General Advice on CSE Research*

Bharat Jayaraman

CSE DepartmentUniversity at Buffalo

* compiled from many sources

Outline of Talk

1. CSE Department Research2. Faculty Research Activities3. Doctoral Research 4. Research Strategies5. Qualities of a Researcher6. Online Resources

What is Research

Systematic Study or Inquiry

Leading to new knowledge or theory, or creation of a new artifact, process, etc.

Goal of research is to advance a field, be it science, engineering, or the arts.

1. CSE Department Research

Algorithms & Theory

Artificial Intelligence

Systems (SW/HW)

0

2

4

6

8

10

12

1989 2009

A&TAISW/ HW

Lots of multidisciplinary interests

Core Areas:

Multidisciplinary Research

CSE

Bioinformatics PharmacyPublic Health

Management, Law Media Studies, Communication

Other Engineering Departments

Math, Chemistry, Biology, Geography

Linguistics, PhilosophyPsychology, Anthropology

2. Faculty Activities

Teaching Research Service

Faculty Research Activities

• Perform research (more on this later)

• Publish journal and conference papers

• Speak at conferences and other institutions

• Secure external research funding

• Manage research groups

Faculty Service Activities

• Serve as reviewer of papers, proposals

• Serve on conference committees

• Serve on journal editorial boards

• Serve on national boards and panels

3. Doctoral ResearchDevelop an interest in an area, by finding out

what are the major open problems;what are the major research groups;what are the major conferences and journals

Identify and meet regularly with research advisor Take advanced courses, build technical strengthAttend and present at research group meetingsWrite and submit papers to conferences/journalsAttend conferences and workshops.

Major Steps for PhD in CSE

Qualifying Process (coursework)

Major Professor Selection Dissertation Committee Dissertation Research Proposal Dissertation Completion Dissertation Defense Ph.D. degree

Outline of Research Proposal

Problem and its Significance Related Research Proposed Approach to

Problem Results Obtained to Date Remaining Research Expected Contributions

Good Research Problem

Important (and interesting) Related to other problems Not easily solved Can be solved Can be solved by you Leads to new research

Some Grand Challenges P = NP? Machines that learn Secure systems Ultra-fast computers …

Grand challenges provide high-levelmotivation for one’s research. Theyoften require multidisciplinary approach.

4. Research Strategies

Motivation is “top-down” Execution is “bottom-up” Identify specific problem Study related work thoroughly Must be able to present your

work in the light of what is known, highlighting your contributions

Literature Search

Read papers from the top conferences, journals, and researchers

Read “actively” and identify possible areas of further work

Write a para on each paper giving the main points – this may go into thesis

Consider writing a survey paper from the literature search

The Hourglass Model*

* http://www.socialresearchmethods.net/kb/strucres.htm

When a problem is very hard Formulate a simpler problem, solve

it, and write it up – this may be substantial enough for a first publication! Then try to extend solution.

E.g. The difficulty of general program verification in ‘70’s led to research on model checking of finite-state systems in ‘80’s, which became practical for hardware verification.

Cross Fertilization Techniques in one area often have

applicability in other areas. E.g. Hardware Verification via

Software Testing; Email Spam Detection via Machine Learning; Program Debugging using Temporal Databases.

National Science Foundation has funding for “Cross-Cutting Programs”

Details are important

Getting the fine details correct is extremely important in research.

Sometimes, this can make or break a major finding, especially a theorem.

In 2010, there was a purported proof that P != NP. But upon inspection of the details, it was found to be wrong.

“Negative results” are useful

It takes time for ideas to crystallize. Sometimes, the search for the right

solution involves going down unproductive paths.

Be on the look-out for “negative” results, i.e., proving that a problem cannot be solved is also useful.

5. Qualities of a Good Researcher

Logical Thinking and Ability to Abstract Creative, Innovative Attentive to Details Well-informed, has broad background Communication Skills Passionate Perseverance Take success/failure in stride

Has research interests in common with you Has a national or international reputation Has directed students in the past Has a reputation as fair and reasonable Has an active research group Has grant support for research Is someone you like and admire

Qualities of a Good Advisor

6. Research Resources

Research Advisor

Texts, research monographs

Journals, conference proceedings

How to improve one’s writing

Many online resources available today.

After years of hard work, the student appears before his master who asks one final question:

"What is the true meaning of the black belt?“

"The end of my journey," says the student. "A well-deserved reward for all my hard work."

Parable of the Black Belt

“You are not ready for the black belt,” says the master, “return after one year!”

After another year of hard work, the student appears before his master who again asks:

"What is the true meaning of the black belt?“

"A symbol of distinction,” says the student, “the highest achievement in our art."

Parable of the Black Belt

“You are not ready for the black belt,” says the master, “return after one year!”

After another year of hard work, the student appears before his master who again asks the same question. Now the student replies:

"The black belt is just the start of a never-ending journey of discipline, hard work, and the pursuit of an ever-higher standard."

Parable of the Black Belt

“You are now ready for the black belt,” says the master, “go and get started on your work!”

Notes for Future Use

1. Knowledge Tree – where are you extending the tree2. Math/Science/Engg – what type of research and approaches within each3. When you have difficulty reading a paper – what to do.