Arya is actually studying electrical engineering at Drexel University in Philadelphia and will be supporting us for the next two and a half months with research on the communication behavior of AI agents (emergent language) and deep reinforcement learning.

How was the arrival at the Institute?

The arrival was really smooth. My mentor Jannik picked me up from the airport and helped me get settled in.

How did you get accepted at the institute?

I got accepted through the DAAD Rise program.

How did you get supported?

My internship is funded by DAAD as well as Drexel University. My travel expenses and living is supported through a stipend.

What do you like about TMDT, what don't you like?

I like how friendly and approachable everyone is at TMDT.

SCIENCE/RESEARCH

What was new in your studies?

The research topic is relatively new to me. My topic is emergent language using reinforcement learning. Although I am familiar with reinforcement learning, emergent language was a learning curve.

What did you learn? Any surprises in your research context?

During my internship, I learnt a lot about the theory and mathematical aspects of emergent language. It was also my first time contributing to a research paper.

What is the biggest difference between here and your home university?

I find that the work culture is more relaxed here compared to my home university, which gives me more leisure time in the evenings.

What is the biggest difference between your hometown and Wuppertal?

Wuppertal is smaller, less crowded and quieter compared to my hometown.

LEISURE TIME

Where did you stay?

I stayed at the university‘s student housing.

What did you do outside of work?

Outside of work, I travelled a lot around Europe and connected with other DAAD Rise interns in Germany.

What was the best trip during your stay?

I enjoyed my trip to Berlin and Porto.

What were your first german words?

Some of my first german words were Danke, Bitte und Entschuldigung.

Have you ridden the Schwebebahn?

Yes! Just once though.

What is the best food in Town?

I really love the Falafel Dürum from Haus des Döners, I have it so often I will miss it when I leave Wuppertal.