My Journey to PhD

Entering on the journey of a PhD without any prior guidance or mentorship can be akin to setting sail on uncharted waters. Such was my experience when I decided to pursue my doctoral studies in Computer Science back in 2013. With little exposure to the world of academia and no one to turn to for advice, the path ahead seemed dauntingly obscure.

The first hurdle presented itself in the form of the university entrance exam, followed by the nerve-wracking task of presenting a subject-based presentation to the jury. It was during this stage that I realized the enormity of the challenge ahead. I had to select a research area, a task made infinitely more difficult by my lack of familiarity with the field.

Fortunately, providence intervened in the form of my guide, who suggested exploring relatively uncharted territories within the realm of IT, such as big data analysis and business intelligence. After months of exhaustive research, I found myself drawn to the captivating world of data mining.

However, just as I began to find my footing, adversity struck once more. My guide, who had been instrumental in steering me in the right direction, was promoted to the position of HOD, leaving me adrift without a mentor. The ensuing months were marked by frustration and uncertainty as I struggled to navigate the complexities of my research while grappling with the demands of motherhood.

To compound matters, when a new guide was assigned to me—a young professor—our visions clashed, and my research was met with skepticism. It was a disheartening period that tested my resolve and threatened to derail my aspirations. But I refused to succumb to despair.

Driven by an unwavering determination to succeed, I persevered. Slowly but steadily, my efforts began to bear fruit. My dedication did not go unnoticed, and my guide, recognizing my renewed commitment, extended a helping hand. With their guidance and support, I found renewed vigor and clarity of purpose.

The turning point came in 2019 when I published my first paper at a prestigious conference hosted by JNU Delhi. Buoyed by this success, I doubled down on my efforts, resulting in the publication of five more papers within the span of a year. By the end of 2020, I had submitted my thesis for review, marking the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance.

In January 2021, amidst the backdrop of a world grappling with the aftermath of a global pandemic, I walked across the stage to receive my PhD degree. It was a momentous occasion—one that symbolized not only the culmination of my academic journey but also the triumph of resilience over adversity.

My journey to a PhD was fraught with challenges and obstacles, but it was also a testament to the power of perseverance and determination. Through sheer grit and determination, I overcame seemingly insurmountable odds to realize my dreams. And as I look back on my journey, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for the unwavering support of my guides, the resilience of the human spirit, and the boundless possibilities that await those who dare to dream.

Let's delve into the fascinating technical aspects of our research journey. Within the realm of data mining, we honed in on the captivating realm of classification. But what exactly is classification? It's the intricate task of assigning class labels to each instance in a dataset based on its unique features.

Our mission? To craft a model that not only accurately predicts these class labels for new instances but does so with finesse. Initially, we embarked on a journey to unravel the inner workings of traditional classification algorithms. We meticulously compared results, dissected methodologies, and scrutinized every aspect.

Yet, amidst this exploration, one algorithm stood out like a beacon of promise: the K-Nearest Neighbor (KNN) classification algorithm. Its elegance lies in its simplicity, yet beneath its unassuming facade lies a formidable power.

With KNN as our guiding star, we forged ahead, delving deeper into its nuances and intricacies. But our journey didn't end there. We unearthed certain limitations inherent in the KNN algorithm and refused to be deterred.

Drawing upon our ingenuity and perseverance, we endeavoured to transcend these limitations, birthing a new and improved iteration of the algorithm. This enhanced version boasts the remarkable ability to tackle datasets of colossal size, navigate the treacherous terrain of imbalanced datasets, confront outliers head-on, and seamlessly handle missing value data sets.

In essence, our journey through the realm of classification led us to not only unravel the mysteries of the KNN algorithm but to reimagine its potential. Through innovation and tenacity, we've crafted a tool that promises to redefine the landscape of data mining, opening doors to new possibilities and pushing the boundaries of what's possible.

Now, we venture into the realm of publishing our papers—a pivotal step in our academic journey. In our university, achieving 20 credits is the gateway to eligibility for the viva exam, a milestone achieved through strategic publication. These credits are allocated as follows: a substantial 10 for publications in international journals, 5 for national journals, and 2 for conference papers.

However, the journey to publication is not without its challenges. One crucial criterion demands that our papers be published in journals indexed in Scopus or SCI. While the allure of Scopus-indexed journals is undeniable, the path to acceptance can be arduous, particularly for those housed within free journals. Nevertheless, the weightage accorded to papers published in Scopus or SCI indexed journals renders the pursuit worthwhile.

In my own journey, four papers found their home in Scopus-indexed journals, while one graced the IEEE Explore digital library, and two found solace in UGC approved journals. A valuable tip gleaned from my experience is the significance of targeting esteemed publishers such as IEEE or Springer etc. Papers housed within these revered journals carry greater weight and are more likely to be cited by fellow researchers worldwide. Despite the potential delays in review processes, the endeavour is well worth the wait.

It is imperative to prioritize journals with high impact factors, as they amplify the reach and influence of our research endeavours. By aiming for such esteemed platforms, we ensure our contributions resonate across the global academic landscape, enriching discourse and advancing knowledge. Therefore, I urge aspiring researchers to set their sights on journals with significant impact factors, ensuring the fruits of their labour are duly recognized and embraced by the scholarly community.