Interested in Graphics and Visualization Research?

The quest for talented, motivated, and dedicated new members to our research group is always on ...

We seek talented people of all ranks -- from staff members to students. We have a number of exciting projects going on and lots of interesting issues (small and big ones) that you can indulge yourselves in solving. Be it your PhD thesis, master or undergraduate project. See current and past projects, click here, or email me at baoquan 'at' siat.ac.cn. Or chat with the current group members.
     

How to Do Good Research in Graphics and Visualization Lab?

Preface
I won't elaborate on why doing a good research is so important to you, now that you get to this page and here, I assume you do care. There are overwhelming guidelines out there about good research approaches; the purpose of this rendition is to highlight what I think the most important one. Specific strategies vary, but fundamentals stay the same.

How-Tos:
  1. Prepare yourself --- Enthusiasm/Passion
    • Passion --- no substitute for your inner driving force
    • Passion for creations/inventions to shape the future technology development
    • Not the passion for games (although may not hurt that much.)
    • Gain strong programming skills
    • Strong commitment --- prepare for hard work

  2. Find Interesting & Valuable Research Topics
    • The most important yet difficult part of doing research
    • Know the state of the art --- what have been done
    • Simply not-yet-done does NOT make a topic
    • Read broadly: Scientific American, National Geography, etc.
    • Think widely & wildly --- graphics and vis is part/center of everything!
    • A good taste
    • Some expertise (but you can always learn)
    • Converse with your fellow labmates
    • Discuss with me

  3. Do Research
    • Find the solution --- (1) read papers (2) learn from each other (3) think, think, think
    • Implement it --- convert ideas to results
    • Be thorough! --- demos have to be really cool and complete
    • Key 1: Dedication --- >= 12 hrs/day, 6 days/week
    • Key 2: Be consistent --- over a period of time in your graduate life
    • Key 3: Make plans (long, medium, and short term) and stick to them
    • Key 4: Be efficient

  4. Present Research
    • Presenting results is as important as, if not more than, obtaining the results
    • It is all about a story
    • Structure it --- make a convincing and inspiring story
    • Name it --- "our method" is not a name (good names: POP, INSPIRE, SMARTPAPER, PointWorks ...)
    • Write it --- paper, video, slides
    • Tell it --- discussion, seminar, conference
    • It is an everyday thing!
    • Practice is the key --- the (writing/communication) skills can be learned
    • A guideline

  5. Beyond Research
    • Build up your network --- make friends with your peers
    • This is your community, enjoy it and contribute to it
    • Have a lot of fun

Links
  1. How to Be a Good Graduate Student by Marie desJardins
  2. "Advice on Research and Writing" (a collection)
  3. "How to Have a Bad Career in Research/Academia" by Dave Patterson
  4. Richard Hamming, "You and Your Research"

* Back to my home page.