"My time here has been incredibly enriching"
Alexandre Guignard, a Master of Science student at INSA in Rennes, France, recently completed a three-month internship at Mid Sweden University. "It has been an enriching time and I have had the opportunity to deepen my knowledge," he shares.
What attracted you to do a period as an exchange student here?
The computer science research center is part of a major European collaboration with professors from my school in France. So I saw it as a good opportunity to develop my research experience. The geographical location also played a role, as I wanted to discover Sweden.
Tell us about the project you have been working on?
I worked on a maching learning (artificial intelligence) project. The aim was to compress an existing model as much as possible so as to be able to integrate it on different devices such as cell phones or embedded systems that could be found in a car. The model enables it to upscale images. As this model uses transformers, the aim was to find ways of compressing this particular type of model.
What have you been focusing on in this project?
I focused on a single, very specific model. I focused on compressing it, both in terms of inference time and memory size. I profiled this model and implemented various compression methods in line with my results.
What experiences and impressions will you take with you from Mid Sweden University?
My time here has been incredibly enriching. Working within the computer science research center allowed me to collaborate with top-notch professors and researchers, broadening my understanding of cutting-edge technologies and methodologies.
The project I worked on, focusing on compressing machine learning models, provided me with invaluable hands-on experience in tackling real-world challenges in AI. I delved deep into the intricacies of model compression techniques, honing my skills in optimization and implementation.
Moreover, my experience as an exchange student at Mid Sweden University exposed me to a diverse and vibrant academic environment. Interacting with students and faculty from various backgrounds broadened my perspective and fostered cross-cultural understanding.
What are your impressions on a personal level?
My time in Sweden allowed me to immerse myself in a new culture, explore the stunning natural landscapes, and forge lasting friendships. The serene beauty of the Swedish countryside and the warmth of its people have left an indelible mark on me.
Overall, my experience at Mid Sweden University has been transformative, equipping me with not only technical expertise but also invaluable life experiences and memories that I will cherish for years to come.