CHUNIL KIM

After all the stories about NSERC PDF (budget cut etc…), I feel very lucky that I am one of the successful applicants. It is indeed very difficult to win PDF and I don’t think the situation will get any better… It seems even worse than last year where the successful ratio was about 10%. I was so desperate this year (like most of you guys), since without PDF I am not able to keep my academic career. Most professors also have difficulties with their funding to accommodate students and fellows… NSERC may have their side of legitimacy regarding huge cuts in various NSERC awards (recent economic recession etc.). However, I feel that their adjustment is particularly harsh on PDF awards… Anyway, I provide brief qualification of wining NSERC PDF this year based on my application. Again this is very personal estimation (situation may vary case by case). Publications: close to double digit first author publications (or maybe double digit) in recognized journals in the field in thought (For example in the field of Mech. Eng.: Proc. Royal society, ASME, Journal of elasticity etc…) Presentations: I don’t think this is particularly matters comparing to the # of Publications at least you have decent number of conference proceedings (say 5). Scholarships records: couple of major scholarships in the institution where you get your degree. And one or two provincially or nationally recognized awards (Major scholarship). Potential supervisor and proposal: Top schools (e.g. Harvard, Berkeley, Stanford etc…) with recognized scholars in the field in consideration and marketable topics. Others: demonstration of experience regarding leadership, interpersonal skills etc… And good GPA and I guess most of you have GPA 4.0 or close to it. My apologies not to provide exact details, as I do not want give an excessive impression for future PDF applicants in seeking their academic professions. Hope this helps. Good Luck for everyone!

I got my PDF yesterday in Edmonton (It was successful). I have gone over this forum while waiting the results and I feel obligate to post my results. Good luck everyone,