Name

Abhishek Kumar

School

University of Michigan

Degree Program

First year PhD student in Aerospace Engineering

Previous Degrees

Master of Science in Engineering Science from University of South Florida, 2007; Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering, 2004

Dissertation Topic

Descaled modeling of molecules

Research Interests

Aerospace materials

Advisor

Veera Sundararaghavan

Advisor’s Research Focus

Aerospace materials; Multi-scale modeling

Hobbies

Teach for America

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school or program?

I chose to earn a PhD in aerospace engineering at University of Michigan because of the application of the degree in material science. The field of aerospace engineering uses a lot of traditional mathematics, and also has practical application. I chose University of Michigan, in particular, for my PhD in aerospace engineering because it is ranked among the top 5 universities in the United States and I was determined to earn my PhD at a top school.

Once I researched University of Michigan, I found that the curriculum here truly is the best. The courses are up-to-date and industry-specific. There are also a lot of options for courses to take within both the aerospace engineering department, as well as the engineering department as a whole. In addition to courses, I found that there are many different options for lab work here, and students can get experience in both the theoretical side and the experimental side. Besides the curriculum, the faculty at University of Michigan are also some of the best experts in the country.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

In order to prepare myself for graduate school, I gained a solid science foundation as an undergraduate. I studied subjects such as structures, gas dynamics and mechanical properties. I think that my success in those classes helped prepare me for graduate study and also made my application stand out because my success demonstrated that I could be successful in a PhD program.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, I had to submit GRE scores when I applied to University of Michigan. I did not have to submit scores from any other tests. I do not know if University of Michigan has a minimum score for admission, but they weigh grade point average and GRE scores heavily in the application process. I would advise other students to get the highest score possible.

What kind of information did you include in your personal statement?

In my personal statement, I highlighted my experience and my strengths. I wrote about the projects that I did as an undergraduate, and outlined my skills. I included information about my programming and computational skills, and also described the articles I had written.

How did you choose faculty to approach for letters of recommendation?

When I applied to my PhD program at University of Michigan, I included 3 letters of recommendation. I asked professors whose subjects I had excelled in. I also asked professors with connections, because I felt that it would be better to get recommendations from professors whose research was well-known.

Do you have any other tips for a student who is considering applying to graduate school in aerospace engineering?

If you are considering applying to graduate school in aerospace engineering, you should be certain that you are dedicated to the endeavor. It is a big commitment and shouldn’t be taken lightly. People who enter PhD programs without passion can end up quite frustrated, so you should be sure that you want to make the commitment.

Graduate School – The Program

How long is your program and how is the curriculum distributed?

My PhD program in aerospace engineering takes between 5 and 6 years to complete. During the first year, students spend about 70% of the time on coursework and the rest on research. As the program progresses, research increases until in the final year when students dedicate 100% of their time to research and no longer take courses.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

In my dissertation research, I am looking at the properties of aerospace materials at the molecular level. The properties of materials are not the same at the molecular level as they are at the larger scale, so in my dissertation research, I am trying to bridge the gap. I have written a few publications with my advisor but I hope to have more concrete ideas about my dissertation research by next summer.

How is the dissertation process different from working on a masters thesis?

The main difference between a masters thesis and a dissertation is that a masters thesis does not deal with something unknown. As a masters degree student, I was in classes that hundreds of people had already taken, with a standard textbook that I had to follow. In my dissertation, I am solving a problem that no one else has ever solved.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

My advisor plays a big role in my education. He has given me a problem to solve and for the next few years I will be implementing the research he thinks is right for me. He gives me direction and guidance through the process and plays an important role in my dissertation.

Does your doctoral program require comprehensive exams prior to graduation?

Yes, in my PhD program students take a qualifying exam in either the first or second year. That is what allows a student to progress from being a PhD student to being a PhD candidate. I chose to take my qualifying exam during the summer of my first year.

How does a doctoral program differ from graduate study at the masters level?

There are not many differences between studying for a PhD and studying for a masters degree. The only real difference is the dissertation that I have to compose in my PhD program.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your PhD program cost?

I think my PhD program costs around $70,000 per year, but I do not have any out-of-pocket costs.

How are you funding your education?

As a PhD candidate at a research university, I do not have to fund my own education. I receive funding through my professors’ research grants and the university also provides me with a living stipend. I did not have to apply for any type of funding packages or grants because I had guaranteed funding through University of Michigan when I applied. This is common in science doctoral programs in the U.S.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in aerospace engineering?

In my PhD program in aerospace engineering, I spend between 40 and 50 hours on schoolwork and research each week. I usually spend about 4 hours in the mornings on research, and then I have classes for 2 or 3 hours. In the evenings, I do the homework for my classes. I try to make a daily plan each morning to help me achieve my goals and accomplish what I need to.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school has not affected my personal life at all. I don’t have family nearby and so my main focus is my research and professional goals. I do not have any other obligations and I have not really had to mold my life to fit graduate school.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I hope to be working in academia. I would like to work as a professor at a research institution. To prepare for that, I am working as a teaching assistant to gain teaching experience and I am also doing research that will help me to draft proposals for future research.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in aerospace engineering?

If you are interested in pursuing a PhD in aerospace engineering, the best advice I can offer is to just have patience. Research takes patience and sometimes things don’t work out the way you want them to. The only way you will survive a PhD program is to be patient and keep working hard.