Pursuing a Ph.D. is often a mystifying experience to those outside of grad school. So we decided to catch up recent graduate, Dr. Kyriaki Kostoglou, to learn more about it.
On her decision to study at 91社区
When Kostoglou听began working in Prof. Georgios Mitsis鈥� research group in Cyprus, she never imagined that it would lead to her completing a Ph.D. across the Atlantic.听At the time, she was doing her Master's in mathematical models of biological systems and still trying to figure out her next steps. Then, in 2013, Mitsis was hired to work in the Department of Bioengineering at 91社区, and everything听just clicked. This would be the perfect听opportunity for her to continue her research in biomedicine at a world-renowned institution. She applied to do a Ph.D. under his supervision soon after.
On being a Ph.D. student
For Kostoglou, a Ph.D. is more than just a 鈥減aper on the wall,"听it鈥檚 a way of life --听one that requires complete dedication and passion for the subject: 鈥淵ou might spend all day thinking about how to solve a problem.鈥� The experience, for her, was one that balanced independent research along with good guidance from her supervisor. She also saw it as a听chance to听master a specific topic.
On her research
A key aspect of Kostoglou鈥檚 research is using mathematical models to represent and understand various physiological mechanisms under healthy and pathological states. These models have diverse health applications, including enhancing the effectiveness of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) on individuals with Parkinson鈥檚 disease (PD). DBS involves the surgical implantation of electrodes into the brain and the stimulation of targeted areas in order to alleviate PD symptoms. By analyzing the recorded brain activity, she uncovers patterns within the data in an attempt to better predict effective target zones and, therefore, increase the success of DBS.听
On her supervisor
Kostoglou feels fortunate to have had such a supportive and engaged supervisor:听鈥淧rof. Mitsis is a great professor. He鈥檚 knowledgeable, helpful, and interested in what [his students] are听doing. It鈥檚 difficult to find people you can work and collaborate with in such an听effective manner.鈥�
The best part of it
A highlight of her degree听was building strong relationships with her lab mates, on both an academic and听personal level. Spending so much time together in the lab permitted her research听group to continually exchange ideas, discuss experiments, and help each other find solutions to problems. It also brought them closer as friends, and allowed for some fun in the midst of the more demanding听aspects of their work. 鈥淟ab mates become part of your life,鈥� she reflects.听
Advice to students wanting to do a Ph.D.
Because a doctorate degree is such a big commitment, Kostoglou stresses that students should really want the challenge and love their research topic. Her final words of advice? 鈥淲hen you鈥檙e stuck, just try your best and be optimistic. At the end of the day, nothing is impossible.鈥�
Kostoglou recently defended her thesis, 鈥淚dentification of nonlinear, time-varying systems with multiple inputs and binary response systems for biomedical applications.鈥� She has since听returned to Europe and is looking into postdoctoral fellow opportunities.
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