Vik Pant, PhD’s Post

I had the pleasure of presenting the commencement address to Northeastern University Class of 2025 master's degree recipients from their #Toronto campus. A special thanks to the university's leadership, including Senior Vice Provost Michael Pollastri and Dean Aliza Lakhani, for inviting me to participate in this memorable day at the iconic Meridian Hall. In my address to over 900 recipients of master's degrees, I shared insights that have illuminated the path on my academic and professional journey. First, I highlighted the importance of serendipity because embracing unexpected opportunities can yield unforeseen innovations and insights in our research and industry careers. While expertise is vital, it's the chance encounters and spontaneous connections that often propel and impel us forward towards achievements. Second, I emphasized the necessity of being prepared because having a solid foundation allows us to effectively recognize and identify opportunities that come our way. Developing skills for analytical thinking, critical reasoning, inquisitive skepticism, ethical clarity, and cross-disciplinary collaboration are crucial for enabling and activating opportunities that matter. As we all move onwards and upwards, cultivating continuous curiosity and reinforcing relentless readiness shall remain crucial for our success. Congratulations to everyone embarking on new endeavors knowing that your readiness equips you to face challenges with capability and competence. Thank you, Northeastern University, for letting me contribute to this phenomenal celebration for the master's degree recipients in your #Toronto campus. I look forward to seeing the incredible accomplishments that these ambitious graduates shall manifest. Compliments to Professors Yvonne Leung, and Adel A. Zadeh for their support throughout this ceremony. Kudos to Matthew Murray, and Samantha (Sam) Clarke for their assistance in coordinating arrangements for my participation. And to top it all off, donning the cap and gown from my alma mater, the University of Toronto, reminded me of the valuable life lessons that I learned during my doctoral studies under the awesome supervision and amazing mentorship of Professors Eric Yu, Kelly Lyons, and Chun Wei Choo.