Mr Qifan Fu

Profile

Project:  Text-to-Vision
Supervision:  Prof Greg Slabaugh, Dr  Changjae Oh, and Dr  Shanxin Yuan.

Why do a PhD?
Simply put, I want to do research, and doing a PhD is the best way to develop my ability to do research. Specifically, doing a PhD is a unique opportunity to enhance a wide range of skills, from critical thinking and problem-solving to independent research and time management. I will deeply explore a subject I am passionate about and develop both personally and professionally through this rigorous academic journey. The abilities I developed through my PhD will benefit me for a long time.

What are you researching and what led you work in this field of research?
I am researching sign language production, a field that holds significant importance in bridging communication gaps for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. I was drawn to this field due to my interest in vision-language joint processing and my desire to apply technology for social good.

What is it like studying at DERI in East London?
Studying at DERI is truly a privilege. The diversity at DERI greatly enhances inclusivity and fosters meaningful interactions among scholars from various backgrounds, creating a vibrant and collaborative academic community. DERI provides an excellent platform for researchers to exchange ideas and learn from one another, which enriches the overall research experience.

The facilities at DERI are top-notch, offering a comfortable and well-equipped working environment. One of the standout features is the advanced Andrena HPC facility, which provides high-performance computing support for AI research, making it an ideal place for conducting cutting-edge studies.

Located on the Whitechapel campus, DERI is conveniently close to the city centre, making it easy to access a wide range of amenities. The area is also full of great dining options, which is perfect for recharging and staying motivated throughout the challenging PhD journey. The blend of a supportive academic environment, excellent resources, and a convenient location makes studying at DERI a truly rewarding experience.

Who has influenced you along the way ?
I have been influenced by many researchers and scholars who are dedicated to advancing technology for social benefit. For example, during my undergraduate and master's degrees, face recognition technology gradually matured. Face recognition technology is widely used in many aspects such as device encryption, mobile payment, and public security, which greatly facilitates people's daily life. Similar techniques led me to be attracted to AI-related technical research and began my journey to research in AI technology.

What impact do you want your research to have?
I hope my research can contribute to improving communication accessibility for the deaf and hard-of-hearing communities. By advancing sign language production technologies, I aim to make it easier for these individuals to communicate in everyday situations, thereby promoting greater inclusivity and reducing social isolation.

What is the most intriguing puzzle that your research has revealed so far?
The most intriguing puzzles in my research has been understanding the nuances of sign language semantics in a way that can be effectively translated into a digital format. Unlike spoken languages, sign language has a unique structure that combines facial expressions, hand movements, and body language, all of which must be accurately represented to maintain meaning. Deciphering this complexity has been both a challenging and fascinating aspect of my work.

What online resources do you recommend? 
I recommend several online resources depending on the type of information you're looking for. For original and up-to-date research papers, arXiv is an excellent platform. It's a repository of preprints where researchers publish their latest findings, making it a great source for cutting-edge knowledge in various fields. GitHub is another valuable resource, especially for accessing open-source code and collaborating on projects. Many researchers and developers share their implementations, tools, and datasets on GitHub, which can be incredibly useful for anyone looking to build upon existing work or start new projects. Hugging Face is particularly useful for those interested in natural language processing and diffusion models, as it provides pre-trained models and datasets that can accelerate development in this area.

For more refined and accessible information, platforms like ChatGPT can be very helpful for quick clarifications and explanations. Medium is great for reading detailed articles and tutorials written by experts and enthusiasts, offering insights and practical advice on a wide range of topics. YouTube is another fantastic resource for visual learners, with numerous tutorials, lectures, and discussions available on demand. These platforms provide a wealth of knowledge that can complement more formal academic resources, making them useful for both beginners and experienced researchers.

Have you any key tips on keeping  motivated throughout a PhD?
Maintaining a healthy work-life balance is crucial. It’s important to set clear boundaries between work and personal time to avoid burnout. Regular breaks, exercise, and hobbies outside of academia can help refresh your mind and keep you motivated. Also, staying connected with a supportive community of peers can provide encouragement and perspective throughout the PhD journey.

Do you have time outside your Academic work for any special interests?
Yes, I make sure to set aside time for my special interests outside of academic work. I enjoy hiking, which allows me to explore nature and unwind from the stresses of research. Photography is another passion of mine; I love capturing beautiful moments and scenes, especially during my hikes. I also like exploring different restaurants and trying out new cuisines with friends. This not only helps me relax but also provides a great way to socialize and experience the diverse food culture around the city. Balancing these activities with my academic commitments is important to me, as it helps maintain my overall well-being and keeps me motivated.

Connect with Qifan Fu

GitHub
Google scholar

Education Background information:

• Bachelor’s degree in Electronic Science and Technology from Jilin University.
• Master’s degrees in in Information and Telecommunications Engineering from Xidian University

Research