Celebrating Our 2025 PhD Graduates
We are proud to celebrate three of our OSoMe PhD students as they prepare to graduate and take the next steps in their careers. Throughout their time with us, they have contributed not only to groundbreaking research but also to the vibrant, collaborative community that defines our center. We asked them to reflect on their journeys, share some insights, and let us in on what’s next.
Rachith Aiyappa
Ph.D. Informatics (Complex Networks and Systems), Minor: Computer Science
What was your favorite part of being involved with OSoMe?
It rarely felt like “work.” There was always support when we needed it—and we were regularly reminded of that in thoughtful, proactive ways. Fil taught us what truly excellent science communication looks like and how to approach complex societal problems with systematic thinking. Sandro challenged our work and ideas with rigor but never with condescension and actively reminded me (us) that there’s more to life than academic pressure. This space truly helped me grow intellectually. I was supported through what I wanted to do and guided on how to do it well! My advisor, YY, and my committee didn’t just wish the best for me—they actively made it happen. The entire IT team worked behind the scenes to make our everyday lives smoother. Caitlin made sure we were always “well fed” and cared for (despite it not being her job description). Many crucial but often invisible aspects—like funding, reimbursements and planning (thanks Tara!), IRBs, and technical infrastructure (thank you, Ben!)—were handled for us, making our everyday work a little easier!
Who inspired you most along the way?
My mother.
What’s the weirdest thing you learned during your degree?
Fil eats sandwiches for lunch. Matt used to do that too. Now he seems to drink some sort of smoothie for lunch. I also sometimes catch Bao eating a scone for lunch. I think weird lunches are the secret to making it big in academia.
What’s next for you?
In terms of work, I’ll be an Applied Research Scientist in the Query Understanding Team, which is part of eBay's Search organization. Outside of work, I’d like to consistently try to improve my skiing, windsurfing, gymnastics, and pick up kite surfing.
Final words of wisdom for future students?
Everything compounds. So start yesterday and show up for yourself, especially when you have a million reasons not to.
Matthew DeVerna
Ph.D. Informatics (Complex Networks and Systems), Minor: Computer Science
What was your favorite part of being involved with OSoMe?
I had brilliant mentors who helped me tackle tough research problems, an amazing team of developers who could help me build nearly anything I imagined, and a larger team that made sure everything came together. It is the kind of environment where big ideas are not only encouraged—but actually made real. The Observatory pulled off something really special: it brought together a big, lively group that does amazing research and actually has a ton of fun doing it. I feel incredibly lucky to leave with a lasting sense of what that can look like. It’s rare, and that makes it all the more meaningful.
What’s one thing you’re definitely not going to miss?
The COMPLETE lack of a breakfast food scene in Bloomington. First of all, real deli’s don’t exist. I am sorry but this is unacceptable. And, for the love of God, do not put eggs on a freakin’ bagel! The bread-to-egg ratio is just all wrong…I was constantly tempted to drop out just to bring Northeast breakfast culture to Bloomington. And I’m devastated knowing this will still be a problem in California.
What’s the weirdest thing you learned during your degree?
Despite being one of the brightest guys I know, I learned that Rachith is delusional about what people eat for lunch. And, while this isn’t weird at all, I also learned that Bao is a total badass.
What’s next for you?
I’m moving to the Bay Area to begin a postdoctoral fellowship at Stanford University’s Cyber Policy Center. There my research will be focused on the intersection of human-AI interaction, information integrity in digital spaces, and computational social science.
Final words of wisdom for future students?
We’re all just killing time before we die. Think carefully about how you spend yours. If you’re not sure how this applies to you as a student, then you’ve missed the point.
Bao Truong
Ph.D. Informatics (Complex Networks and Systems)
What's a project, paper, or moment you’re most proud of?
Our team got selected as a finalist in the Prosocial Ranking Challenge hosted by UC Berkeley CHAI. It was the first time I assembled a team, proposed a tool, and took it all the way to the final stage with minimal help from my advisor.
What will you miss most?
The people and the incredibly fun, supportive environment here. These include from NaN meetings, YYlab discussions, foosball tournaments to the Thanksgiving potlucks, Caitlin’s impromptu (yet impressively professional) chocolate-cheese pairing party, biannual BBQs, Complexiteas, and lunch table conversations. The sense of camaraderie has shown me that it’s not just about the place—it’s about the people and community you build around you.
Who inspired you most along the way?
The community of people who are both brilliant and kind at CNetS and OSoMe has been my greatest inspiration, so it’s hard to single out just one person. These people have strengthened my work and character, and I’m deeply grateful to them. My advisor and committee (Fil, Sandro, YY, Thai) had constantly challenged me to do better and think deeper, while reminding me that science should be fun. Fil especially taught me the craft of scientific communication, both in the written and visual language. His work ethic motivated me to produce honest and meaningful work. The tech team and administrative staff — Tara, Ben, Nick, Pasan, Sarah, and others — have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to keep everything running smoothly and made my life a whole lot easier. Caitlin especially has always been a bright presence, with the most creative ways to make the workplace feel welcoming and fun. I hope to carry this spirit with me to create fun, supportive environments wherever I go next.
What’s next for you?
I’m joining The Center Synergy of Systems (SynoSys) at TU Dresden, Germany as a postdoc. I’ll continue to use computational social science to understand online information diffusion and explore interventions that promote safer, more constructive digital spaces.
Final words of wisdom for future students?
Brush up on your foosball skill now. Tech requests, tf-idf, oxford commas, defining terms before writing about them, documenting everything, lock your laptop whenever you step out of your desk — some of these might not mean anything now but just remember them, they’ll be helpful.
