Luís Borges is a CMU Portugal student in Language Technologies, having started his PhD in 2019. His Master’s degree was focused on the application of Natural Language Processing and Deep Learning techniques on the topic of fake news detection. For his PhD, he is working on Neural Information Retrieval, also leveraging NLP and Deep Learning tools. Currently, Luís is in his first year, doing required coursework and research, under the supervision of Professors Bruno Martins (IST) and Jamie Callan (CMU).
Why did you choose the CMU Portugal Program to pursue your PhD?
While I was doing my MSc, I was in doubt whether after I finished it, I would start working for a company or I would go on to pursue a PhD. Given that my MSc research went really well, it was Professor Bruno Martins, my advisor, who suggested I should consider taking a PhD. After some reflection, I decided to go for the PhD, and started looking for PhD programs that allowed me to spend some time abroad, because besides my technical knowledge, I was also looking to expand my cultural horizons. I also applied for a PhD at IST, for backup reasons, but when I discovered the CMU Portugal program, where I was able to study in one of the world’s greatest universities, and also to spend two years in the United States, I truly stopped caring about any other options.
Were you surprised to be admitted considering the challenging acceptance rate at CMU?
I was in Japan when I knew I had been accepted, and what a celebration it was! I’ll be honest, yes, I was surprised. In such a top university like CMU, with a relatively low acceptance rate, I couldn’t really be surprised if I had been rejected. This essentially serves as motivation, since I know I’ve been given a once in a lifetime opportunity, I must work hard not to waste it.
You’ve just started the Program at IST. How is everything going?
Everything is going great! Coursework is going as expected. Regarding my research, I have weekly meetings with my advisors, via Skype, where we discuss the work I developed during the week, and where I’m given new tasks to implement and work on. Communication between me and my advisors is excellent, and the work I’m developing is challenging, like I was hoping, and expecting.
What are your main expectations for these 5 years?
I essentially expect growth, both on an academic/technical level, and also on a personal level. On a personal level, I’ll be able to spend two years in the U.S, on a different cultural context, and benefit from all the advantages that brings me. Regarding technical knowledge, I will have the opportunity to study and to work with very intelligent people, who are at the top in their research fields, and I hope to learn a lot from that experience. I’m not expecting everything to be a bed of roses – a PhD is a long and arduous journey, which requires high levels of motivation, hard work, and mental resilience, but I know that in the end, this program will be highly beneficial for my career, and I will feel proud and accomplished I was able to finish it.
For those thinking on applying this year what advice would you give?
Go for it! You have nothing to lose. Still, have a backup plan. Do not underestimate the required English tests! If you are accepted, be ready to give everything you have to take the most out of the great opportunity you have been given.
