goals and academic achievements.
Obtaining Letters of Recommendation (LORs) – Selecting appropriate referees and ensuring impactful recommendations.
Exploring Funding Mechanisms – Assistantships, fellowships, and external funding opportunities.

The seminar was highly interactive, providing students with practical guidance and actionable strategies to strengthen their PhD applications. The session concluded with an engaging Q&A session, where attendees had the opportunity to seek clarification and receive personalized advice from the speaker.

As a token of appreciation, Prof. Dr. Shamim Akhter, Head of the CSE Department, presented a crest to Mr. Hossain for his valuable time and insightful discussion.

The Department of CSE at AUST extends its gratitude to Mr. Tonmoy Hossain for sharing his expertise and inspiring future researchers. Events like these play a crucial role in guiding students towards higher education opportunities and fostering a culture of academic excellence at AUST.