Kendig Sham

Kendig Sham (2nd-year PhD) is developing methods to uncover true cause-and-effect relationships in spatial and temporal data, with applications to biomedical research.

Which year of PhD are you in?	2

What is your PhD research about?

My PhD focuses on advancing methods for understanding causality, identifying true cause-and-effect relationships, in data that has both spatial and temporal dimensions. I aim to develop approaches that can be applied to biomedical problems, helping researchers move beyond associations to uncover genuine causal factors.

What motivated you to undertake doctoral study?

I’ve always wanted to become a researcher who applies machine learning to tackle real-world problems. Pursuing a PhD gives me the freedom to shape my own projects and the independence to take my research in the directions that excite me most.

What is a highlight (one or several) of your time as a doctoral researcher so far?

One of my proudest moments was writing and completing my first research paper, it felt like a true milestone in my journey.

What challenges have you faced in your PhD so far, and how did you overcome them?

Conducting a systematic review was particularly challenging and time-consuming. I managed it by breaking the work into manageable daily tasks and setting clear boundaries between work and rest.

What’s one key skill or mindset you developed during your PhD that you rely on most?

I’ve learned the importance of self-belief, reminding myself that everything will be okay and trusting in my ability to find a way forward.

What advice would you give to someone considering a PhD in Informatics?

A PhD is not as daunting as it might seem. If you’re willing to dedicate the time and effort, the journey can be deeply rewarding.