Featured Graduate Student, April 2009
Rhonda Phillips

Interview:

How would you describe your area of study to your grandmother?
I make it possible for computers to analyze pictures taken from satellites in space. These images are really large, and there are so many of them that it would take too long for people to analyze all of them, but unfortunately, people are much better at analyzing images than computers. People like me come up with very specific rules and methods for computers to use to make some sense out of images.

What is your primary motivation for persevering through graduate school?
I've always known that I wanted to do something special and make a contribution to my field, and completing a Ph.D. enables me to do both. I've never allowed myself to consider not finishing. I imagine if I had, I would have been tempted to quit quite a few times.

Do you think there is any value in social networking with other graduate students in non-related fields?
Absolutely! First, having friends that are going through similar experiences is helpful. By having friends in other departments, I have an appreciation for the process in my department and my field. Even when you think a friend's field is not related, sometimes you find insight into your own work when you start talking about research with that friend. There have been a few times when I discovered that friends' research is actually quite similar to my own, and I could envision collaborating with them if we continue to do research.

What is your favorite stress-reduction technique?
Lately, it's been racquetball and bowling. In general, I like to do something with my hands (cooking, exercising, etc.) to clear my head.

What is the last book you read strictly for pleasure and how long ago was it?
I just read Emma by Jane Austen. I am a real sucker for 18th and 19th century literature that feature strong female characters. I think I read this book while traveling to a conference about three weeks ago. I am working on a biography of Alan Turing and Vanity Fair by William Thackeray right now.

What are your aspirations upon graduation?
Professionally, I want to continue to do research, either at a university or research lab setting. Personally, I want to catch up on other aspects of my life that I have neglected, such as playing piano. I haven't played piano in over a month, and I used to play almost every day.

What do you feel is the greatest challenge that graduate students face and how have you dealt with this challenge?
I think graduate students have a tendency to whine about how much work they have to do and exaggerate their workload. I've had so many colleagues in my department tell me about how busy they are, and I'm thinking, "yeah, I know how busy you are. We're all busy." To keep perspective, I've always kept time in my schedule for having fun and relaxing. I've also tried to find friends who don't need to tell me about how busy they are all the time.

Describe your favorite childhood toy and what age you were when it first charmed you.
My favorite toy was my Nintendo. It charmed me when my parents finally succumbed to pressure and bought it for me when I was twelve.

How has getting involved in campus or community activities shaped your graduate experience?
Being a part of graduate student groups helped me to make friends outside of my department. I like having department friends so we can complain about classes we've all had, etc., but I like having friends outside of the department when I get sick of my Computer Science friends! I'm sure they get sick of me, too.

How do you find balance between work, play, and your other non-academic responsibilities?
I keep a pretty strict schedule, and I make sure everything that is important to me (academic and otherwise) is represented in that schedule.

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Currently enrolled VT graduate students can be nominated for a variety of reasons -- academic or personal accomplishments, service to the department or the university community, or any other reason that makes them a unique and valuable member of academe. Students, faculty, or staff can submit nominations by completing a short nomination form.