High Impact Thesis

In this episode, we sit down with Kethmi Hettige, a Ph. D. candidate in Computing and Data Science at NTU, whose research focuses on spatial-temporal prediction and reasoning. Kethmi shares how her work combines AI, graph neural networks, physics-guided learning, and large language models to tackle real-world challenges such as air quality prediction, traffic forecasting, and environmental monitor...

How do we measure the value of a smile? Dr. Hilary Ma joins us to discuss her research on participatory arts and the aging experience. From the galleries of the National Museum to the heart of Singapore's neighborhoods, learn how her initiative, Project ARTISAN, uses intergenerational storytelling to combat loneliness and build resilience in seniors. It’s a story of art, heritage, and the powe...

Welcome back to  High Impact Thesis ! This episode dives beneath the surface, exploring the 70% of our planet that remains largely hidden. We speak with  Abu Bakr Azam  from the Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme, whose doctoral work is challenging the million-dollar price tag of deep-sea access. His thesis, "Acoustic Aided Localization and Perception for Low-Cost Underwater Robotics,"...

In this episode, we speak with Zhou Qinrou, a PhD student from NTU School of Social Science, whose research is challenging the foundational assumptions of how we understand bureaucracy. Qinrou takes us to walk through her thesis that discusses "What truly drives public servants to be good beyond simply doing well?" We dive into the critical Chinese concept of "zuoren" and &quot...

In today's episode of "High Impact Thesis," we sit down with Alka Luqman, a final-year PhD student at NTU's College of Computing and Data Science. Before starting her PhD, Alka spent seven years in an industrial company, where she worked on machine learning projects and natural language processing in the pre-LLM era. Alka shares her motivation for leaving the corporate world, to create new technol...

In this episode of  High Impact Thesis , we talk to Dr. Pritish Mishra, who recently completed his PhD in Materials Science and Engineering at NTU. Pritish shares how his fascination with nanotechnology led him to explore computational material science, culminating in his research on designing single-photon emitters using perovskite quantum dots. He discusses how simulations, machine learning, and...

In this episode of  High Impact Thesis , we speak with Nicole Yao, a PhD student from NTU’s School of Humanities, whose research explores the representation of ruins in contemporary Chinese literature and film. Nicole discusses how abandoned spaces—urban and rural—symbolize the human cost of modernization in post-1990s China. She also reflects on the challenges of interdisciplinary research, the r...

In this episode, we welcome Wu Tong, a Ph. D. candidate in Leadership, Management, and Organisation at NTU, whose research explores the family-work interface and the future of work. Tong shares insights from his current study on the social and psychological impact of "sharing good news"—why we do it, how others respond, and what it means for both personal and workplace relationships. He discusses...

In this episode, we speak with Michael Yuhas, a Ph. D. candidate in the Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme at Nanyang Technological University, whose research at the Energy Research Institute focuses on assured safety systems for autonomous vehicles. Michael shares how his industry experience at Apple and NIO shaped his academic path, and explains key concepts such as out-of-distribution detecti...

Dr. Suhas is a recent graduate from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering from NTU. His research work focuses on preparing versatile wearable robots for rehabilitative purposes using metamaterials which give more control over its structure. He also discusses about robotics and various sensors utilized in his domain, the interesting application and relative ease provided by 3D printing...

Dr. Ellice Wu is a recent graduate from the School of Humanities at Nanyang Technological University. Her research delves into the life and works of the renowned artist, painter, and academician Angelica Kauffman. In this episode, Ellice discusses how Kauffman’s self-portraits during her London period (1766–1781) reveal a complex interplay of identity, professionalism, and gender. She also touches...

Lin Shicong (Vera) is a PhD candidate from the School of Humanities at Nanyang Technological University. Her research focused on children's literature and picturebooks, exploring early literacy, narratology, and book art. Specifically, she investigated how unconventional picturebooks, such as pop-up books and those with special materials or bindings, stimulate children's multisensory learn...

Dr Malik was a PhD candidate from the school of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology at NTU. His research was on developing a high-performance Raman spectrometer using the less explored Raman excitation spectroscopy technique. This improved spectrometer essentially flips the operation of the excitation and detection modules for greater flexibility and optimization on both sides compar...

Dr. Chan Wen Kiat is a PhD graduate from the School of Chemistry, Chemical and Biotechnology Engineering (CCEB). Dive deep into his groundbreaking research on perovskite superstructures and heterostructures for enhanced optical performance. Discover how his innovative work on hybrid perovskite materials and LnNP@perovskite heterostructures is paving the way for the next generation of high-efficien...

Pak Hui Ying is a PhD candidate from the Nanyang Environment & Water Research Institute (NEWRI), which is part of the Interdisciplinary Graduate Programme. With prior experience in water monitoring, her current research work delves on water turbidity monitoring using hyperspectral imagers mounted on drones. She discusses with us the practical issues of conducting field experiments in large wat...

Ahmed Hussein graduated with a PhD from the school of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE). He talks to us about the need and development of power converters that use multi-level switches that can convert power with several inputs and outputs in the same package at lower cost. He discusses factors such as circuit optimization, minimizing losses, and boosting power. We also go over the incep...

Dr. Christoper Luwanga is a PhD graduate from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE) and one of the founders of HIT podcast. Embark on a cosmic journey with Dr. Christopher Luwanga' research in space weather and ionosphere irregularity modeling. Discover how his work with machine learning is shaping the future of satellite communications. Plus, delve into Dr. Luwanga's p...

Dr. Mohamed Ibrahim, a PhD graduate from the School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE), shares his research journey focused on enhancing the performance and efficiency of perovskite solar cells. Through innovative device modifications and optimizations, he strived to push the boundaries of solar cell technology. Additionally, Dr. Ibrahim discusses his novel approach to characterizing l...

Hasnain graduated with a PhD from the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE). He talks to us about building machine learning models from past airport traffic data to minimize delays in real-time. He also discusses the challenges and hesitance in the adoption of such tools. We also gain some insight into his experience finding a higher purpose while doing research. Follow the HIT Podc...

Jwala graduated with a PhD from the School of Computer Science and Engineering (SCSE). She talks to us about assessing Natural Language Processing (NLP) models that specialize in translation between different languages, compiling useful datasets for training, and some of the current pitfalls. She also shares her experience learning different languages from shows, books, and apps. Follow the HIT Po...

Gopi is a post-doctoral researcher at the school of Materials Science and Engineering (MSE). She was a PhD student from the Interdisciplinary Graduate Program @ NTU (IGP), working on using microbes to de-stain water contaminated by fabric dyes. She also talks about her time at NTU's Toastmasters chapter and her unique experience representing Singapore in Google's Connect Live (2019) event for her...

​Alvin Chua Sern Hao is a Ph. D. candidiate at the School of Humanities (SOH) at NTU. He studies earthenwares from different archaeological sites in Southeast Asia. In this episode he talks to us about the history of ceramics in the region, where are they found, what were they used for, and how they spread from one area to another. Follow the HIT Podcast on twitter @wowhitpod   Reach out to t...

Syed is a Ph. D. student at Nanyang Technological University's School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Biotechnology (CCEB - formerly SCBE). He talks to us about his research into carbon capture technology, what it can do to mitigate emissions, and how far it is from large scale implementation. He also shares his experience working with TEDxNTU and being a residential mentor. Follow the HIT...

Aditi is a Ph. D. student at Nanyang Technological University's School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering (EEE). She talks to us about her research into Reserve Power Point Tracking, a novel and superior algorithm that enables optimal power extraction from solar arrays.

Bernardo is a Ph. D. student at the Robotics Research Centre in the School of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering (MAE) in NTU. In this episode he talks to us about his research on the design of compliant upper limb exoskeletons. He also discusses some of the challenges of rehabilitation and how they can be circumvented. Follow the HIT Podcast on twitter @wowhitpod Reach out to the HIT Podcast Te...