Arvind Rajan

Course: Bachelor of Electrical and Computer Systems Engineering (Honours), 2015 and Doctor of Philosophy, 2018
Nationality: Malaysian
Current role: Data Scientist, Clear21 (Australia)

Please tell us about your research at Monash.

The groundwork of my research started back in the year 2013, when I had the opportunity to work with my current academic supervisors during the summer break after my third-year undergraduate studies. This research subject later became the topic of my final year undergraduate project.

In simple terms, my field of research looks into the development of novel methods that are accurate and computationally efficient for reliability (or failure) analysis of engineering systems. In the increasingly complex and competitive modern technological environment, such a tool would be invaluable to many manufacturers from a wide variety of engineering fields, e.g., electrical and electronics, mechanical, structural, geotechnical, etc.

What do you hope that your research will achieve?

The ultimate aim of the research is to make the novel ideas ubiquitous in the field of engineering, and also to include it as one of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Standards. Though it is a long and complex process, I believe that I am making all the right decisions and heading in the right direction in light of valuable guidance from my supervisors.

What made you decide to continue your postgraduate studies at Monash?

My father is an aircraft mechanic, and he always described how an aircraft works every time we went on a vacation. Therefore, since I was a kid, engineering has been deeply rooted within me.

In the last few months of my undergraduate studies at Monash, I was offered an opportunity to continue with my current research for the Master of Engineering Science (MSc), based on the promising results of my Final Year Project. In all honesty, continuing my research as a PhD was never my intention. However, I immediately changed my mind when I discovered the avenue hidden in my current research topic – I may actually get the front seat in designing one day, for example, the chassis of a vehicle, fuselage or wings of an aircraft, etc. Although the goal seemed a little farfetched then, it became increasingly achievable to me as my research progressed.

How has your learning experience at Monash been?

My learning experience at Monash Malaysia has been nothing short of amazing. There were indeed some frustrating and depressing moments when things didn’t go as planned, but the sense of accomplishment when you’ve beaten all the odds against you is priceless, to say the least. The best aspect of studying at Monash Malaysia, as a graduate researcher, is the opportunity to engage in multidisciplinary researches and create your own avenue – as long as you keep expanding your horizons, and keep working toward a clear direction, various eye-opening experiences await you.

What would you say is the most valuable skill or experience you’ve gained during your time here at Monash?

I have learned numerous skills during my time at Monash but personally, if I had to pick one, it would be perseverance. Simply put, this is how I would summarise in a sentence: if necessity is the mother of invention, then perseverance is the father.

Did you participate in any student activities or opportunities while at Monash?

I like travelling to new places and meeting people from different cultural backgrounds so I always sought to make use of the opportunities and resources available for postgraduate students to participate in research attachments and conferences in various regions around the world. Besides research activities, I must also mention the activities organised by the Monash University Postgraduate Association, which includes both professional ones, such as the industrial networking sessions, as well as the fun ones, such as excursions, retreats, etc.

What are your career goals?

I would want to have a career in research leading to technological breakthroughs and innovations that can directly improve the quality of people’s lives. Perhaps, the dream would be to become part of the teams involved in futuristic researches, such as electric vehicle, tube travel, etc.