Meng Jiang defended her doctoral thesis in Electronics
After six years of work, Meng Jiang successfully defended her doctoral thesis in electronics on February 25. Between measurements, writing and family life, she has now stepped into the research world as a doctor, ready to continue contributing to her field of study.
Thesis completed – what now?
After the defense, Meng Jiang feels relieved. At the same time, she describes it as a strange feeling: a great joy over what she has accomplished, combined with the sense that the purpose she has worked toward for so long has suddenly disappeared.
– I can already feel that some kind of post-defense depression might come. It felt like I had reached the final station of this journey, and then I started thinking, “What am I going to do next?”.
Since 2020, Meng has been working on her thesis on measurement quality, specifically measurement-driven research in the acoustic field using microphones. The applications range from indoor localization to heart sound classification. During these six years, she also had two kids.
– I was actually surprised that I managed to accomplish it. Many times I doubted myself: “Can I really do this?”. There were a lot of tears, and I might still cry when I face great difficulties. But now, after getting the title of doctor, I can cry — but with the doctor title, Meng says with a laugh, adding that it was worth it.
Sharing your research
During the defense, it was important for Meng to make her research understandable to the audience, as she emphasizes that a defense is a public event. She explains that it is easy to make the presentation too technical, which can make it difficult for people outside the research group to follow.
– If someone is interested, they should understand enough to be able to ask questions —that’s even better. You can get questions from different perspectives, which helps pull you out of the very narrow focus of your work and see it from a broader angle.
Celebration and future plans
Now, with her doctoral diploma almost in hand, she wants to continue her research. When asked how she celebrated, she says she had an Italian dinner that day, since her opponent was from Italy.
– I feel that I have earned the title now. I even feel taller!
Finally, Meng sends a message to future doctors:
– Congratulations on your publications, you have already achieved something important. The next challenge will be explaining your work to the world, and that can be even harder.
Congratulations, Meng, and best of luck moving forward!
You can read Meng Jiang’s doctoral thesis here.
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