I am Ankita, a current masters-thesis program student here at SFU. I am an ex-ERP Technology Consultant who worked with Big 4 before moving to Canada. Here I am a research student working on making impactful data-driven decisions using Machine Learning.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

Coming from an Electronics Engineering background, I completed my bachelors 5 years back, after which I started my career as a Technology Consultant for Enterprise Resource Planning. My curiosity to dive deeper into the field led me to pursue my master's but it was really a roller coaster ride to manage my work alongside giving exams like GRE, TOEFL and my never ending quest for the best suited program as I was returning to school after a gap. I chose SFU for its well-reputed research program in Computing Science, quality of engagement in the university, and for the well-driven research work done by my supervisor.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR RESEARCH AND/OR PROGRAM.

My research revolves around uncovering the state-of the-art algorithms/techniques for graph-based data. If I have to put that in layman language then - Everything around us is in the form of graph-data, say, Facebook network, LinkedIn, Netflix, and the list goes on. Have you ever given a thought on how Netflix recommends us TV shows and movies so diligently? Well, uncovering these best use-case or algorithms which we could adapt for these networks is my research area.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

I really appreciate the fact how there's an open communication with my supervisor and other fellow research students. I could hardly feel that COVID impacted the trajectory of my research as now we connect more often, thanks to Zoom :)

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR FUNDED AWARDS?

Yes, I received Graduate Research Fellowship in my first year as a student here which allowed me to focus more on my research and was definitely a motivating factor.

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PROGRAM/POSTDOC POSITION TO SOMEONE STILL SEARCHING FOR A PROGRAM OR POSTDOC POSITION?

It's a great program with top-notch faculty where the main mantra is quality education with many cultural activities as well. This program provides you a great opportunity to grow personally and professionally. 

Contact Ankita: asakhuja@sfu.ca