An Indian computer science student talks about his research and life in New Zealand

Renoh Johnson Chalakkal is a doctoral student from India, doing his PhD in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department at the University of Auckland, New Zealand. He moved from India to New Zealand in 2015.

His PhD research project is on retinal image processing. He says, “Basically we are trying to develop an automatic system to screen the presence of diabetes. Such a system can help patients in developing countries to prevent vision loss due to diabetic retinopathy.”

He describes the learning style at the University of Auckland by saying that students are responsible for what they do, and can work on their research with a high degree of independence. “No one else is interfering in our research,” he says.

He says his supervisor is friendly and helpful, and gives him feedback on his research at their weekly meetings. He adds that the labs at the University are sophisticated, with all the latest technology to help turn theoretical ideas into practical ones.

Why did he choose New Zealand? “It offered PhD courses at a domestic fee,” he says. He chose the University of Auckland based on its rankings. He says New Zealand offers a good work-life balance, allowing him plenty of time to spend with his family.

Most importantly, his wife and baby were able to join him in New Zealand after six months of his arrival in the country. In New Zealand, spouses of international PhD students can work full-time, which goes a long way in making it affordable to study there.

Renoh says of New Zealand, “It’s such a lovely place to live in, and the people here are so friendly!”

By: BrainGain Magazine Staff Writer

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