A Month of Diverse Experiences: Engaging with Students, Policymakers, and Researchers
April was a month filled with diverse and enriching experiences, each offering unique opportunities to communicate and advocate for science and research. My journey began with the Global Young Researchers Academy’s (GYRA) virtual symposium, where I had the pleasure of engaging with middle school students from around the world. This was followed by participating in the MIT Science Policy Initiative’s Congressional Visit Days (CVD), where I interacted with policymakers to discuss critical science funding and policy issues. Then I flew to the other side of the world to attend the IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP) 2024 in Seoul, South Korea, where I presented our paper and engaged in technical discussions with experts in the field. These experiences, ranging from inspiring young minds to advocating for science with lawmakers and sharing advanced research with peers, underscored the multifaceted nature of science communication. It was a remarkable opportunity to connect with a diverse audience and to champion the importance of scientific inquiry and innovation across different platforms and contexts in such a short span of time. Here are my reflections from these events.
Inspiring the Next Generation of Researchers: My Experience with GYRA’s Virtual Symposium
April 6, 2024: GYRA Virtual Symposium – Online
Participating in the Global Young Researchers Academy (GYRA) virtual symposium was a profoundly rewarding experience that allowed me to connect with and inspire middle school students from around the globe. As part of GYRA, an NGO dedicated to fostering scientific curiosity and research skills in young minds, I had the unique opportunity to share my knowledge and passion for wireless networks with future researchers.
GYRA’s extensive network spans 50 schools across four countries, including institutions that cater to special needs students and students from underprivileged backgrounds. This broad reach underscores the organization’s commitment to inclusivity and its mission to make scientific research accessible to all students, regardless of their circumstances. The virtual symposium brought together a diverse group of students, each bringing their own perspectives and enthusiasm to the discussions.
My talk, titled “Bits to Brilliance: Next Gen Networks,” focused on the evolution of wireless networks from 1G to 5G and beyond. This journey through the generations of wireless technology highlighted the remarkable advancements we have made and offered a glimpse into the future of communication networks. I discussed the myriad applications of these technologies, from everyday conveniences to groundbreaking innovations in various fields. I emphasized the vast array of research opportunities in the field of next-generation networks. From improving connectivity in remote areas to developing smart cities and advancing the Internet of Things (IoT), the possibilities are endless. My aim was to inspire these budding researchers to think creatively and consider how they might contribute to the future of technology.
One of the most gratifying aspects of the symposium was witnessing the genuine interest and enthusiasm of the students. Their curiosity about the workings of wireless networks and their potential future applications was strikingly evident. Many students asked insightful questions, demonstrating their eagerness to delve deeper into the subject matter.
Interacting with these young minds reinforced my belief in the importance of early engagement in scientific research. By introducing complex concepts in an accessible manner, we can ignite a passion for science and technology that can shape students’ academic and career trajectories. The opportunity to connect with students from different parts of the world and inspire them to explore the field of wireless networks was truly special. Looking back on my experience with GYRA’s virtual symposium, I am filled with a sense of optimism and fulfillment. Their enthusiasm and potential are truly inspiring, and I am excited to see how they will contribute to the future of technology.
My Experience at the MIT Science Policy Initiative’s Congressional Visit Days 2024
April 8-9, 2024: Congressional Visit Days 2024 – Washington DC, USA
I had the honor of participating in the Massachusetts Institute of Technology Science Policy Initiative’s Congressional Visit Days 2024. It was an enriching and enlightening experience that I will cherish for years to come. This event provided a unique opportunity to bridge the gap between science and policy, and it was thrilling to be at the forefront of these crucial discussions.
During our time in Washington, D.C., we visited several Congressional offices and engaged directly with the policymakers who shape the landscape of science funding and policies in the United States. I had the privilege of leading meetings with the offices of three Senators and two House Representatives. In addition to these leadership roles, I also participated in three other meetings, making it a well-rounded and comprehensive experience.
An important aspect of the visit was learning from the experts at MIT’s DC office. Their insights into the intricacies of policy-making and funding mechanisms were invaluable. They provided us with a deeper understanding of how to effectively communicate our messages and advocate for our causes. The knowledge gained from these sessions empowered us to make our interactions with Congressional members more impactful.
The interactions with congressional offices were highly engaging. We discussed a broad spectrum of topics, from the need for sustainable and reliable research funding to the importance of maintaining America’s competitive edge in technology and innovation. I was particularly impressed by the willingness of the Congressional staff to listen and consider our perspectives. They were well aware of the advancement in technology and wanted to know more about our perspective. Their questions and feedback helped refine our arguments and highlighted areas where we could focus our advocacy efforts more effectively. Each meeting was unique, reflecting the diverse perspectives and priorities of the different offices. However, a common theme emerged: a shared recognition of the critical role that science and technology play in our society. It was gratifying to see that, regardless of political affiliation, there was a strong commitment to advancing scientific endeavors.
This was an unforgettable experience and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment of the event and interactions. It underscored the importance of scientists and researchers engaging with policymakers to ensure that science and technology remain at the forefront of national priorities. The event also demonstrated the power of collaborative effort and the impact that a well-organized group of passionate individuals can have on shaping public policy. The experience not only enhanced my understanding of the policy-making process but also reinforced my commitment to advocating for science and technology. It was inspiring to see firsthand how our efforts can contribute to positive change, and I am excited to continue this important work in the future.
Presenting at IEEE ICASSP 2024: A Memorable Experience in Seoul
April 14-19, 2024: IEEE ICASSP 2024 – Seoul, South Korea
I had the privilege of presenting our paper, “CRYPTO-MINE: Cryptanalysis via Mutual Information Neural Estimation,” at the IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech, and Signal Processing (ICASSP) 2024, held in Seoul, South Korea. As the flagship conference of the IEEE Signal Processing Society, ICASSP is renowned for its scale and prestige. ICASSP 2024 was the largest conference I have attended to date, with over 4,000 participants from around the globe. The sheer size of the event was both overwhelming and exhilarating, offering a wealth of opportunities to learn from and engage with some of the brightest minds in the field. The conference showcased how artificial intelligence and machine learning are revolutionizing communication and signal processing applications, providing a glimpse into the future of these dynamic fields.
One of the most valuable aspects of ICASSP was the chance to network with a diverse array of professionals. It was an honor to share our work with such a distinguished audience and to receive feedback from experts in the field. Our work was well appreciated by the audience, leading to engaging discussions with peers and valuable feedback. These interactions were instrumental in exchanging ideas, discussing potential collaborations, and gaining insights into the latest research trends and technological advancements.
In addition to the main conference sessions, ICASSP 2024 featured numerous satellite events that added depth to the experience. Highlights included a session on NSF Career Awards, which provided valuable information for aspiring researchers, and a comprehensive mentoring program designed to support early-career professionals. These events enriched the conference experience by offering targeted learning and development opportunities. I enjoyed meeting collaborators and friends, and I also made many new connections at ICASSP. Looking ahead, I am excited about the 50th edition of the conference, which will be held in Hyderabad next year. I look forward to participating in this milestone event and continuing to engage with the vibrant community of researchers and practitioners.