Meet Etienne, who has a strong passion for subjects that intertwine complex mathematics and high-performance computing. He has experience in computational simulation, nonlinear optimization methods, machine learning, and computer vision.
With a master’s degree in Artificial Intelligence (AI) from Université Paris-Sud and a PhD focused on modeling of complex systems applied to food processes, he combines his knowledge of math, physics, and computer science to tackle real-world challenges. His diverse experience includes interpreting data for a company focused on phone tracking and working on technology in the supermarket/retail-sector, showcasing his ability to apply mathematical concepts in various social and technological contexts.
Can you tell us a bit about your responsibilities?
Of course! In my role, I am responsible for the development of computer vision methods and their implementation for our SafeTrack solution. This involves resetting and refining existing approaches and creating prototypes to test new concepts. My work often requires a mix of mathematical problem-solving and experimentation. I focus primarily on executing tasks that validate our methods, ensuring they function effectively so that we can integrate them into our projects.
Overall, my goal is to bridge theoretical concepts with practical applications to drive innovation in our field.
What’s the best thing about your job?
The best thing about my job is the continuous opportunity for learning and improvement. I thrive in a technically challenging environment that pushes me out of my comfort zone. Each day presents new problems to solve, leading to innovative solutions that aren’t readily available online. This dynamic aspect of my work keeps me engaged and motivated, as I constantly evolve my skills and knowledge in the field.
What are the biggest challenges in your work?
The biggest challenges in my work involve integrating hardware and mechanical components while working directly with AI-based cameras, as I’m not used to that aspect of the process. I need to further develop my skills in this area, like balancing my theoretical knowledge with hands-on experience in hardware integration. This combination of learning and practical application is crucial for successfully implementing my projects, but I genuinely enjoy the process of learning and improving in this field.
Which things are on your bucket list – what do you absolutely want to have done?
On my bucket list, I have some exciting professional and personal goals. Professionally, I aspire to start my own company or work for a large American corporation. I’m also eager to teach others about AI, as I believe in sharing knowledge and fostering interest in this field.
On a personal level, I dream of traveling to Asia, as I’ve already explored Europe but haven’t experienced Asia yet. I’d love to spend a few months there, immerse myself in the culture, and learn new languages. I already speak several, including French, English, German and Italian, and I am learning Dutch, Russian and Czech. I would like to learn an East Asian language when I will be in Asia. Learning languages fascinates me, as it deepens my understanding of history and allows me to explore beyond tourist areas where English is less common.
What do you do in your free time?
In my free time, I enjoy a variety of activities. I love learning new languages and traveling to experience different cultures. I also enjoy playing video games, especially the retro ones. Music plays a big role in my life; I attend concerts and festivals, last year I went to one in Germany, and this year one in France. I am planning to go to Graspop in Belgium next year as it is not far from Leuven. I’m a fan of gothic and metal music. This mix of interests keeps my free time both fun and enriching!