SUNY Binghamton Online Ph.D. in Systems Science, 30 Credits?

This is what Professor Sayama responded to my application personal statement.


On Fri, Dec 29, 2023 at 4:40 PM Hiroki Sayama <[email protected]> wrote:
Dear Henry,

We are currently reviewing your application to the Systems Science PhD program. You indicated that you plan to do the PhD work as a part-time student, which we assume you want to do it online.

Please note that we are currently not accepting online PhD students because our Department already has more than 200 PhD students that exceed the Department's PhD advising capacity. So, unless one of the SSIE faculty members actively wants to have you as an advisee, we cannot process your application.

Also, your research interest seems focused on AI, Data Science and Machine Learning. Please note that our Systems Science program is not focused on those topics (although we do use them quite often as research tools).

Let me know whether you already have a faculty commitment to become your advisor.

Best,
Hiroki

--
Hiroki Sayama, D.Sc.
Director, Binghamton Center of Complex Systems (CoCo)
Professor, Department of Systems Science and Industrial Engineering
Director, Graduate Program in Systems Science
Director, Advanced Graduate Certificate Program in Complex Systems Science and Engineering
Thomas J. Watson College of Engineering and Applied Science
Binghamton University, State University of New York
Professor (non-tenure-track), Faculty of Commerce, Waseda University
Affiliate, New England Complex Systems Institute
External Faculty, Vermont Complex Systems Center, University of Vermont
[email protected]
https://bingdev.binghamton.edu/sayama/
http://coco.binghamton.edu/


Dear Members of the Admission Committee,



I'm writing to SUNY Binghamton University to convey my earnest interest in getting a Ph.D. in systems science. My academic and professional experience and intense enthusiasm for information technology and cybersecurity have driven me to pursue further education and specialization in artificial intelligence and data analytics. I will discuss my motivations for going to graduate school, my professional goals, my particular interests in data science, AI, and machine learning, and the distinguishing features of my experience that have shaped my viewpoint in this personal statement.


A solid foundation in computer science, with an emphasis on cybersecurity during my undergraduate studies, has defined my academic career. I have always been a voracious learner who actively seeks ways to expand my knowledge of complicated systems, and my enthusiasm for dissecting complex linkages drew me to the field of information technology. The interdisciplinary aspect of SUNY Binghamton's Ph.D. program complements my academic background perfectly and offers me the perfect setting to investigate the complex relationships between data, artificial intelligence, and systemic processes.


Driven by the aspiration to tackle practical issues, my educational journey has been interspersed with numerous research projects in business and technology. Notably, I used data analytic techniques to assess and forecast cyber-attack trends because of my involvement in a cyber threat intelligence program at my organization. These encounters strengthened my conviction in the transformative potential of sophisticated analytical techniques, which has led me to pursue a Ph.D. program that blends theoretical rigor with real-world applications.


My long-term professional objective is to contribute to the body of knowledge and practice in artificial intelligence and data science. I aim to establish a connection between academia and industry by applying my research skills to provide novel solutions for urgent societal issues. The cooperative and progressive atmosphere at SUNY Binghamton University makes it the perfect place to develop the knowledge and abilities required for this professional path. In addition, I have a strong desire to instruct and guide future data scientists. I see myself significantly influencing the future generation of professionals by imparting to them a strong understanding of the ethical issues involved in dealing with data and artificial intelligence, in addition to imparting technical proficiency.


My specific interests are in applying machine learning techniques to dynamic and interconnected systems within the broad subject of data science. In particular, generative artificial intelligence and predictive modeling in dynamic contexts fascinate me. My professional and academic experiences have stoked my interest in learning more about how these approaches might be used to clarify complicated relationships, produce precise forecasts, and guide decision-making. I am excited to work with distinguished faculty members to advance the frontier of knowledge in these fields.


My experience working in the United States Marine Corps, as well as the public and private sector, for over 20 years, is one thing that makes me stand out. These experiences have widened my perspective, and they have also given me the flexibility and resilience that are essential for succeeding in a fast-paced research setting. In addition, my participation in serving in the Military demonstrates my dedication to civic engagement and social responsibility. I support the moral use of technology and hope to support data science research that upholds the values of accountability, transparency, and justice.


In conclusion, my academic path and my steadfast love of artificial intelligence and data science have motivated me to seek a Ph.D. in Systems Science at SUNY Binghamton University. The program's innovative and collaborative research environment and its interdisciplinary approach will give me the best opportunity to make a significant contribution to the area. I can't wait to get involved in the continuing research projects and become a part of SUNY Binghamton's dynamic academic community. I appreciate your consideration of my application. I'm excited about the chance to go into more detail on how my experience and aims fit with the objectives of the Ph.D. program in Systems Science.