NSERC Doctoral Scholarship recipient: Yashodan Athavale
Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD student shares advice for a successful application
“Securing an NSERC PGS Doctoral award was for me the most prestigious honour and recognition as a graduate student at TMU, and in Canada. The application process was not at all daunting, and took about two to three months to prepare my research proposal, statement of contributions and letters of reference. Having followed the NSERC instruction guide carefully, I did not come across any obstacles.
“I think the most important factors that led to securing this scholarship were the in-depth inclusion of my research contributions (including peer-reviewed publications) and drafting a research proposal which could be understood easily by anyone.
“Selecting suitable referees was not difficult, as I approached those who knew my personality and research capacity best and moreover supervised me in my most recent research works.
“As a graduate student, obtaining an NSERC scholarship will not only enhance my resumé and future goals, but would also motivate me strongly to pursue my research work at TMU. My advice to future applicants would be: set timelines, take a baby-step approach and, most importantly, be patient!”
Yashodhan Athavale, Electrical and Computer Engineering PhD student and 2017 NSERC Doctoral Postgraduate Scholarship recipient