What are your interests and hobbies? How would you describe yourself informally?“In my free time, I love spending time with friends outdoors or enjoying a great espresso on rainy days. I also have a passion for traveling and skiing.”
Can you briefly describe the topic of your research?“My research focused on the numerical simulation of a photonic reservoir computer. This all-optical computing system is designed to predict future states of a system based on its previous states. It has potential applications in forecasting stock market prices or atmospheric conditions. By using optical signals instead of electrical ones, this approach ensures lower energy consumption, faster processing speeds, and easier parallelization.”
How did you learn about ORCA-Lab, and what motivated you to choose this topic with us?” Teaching assistant Mladen suggested that I could work with ORCA-Lab during my third year. At the start of my fourth year, I attended a workshop where we were introduced to the various projects underway in the lab. That experience confirmed my decision.”
What impact did lab work have on your final project? How would you assess the success of your research, and how long did you work on it?“While my thesis didn’t involve experimental work, collaborating with other lab members was incredibly enriching. I learned a lot and thoroughly enjoyed working with the entire ORCA-Lab team. I spent about nine months immersed in this research.”
Can you describe the influence of lab work on your professional development? How did it complement the theoretical knowledge you gained during your studies? “The lab assistants went above and beyond to explain the practical applications of everything we learned in class, which made our transition into lab work seamless. I gained not only a deep understanding of the specific phenomena we studied but also hands-on experience with lab equipment. These skills will undoubtedly be invaluable as I progress in my career.”
Would you recommend working in the Optical Communications Lab to other students? What can they expect from this experience?“Absolutely! Students can expect a welcoming environment, complete dedication from the lab members to their research, and valuable advice not only in photonics but also in other areas.”
What is your message to future students? “If you’re passionate about science, seize this opportunity. You’ll gain incredible knowledge and work with amazing, supportive people.”
Thank you, Nina, for sharing your inspiring journey!