Meet KAUST prospective student: Pratik Nag

About

-By Taruna Rapaka

Pratik Nag will join KAUST this fall as a Ph.D. candidate and member of the KAUST Environmental Statistics research group under the supervision of Professor Ying Sun. Pratik holds a master's degree in statistical quality control and operation research, and a bachelor's degree in statistics, from the Indian Statistical Institute and the University of Calcutta, India.

What was your main subject during your master's degree? Why did you choose it?

My main subject was statistics. From that time, I only had a passion for doing a post-graduate degree in statistics.

Why have you chosen to pursue a Ph.D. at KAUST?

While doing my masters, I realized that there was so much more to statistics I wanted to explore. That eagerness for discovery made me apply for a Ph.D. position at KAUST. I believe that KAUST’s professors are among the best in the world; they are extremely friendly and helpful. For research purposes, the level of resources and facilities that KAUST provides to its students is magnificent.

When did your interest in statistics begin? What are your research interests?

My interest in statistics began in my school days when I took statistics as an optional subject in my curriculum. 

My main research focus is working on machine learning, artificial intelligence and statistical techniques to solve environmental statistics-related problems.

What do you do in your spare time? What are you passionate about?

In my spare time, I like to sing, draw, play badminton and swim. I am passionate about conducting quality research and publishing my results in world-renowned journals.

What is your future outlook?

I want to pursue a postdoc or research scientist position in the industry.

Can you give a piece of advice to students who plan to pursue a M.S./Ph.D. at KAUST?

For people who have strong research motivation and want to get something conducive out of their life, then KAUST should be the place for them.