InternViews #4: Evie Stergiopoulou
InternViews is our weekly series where RIGI interns share their experiences, insights, and stories from their time in Stuttgart.
What inspired you to pursue a career/studies in your field?
What drew me to computer science is how versatile it is and how it can be applied across so many fields. For me, I’ve found the intersection with my lifelong passions at the point where AI meets the environment, like in robotics, remote sensing, or climate modelling. Being able to work on something that matters so much to me makes it incredibly motivating and rewarding.
What made you apply to RIGI/work on a robotics-related project?
During my study abroad year at UC San Diego, I built a dual-axis solar panel tracker using Arduinos to optimise energy output. That was my first real taste of robotics, and I loved how tangible it was to see code translate into physical movement. RIGI was a perfect next step, and this project particularly stood out to me as machine learning can help advance the precision of haptic feedback in wearable devices.
What’s one (surprising/unexpected) thing you’ve learned so far during your internship?
An unexpected thing I learnt during my internship was how to exhibit at a major conference. My supervisor’s team needed some extra help to demo the CUTE Wearable Devices at automatica in Munich, the world’s leading trade fair for smart automation and robotics. I had to figure out quickly how to adapt my pitch depending on how familiar someone was with haptics, answer questions, keep the hardware running smoothly, and stay composed in a loud, hectic environment. The experience taught me a lot, and it was amazing to connect with so many curious and enthusiastic people.
What has been your favorite part of the RIGI program?
My favourite part of the RIGI program has been the chance to learn about such a wide range of topics, spanning materials science, mechanical engineering, electrical engineering, and computer science. But the true highlight was the people, the colleagues who created such a supportive work environment and the lifelong friends I made along the way. Everyone really made me feel at home in what was initially a completely foreign place to me.
Evie and her friends from the institute on a trip to Paris
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in Stuttgart so far?
The 5th floor of MPI holds some of my favourite memories, from movie nights in the Hydrogen room to terrace parties after work. But the one that stands out the most is sitting by Katzenbachsee lake at night, watching the sky filled with bright stars and listening to classical music with people who became very close friends of mine.
Which inanimate tool or equipment you used in the lab would be the WORST roommate if they were human, and why?
Definitely the ATI Nano17 Force/Torque Sensor. In the lab, it was the most unstable and unpredictable part of the setup, constantly giving me noisy signals due to interference with the high-voltage amplifier. I spent countless hours adjusting the cable to get a clean reading, even after grounding and shielding it. As a roommate, I imagine it always acting up at the worst moments, refusing to cooperate no matter how much effort you put in, and somehow finding new ways to make life complicated.
What’s next for you after RIGI?
After RIGI, I’ll be starting my master’s degree at Imperial. I plan to see exactly how my data science and machine learning skills can be used to help with climate challenges, and I want to use this time to figure out what excites me most and where I can make the biggest impact. I’ll let that guide where I choose to go next.
What do you like to do when you’re not doing research/studying/working?
I like to keep moving when I’m not working or studying. Pilates, yoga, and padel or tennis are usually my go-tos, but whenever I can, I also love getting outdoors, skiing and hiking mountains or scuba diving to see our beautiful underwater world. And I always try to make time to get lost in a good book, either during a relaxing vacation or just to wind down after a busy day.
Any advice for future RIGI interns?
RIGI already has lots of activities planned as part of the program, which are a great way to get exposed to different projects and ideas. But beyond that, take the chance to talk to the incredible people at the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems. Ask for their insights and advice, because you’ll be surrounded by experts you can learn a lot from. The internship goes by really fast, so make the most of your time and get involved wherever you possibly can!
