How to stay happy during a PhD?
Well, it is a long-term project – just as important as research itself. I do not have the “right” answer, but I would like to share some precious moments from my time in the VERSE lab.
Last update: 08-08-2025
Langkawi Retreat 07-2025
A peaceful island of blue seas and quiet skies. We held Verse Seminars at the hotel – even with a sea-view meeting room and tea-break snacks! In the afternoons, we set out to explored the island. I like the moment of having a coconut ice cream at the top of Langkawi’s highest mountain, looking out over the island’s breathtaking landscape. This picture was taken during our mangrove safari tour.
Food Hunting 04-2025
I remember this was the third time we went to Lau Pa Sat for dinner within a month. Chili crab is my favorite food, though we do not oder it that often. But luckly, we had it this time. Gilled prawns are another favorite of mine, but I can only get peeled prawns when I am going with my advisor and some lab mates.
Verse Lab Birthdays 10-2024
It was really a surprise from my lab forks on my lunar birthday. I enjoyed the cheese cake. I wished for one thing: a flood of papers.
Penang Retreat 08-2024
This was our first retreat trip. Maylasia was one of the few destinations where none of us needed a visa to enter, though it does cost me a passport page each time! We had many brainstorming sessions on LLM-based PL research, along with adventures exploring Penang Hill and George Town. We purchased an expensive group picture at the top of Penang Hill. It now sits proudly on my desk. This picture was taken while we were having an unforgettable Malaysian Laksa.
PLDI Copenhagen Trip 06-2024
We arrived one day before the main conference. I rented a car for a one-day road trip. The original travel proposal included four famous castles and ancient villiges around Zealand island. But my advisor rejected it and chose to visit only one castle and a wild deer park. It turned out to be a wonderful and relexing trip. This picture was taken with our fancy car just before we set off.
Verse Christmas 12-2023
This was a wonderful (and yes, very expensive) Brazil Barbecue hidden in Bukit Timah, one of the most famous upscale area in Singapore. We came here to celebrate Christmas 2023. We also had a fun secret santa event this year.
