Subject: PhD Application in Social Robotics and AI 2025
Dear Prof. Tony Belpaeme,
I am writing to express my enthusiastic application for the doctoral position in Social Robotics and AI
at Ghent University’s AIRO group (IDLab). With a Master’s degree in Physics, advanced computational
skills, and a passion for interdisciplinary research at the intersection of AI, robotics, and human
interaction, I am confident my background aligns strongly with your team’s vision. Having closely
followed your pioneering work in human-robot interaction (HRI), I am eager to contribute to projects
leveraging LLMs, VLMs, and embodied AI for collaborative robotics.
Why this PhD?
Your focus on developing socially intelligent robots that communicate naturally via speech, gestures,
and facial expressions resonates deeply with my academic trajectory. My MSc thesis (Investigating
Threshold Voltage Shift for Si-SiGe MOSFET) involved simulating semiconductor behaviors using
MATLAB and Python—skills directly transferable to programming robotic systems. Moreover, my
research in heterostructure MOSFET optimization (resulting in a 20% performance gain) honed my
ability to bridge theoretical models with real-world validation—a critical skill for HRI prototyping.
Declining a prior PhD offer in lipid nanostructures reaffirmed my commitment to pivoting toward AI-
driven fields, where I aim to pioneer accessible social robotics for education and therapeutic
applications.
Relevant Expertise
1. Technical Proficiency:
o Programming: Extensive experience in Python (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib), C++,
and MATLAB for simulations, data analysis, and tool development (e.g., MOSFET
modeling).
o AI/ML Tools: Familiarity with quantum computing frameworks (via IIT Roorkee) and
data-driven modeling.
o Hardware-Software Integration: Lab work in ultrafast spectroscopy and
semiconductor characterization underscores my aptitude for experimental robotics.
2. Interdisciplinary Research:
o Publications in semiconductor physics (e.g., Analysis of Heterostructure MOSFET
Properties) and computational biophysics (e.g., Quantifying Cellular Stiffness via
AFM) demonstrate my ability to traverse domains—a vital asset for social robotics’
technical-cognitive nexus.
o Cognitive Science Interest: My quantitative research design internship (Eudoxia
Research Centre) involved human-centered data analysis, while APS memberships
reflect engagement with cutting-edge physics-AI intersections.
3. Soft Skills:
o Collaboration: Worked with international teams (e.g., co-authoring Addressing the
Hierarchy Problem with EU/US researchers).
o Communication: Technical writing (5 publications), science communication (APS
Wiki Scientist), and C2 English proficiency.
Future Contributions
I aim to design embodied AI systems that leverage language models (LLMs/VLMs) to enable intuitive
human-robot collaboration. My physics background offers a unique perspective on sensor integration,
system efficiency, and real-time adaptive learning—key to creating robots that "understand" social cues.
Joining IDLab’s ecosystem (GPU clusters, robot labs) and your mentorship would empower me to
pioneer HRI solutions for education or therapy, aligning with Ghent University’s societal impact goals.
Supporting Materials
Attached please find:
1. Curriculum Vitae (with publication/thesis links).
2. Referee Contacts
I would welcome the opportunity to discuss how my skills can advance your research. Thank you for
considering my application.
Sincerely,
Md Shohil Aktar
