Name

Ben Packer

School

Stanford University

Degree Program

Sixth year PhD student in Computer Science

Previous Degrees

Master of Science in Engineering from University of Pennsylvania, 2004; Bachelor of Arts in Cognitive Science from University of Pennsylvania, 2004

Dissertation Topic

Action recognition and prediction in video

Research Interests

Computer vision application; artificial intelligence; machine learning

Advisor

Daphne Koller

Advisor’s Research Focus

Probabilistic graphical models

Hobbies

Basketball, coaching, rock climbing

Graduate School – Application Process

How did you select your graduate school and program?

I chose Stanford University’s computer science PhD program for 2 reasons. First, and most importantly, my professors in my masters program knew my interests and could recommend specific advisors at Stanford to me. Then, once the program accepted my application and I visited the campus, I loved the weather.

I had been programming and designing websites since high school. Although I knew from the start that I wanted a computer science degree, I pursued cognitive science for my bachelors degree so that I could get a more well-rounded education. My undergraduate experience exposed me to artificial intelligence for the first time, which I found was a subject that fascinated me.

What did you do to prepare yourself for graduate school?

I prepared myself for graduate school by doing a ton of research as an undergrad and getting excellent recommendations from my professors based on that research. I started doing research projects with professors in the summer after my freshman year.

Did your application requirements include standardized test scores?

Yes, my application required me to submit GRE test scores, but I do not feel that my score mattered very much. The math portion resembled a high school exam, so I feel that the admissions board just wanted to be sure that applicants had a basic understanding of mathematics. By far, the most important element of your application will be your recommendation letters. It is important to get good grades and do well on standardized tests, but the admissions board especially wants to know that you have been involved in research projects with professors who will commend your work.

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

My personal statement was a research statement that listed all of the research I had done and that I intended to do. Unlike other programs, personal statements for computer science are not about being creative or eloquent, though it is still important to show that you have a good command of written language, since academic papers require clear and coherent writing.

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

I chose faculty members to write my letters of recommendation whom I had worked with extensively on research projects.

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

The biggest tip I have for students who are considering applying to graduate school in computer science is that they should listen to their undergraduate and masters degree advisors about choosing a program. Advisors often have connections or insight into the quality of certain research projects.

Graduate School – The Program

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

My computer science program typically takes 5 to 6 years to complete and has a dissertation component. Students in my program can take tests that are the equivalent of taking courses if they want to skip over coursework. After your coursework is completed, you begin work on your dissertation. In this phase, students generally set their own hours and are responsible to keep up the pace of their research. Students who plan to have academic careers in computer science are the ones who write the most thorough and organized dissertations.

What is the focus of your dissertation research?

The focus of my dissertation research involves applying probabilistic models and methods to action recognition tasks. I had been researching subtopics within this model throughout my program, but when I realized that I needed to settle on something final, I looked for a subject that was important right now. Action recognition made the most sense.

My process for formalizing my topic began with a proposal to the department that closely resembled a dissertation defense. They helped me establish what would make sense to write about and which research I should consider using.

Can you describe the process of researching for and writing your dissertation?

My process for researching and writing my dissertation has been scattered. I drew upon the varied research I have done for the past several years and formed it into a coherent whole for my dissertation.

For the majority of my program, I divided my attention between research in the area of my dissertation topic and general side projects, which is common for computer science doctoral programs. Now that my dissertation defense is approaching, however, I spend 10 hours a day working on it.

One of the big hurdles for me has been finding an area of research that could hold my interest throughout my program. I think that doctoral students have to be excited about their work. People can research anything in the short term, but long-term research takes passion.

What role does your advisor play in your education?

The role of my advisor in my education is to give me feedback and keep me focused. I chose her from a very short list I had of potential advisors. When I did a project with her in my first year, I found that we meshed well.

Her role has been to give me advice and check in with me about my research progress. I visit her office once a week or so to update her. She has also been instrumental in giving me a direction for my dissertation.

I think that the student-advisor relationship can vary a great deal depending on the personalities involved, but respect has to be present. Some people require a great deal of feedback and attention. Others just want to be left alone. Regardless, students should not bother their advisors unless they have something concrete to say. Nothing is more disrespectful than wasting an advisor’s time.

Graduate School – Paying for It

How much does your doctoral program cost?

My computer science program would cost $30,000 to $40,000 a year if I did not have my tuition waiver and stipend. To the best of my knowledge, every student in my program is fully funded and pays no tuition.

Secondary costs are pretty low in my program, as well. Stanford helps us with insurance and advisors typically pay for any books, laptops or conference and travel expenses.

How are you funding your education?

I am funding my PhD with a tuition waiver and stipend from Stanford and several grants that my advisor obtained for me. My stipend is between $35,000 and $40,000, which is enough to cover everything that a young person without a family might need.

Graduate School – Living Life

What are the time commitments for a PhD in computer science?

The time commitments for a PhD in computer science are relatively flexible, as long as a student is making progress in his or her dissertation. Most students work a somewhat regular weekday schedule, only occasionally bringing work home with them. Others are in the lab all of the time, including nights and weekends.

How has graduate school affected your personal life?

Graduate school generally hasn’t prevented me from having a personal life and pursuing hobbies, although that can depend on my major deadlines, which occur 4 times a year. The 3 to 5 weeks leading up to these deadlines can be hectic.

For the most part, however, I find that I have plenty of time to pursue my hobbies. Some people I know choose to give themselves only a little bit of free time. But I think that research can be frustrating sometimes if a project does not work out, so free time now and then can be good for everyone.

A big part of managing time, in my opinion, is not getting too relaxed. No one looks over my shoulder in this computer science program, but I do not want to start avoiding my work. If I tell myself that I can work on my research from home but cannot, or if I go to the office and constantly switch between research and non-research tasks, nothing will get done.

Graduate School – After Graduation

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

In 5 years, I would like to be working in private industry. Silicon Valley has many opportunities for someone with my education, and I could see myself working in a successful start-up or in the research lab of an established company.

Graduate School - Advice

What insights can you offer a student who is interested in pursuing a PhD in computer science?

The biggest insight that I have for students is that they need to make sure that a PhD is right for them before pursuing a program. No one will force them to do their work, and no one will select their dissertation research for them. They will need to be their own motivating force.

I also think that students should try to figure out their learning styles as soon as possible. Once they enter a doctoral program, they will need to choose an advisor, dissertation topic and research methodology based on their learning preferences.