Darwin Barayang Putungan (English version)

Darwin Barayang Putungan

Nationality: Filipino

Admission year: September, 2011

Date of graduation: January, 2016

Department of Physics, National Taiwan University

Nanoscience and Technology-Physics (NANO-Physics), Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP), Taiwan

PhD adviser: Dr. Jer-Lai Kuo

Current position:

Physics Division Head and Associate Professor

Institute of Mathematical Sciences and Physics

University of the Philippines Los Baños, Philippines

What a journey it has been! 

Every journey starts from a single step. And every single step matters. Most importantly, everything you find along the way matters. Climbing up the PhD ladder is not an easy journey, but knowing that each step can be made as strong as possible, and that there are a variety of support systems makes it enjoyable and fulfilling.

Let me share to you my journey here at the Institute of Atomic and Molecular Sciences, starting from climbing the first rung of the ladder up to triumphing the last one. 

WHAT ARE YOUR LEARNING EXPERIENCES HERE AT THE TIGP PROGRAM?

The TIGP Program

Let me start my story-telling by giving you a quick view of Taiwan’s most eminent international graduate program -  the Taiwan International Graduate Program (TIGP).

The idea of having a PhD program where local and international students would carry out high-level research works in Academia Sinica, the most prestigious research institution in Taiwan, while at the same time being enrolled in a partner university started in 2002. Today, TIGP spans 12 degree programs, and I believe it will further expand to accommodate more.

TIGP comes with the following perks:

(1) Monthly stipend of 34 000 NTD, guaranteed for the first year. The amount may vary on the second and third year (the thesis adviser will take care of any additional years beyond the third year) depending on students’ academic performance. I think this is quite okay, but take note that the stipend covers the student’s monthly living expenses, university tuition fee and dorm rental, among others. But nevertheless, this is already the best scholarship one can have in Taiwan.

(2) Chance to attend prestigious international conferences. TIGP has this international conference grant, where students could choose international conferences of their choice and present their research results there. I said chance because this is not an automatic grant. Students need to file an application first (there’s a regular application notice), and depending on the circumstances (budget, number of applications and intensity of the competition), you may or may not get it. So be sure to come up with novel research ideas to boost your chance.

(3) Being able to work with renowned scientists at the Academia Sinica (and partner universities as well). Academia Sinica is the most prestigious research institution in Taiwan, and also one of the best in the world.  As such, it is a pleasure and great honor to be able to work in this institution. Of course, the best research scientists reside here, and all you need to do is to pick up your choice depending on your research interests.

Academics and Personal Experiences

So here it is, the academic life. By the way, I was in the Nano (Nanoscience and Technology) program of TIGP, and was one of the five Physics-oriented students who qualified in 2011 (together with five students in Chemistry, and 10 students in engineering). The requirements of the Nano-Physics program are, I would say, quite rigorous. For students to be called a PhD candidate, they need to pass three requirements, namely, NTU-Physics written qualifying exam, IOP Nanoscience and Technology written qualifying exam, and the oral research proposal qualifying exam (you can only take this if you passed the two oral written exams). And students should pass all of these exams before their second year (unless you failed one or both of the written exams, which would mean you need to take them again next year, and that is your last chance. Failing the second time means dismissal from the program). Sounds scary, right?

Well, yes. I even almost failed one of the written exams. But in the end, I was able to pass through all of these hurdles, and became a PhD candidate, and subsequently a PhD graduate.

What’s the secret? Nothing in particular. But I have a couple of suggestions that could help in making your PhD life enjoyable. First, work hard but play harder. Working hard is always part of any task. As a PhD student, one needs to work hard, study for exams, read journal articles, prepare for presentations, and many more. But at the same time, give yourself a treat by doing things that makes you relaxed and happy. Second, choose a laboratory group that makes you feel comfortable and at home with, and of course, falls within the scope of your research interests. This is a must. Working in an environment where you yourself is not at ease with, is tantamount to eating a dish that you dislike the most. So, a wisely-chosen laboratory group will surely help you go on with your research smoothly and rewardingly. Lastly, and this is very much related to the previous one, is choose your research adviser wisely and carefully. Your adviser is going to be your academic parent for four years and/or beyond, so make sure that you pick the right one. Period. In my case, my research interests revolve around computational physics and computational materials science. As such, I joined the Molecular and Material Modeling Laboratory under Dr. Jer-Lai Kuo, which is a perfect fit.

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF STUDYING HERE IN TAIWAN?

Everything has advantages and disadvantages. And that is natural. But in decision making, we weigh those and see which side would result to an overall satisfaction. So here is my take on this matter.

PROS:

1.    Taiwan is very close to the Philippines. This is quite important to me as this makes flying to and from Taiwan relatively cheap.

2.    The cost of living in Taipei is relatively high, but a lot cheaper compared to neighboring key cities in other countries, such as Hong Kong, Tokyo, Seoul, among others.

3.    Very mature research environment in Academia Sinica, with world-class facilities and scientists. This is in addition to top-ranking partner universities where students will obtain their degrees.

4.    Access to scientific literature and important lectures/seminars by renowned scientists from Taiwan and abroad.

5.    Efficient and convenient transport system, plus Taiwanese people are very friendly.

CONS:

1.    For those who are eyeing fast graduation, Taiwan follows the US system, meaning there are course works (and additional requirements like qualifying exams) to finish before going into full research mode. As such, the typical (and well popular) three-year PhD track is a quite difficult to achieve. But personally, taking course works is beneficial in a sense that these will help you think like a real scientist (if you know what I mean).

2.    TIGP has an all-English academic environment, but Taiwan in general has Mandarin Chinese as its official language. So outside TIGP, it is quite a challenge to communicate with most people, especially when buying essential things like food, tools, medicine, etc. Of course, this is not really an absolute con as students could ask help from their Chinese friends on matters like these.

WHAT ADVICE WILL YOU GIVE TO STUDENTS WHO ARE INTERESTED IN STUDYING HERE?

Well, the first and foremost advice that I will give to prospective students is this: If your mind and heart have decided and you are ready, then go for it. Otherwise, postpone it and give it some more time. The key words are, you must be ready. In relation to the above, you must also know, quite precisely, the research area that you want to pursue. This is important since your choice of laboratory group and adviser depends on this. Once you have these preliminaries, you are set to go.

Now, once you are in your chosen laboratory group, make the most out of it. Talk to your adviser as often as possible, talk to other professors, talk to post docs, talk to your laboratory mates, talk to other students. Yes, make yourself flow like water and push your research ideas to the limit. A good communication channel is the key to a successful and manageable research project. These plus your own hard work and patience will surely help you climb the PhD ladder with ease and with flying colors.

Each rung of the PhD ladder can also be made stronger by non-academic entities, such as a well-maintained social life, a good circle of friends, and hobbies. In short, just balance your PhD life.

Lastly, never ever give up. Just always remember that there is light at the end of the tunnel.