Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Scholar Sanjeeth from India Shares Their Journey of Securing a Fully Funded PhD at the University of Florence, Italy

Hi, I am Sanjeeth from India, with a background in fluid simulations and machine learning for science. Currently, I am an MSCA doctoral candidate at the University of Florence as part of the ICHAruS doctoral network. My research is focused on developing machine learning-based methods for Large Eddy simulations for combustion under electromagnetic field control. This work aims to help researchers study the use of electromagnetic fields to control hydrogen combustion in future gas turbines.

My expertise lies at the juncture of computational fluid dynamics and machine learning. I have been involved in developing data-driven methods across scales from turbulence interactions to surrogates.

My journey started from my interest in flight, and I was fascinated by anything that could fly. Initially, I wanted to become a pilot, but my fascination with flying machines grew beyond the idea of simply flying them. I became more interested in understanding their evolution and working, which motivated me to pursue aerospace engineering. To this day, I hear an aircraft – I look up. Outside of my research, I enjoy stargazing, plane spotting, and photography.

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Details

Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions – Monthly stipend, family allowance, and funding for mission (conference, official travel, and secondments) and tuition fee.

Educational Background

I completed my bachelor’s in aerospace engineering in India and my master’s in aerospace propulsion at Cranfield University, U.K. My master’s thesis focused on adopting machine learning methods for propulsion aerodynamics at Rolls-Royce UTC at Cranfield. I later joined the team as a research assistant, where I developed novel ML-based CFD surrogates for rapid nacelle design.

How Did You Prepare to Apply for the Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions?

It started with a CV and cover letter; I also got well-written references from my master’s thesis supervisors. The CV was detailed, focusing on information that highlights my research and soft skills. I avoided making my cover letter sound too technical; instead focused on narrating my academic journey and how it has made me a perfect match for this project.

Are Your Classes Conducted in English or Italian?

The main research-related activity is carried out in English. In addition to the research work, doctoral candidates are also required to take courses and seminars to acquire credit. They are sometimes in Italian. But you would be able to acquire the required credits following the English ones alone.

Would Potential Students Have Any Problems Not Knowing Italian?

For most parts, no, you would be able to live without knowing Italian in most parts of the country, but processes and documents related to immigration are in Italian; again, universities will aid in translation.

What Do You Think Made Your Application Stand Out?

My background in Machine learning for fluid dynamics and an internship focused on combustor studies helped my application to stand out. These experiences are directly linked to the project. I was able to connect these relations to my future goals in my cover letter, which helped me stand out.

Looking Back, Would You Have Done Anything Differently During Your Time in the Program?

I would be more confident and go ahead with the process, without looking for perfection. I think looking for perfection is where most people delay or lose opportunities such as this.

What Advice Would You Give Those Looking to Apply for a Similar Scholarship?

First, ask if you want to do a PhD and why? A doctorate can be challenging; you are transitioning from a student who is mostly guided to an independent researcher. So, it is important that a doctoral program interests you.

Don’t hesitate to contact people on LinkedIn who are already in the group or the PI themselves. Your PI and group will play a huge role in shaping your PhD and post-PhD career, more so than the name of the university or rankings. So, enquire about the group, talk to previous students and current researchers. Talk to the PI about the guidance and research methods, it also shows you are truly interested in pursuing a PhD.