Hi, my name is Trisha Mukherjee, and I am a final-year student in the Bachelor of Data Science (BDS) program at SP Jain School of Global Management. It is with immense pride that I share the journey of my research paper, which was recently accepted for presentation at the prestigious IEEE ASIANCON 2025 conference. From the initial concept to the final presentation, this experience has been a significant milestone in my academic career, and I am grateful for the support I received along the way.

My research topic

The research paper I presented focused on improving Boolean Question Answering in Large Language Models (LLMs). Despite their powerful capabilities, LLMs often struggle with simple yes/no questions that require deeper contextual understanding. To address this, my research explored the use of cluster-based embeddings to enhance the input context and improve the model’s performance in answering Boolean queries. The inspiration for this research came from my studies, where I was first introduced to the potential of LLMs. As I dove deeper into Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Machine Learning, I realised the gap in performance for these seemingly simple tasks. I wanted to find a way to make LLMs more robust and reliable in practical applications, and this research became my way of contributing to the advancement of this field.

The mentorship that made a difference

The opportunity to work under the mentorship of Dr Aditya Narvekar (Assistant Professor & Deputy Director – Bachelor of Data Science) was crucial in shaping both my research and my approach to academic challenges. He provided me with invaluable guidance throughout the research process, encouraging me to think critically and approach problems from multiple angles. His feedback on my methodology, data analysis, and writing helped me refine my ideas and bring the research to its final form. What stood out the most about working with Prof Narvekar was his ability to balance theory with practical application. He taught me how to connect complex algorithms with real-world use cases, which was essential in making this research paper both relevant and impactful.

On receiving invaluable exposure at the conference

Presenting my work at the IEEE Bombay Chapter was an exhilarating experience. The conference provided a platform to interact with experts and professionals in the field, and it was truly rewarding to share my findings with such an engaged audience. The Q&A session after my presentation was particularly memorable, as it sparked several insightful discussions about the potential applications of my work. These interactions gave me fresh perspectives and ideas to further develop my research. One of the most enjoyable parts of the experience was the chance to attend several other presentations and gain new insights into cutting-edge research. The diverse range of topics and the quality of the speakers were truly inspiring. It was fascinating to see how different fields of data science and AI are evolving, and it motivated me to continue exploring new ideas and approaches in my own work.

On how the BDS at SP Jain Global helped

Throughout this journey, the BDS program at SP Jain Global played a pivotal role in preparing me for opportunities like this. The program has equipped me with a solid foundation in machine learning, data analysis, and algorithm design which were essential in conducting and presenting my research. Moreover, the emphasis on critical thinking, problem-solving, and hands-on learning helped me tackle the challenges that came with this project. SP Jain Global’s focus on practical applications, along with the opportunity to work on hands-on projects, hackathons, and internships, including a summer internship with the Grameen Foundation and my current internship with a Harvard professor, gave me the confidence to pursue my research and present it at prestigious platforms like IEEE.

Advice for students interested in research

For students who wish to pursue research and present their work at similar platforms, my advice would be to start early and stay persistent. Research is often a long and challenging process, but the key to success is staying motivated and open to feedback. Don’t hesitate to reach out to mentors or peers for guidance — their perspectives can help you refine your ideas and improve your work. Participating in hackathons, internships, and collaborative projects is a great way to gain experience and build confidence, and these experiences can open doors to future research opportunities. Additionally, presenting your work at conferences helps you hone your public speaking skills and exposes you to a wider academic and professional community.

In conclusion

Looking back, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to present my research at IEEE ASIANCON 2025, and for the support I received from Prof Aditya Narvekar throughout this entire process. I’m excited to continue learning and contributing to the evolving field of data science, staying curious, exploring, and sharing more in the future. Thank you for following my journey!

About the author:

Trisha Mukherjee is a final-year student in our Bachelor of Data Science program.

Want a glimpse into the BDS journey beyond the classroom? Explore more student experiences here.