Cristian Alistarh, Internship Award Winner 2019

Q: What was your experience like during your internship at TNO?

The experience was great, I am really thankful to TNO for their transfer of knowledge and building on their expertise of working in the field for over 20 years. I was learning new things week by week. Especially at the beginning, I was able to interact a lot with my colleagues there. However, the pandemic started and physical meetings were postponed until later July, which gave me more time to cover my topic in-depth and study the theoretical aspects. Online meetings were good, to update everyone with the status of my progress and although we discussed mainly the things that I was planning to do, I also discussed with my colleagues my experience of living in the Netherlands and other things.

Q: What projects did you work on during your internship?

I have worked on a performance, high-resolution radar prototype which is meant to be integrated into an autonomous vehicle capable of distinguishing targets at small angular distances (around 2 degrees of angular spacing). It has been very interesting to learn many techniques and theoretical aspects of how to build this radar system. This was the only project I could realistically achieve due to the amount of time that I was allocated, the pandemic and also the aims of the project.

Q: What were the outcomes of your projects?

The project was successful, I have managed to deliver results in terms of simulations and measurements at TNO facilities, with the help of staff and under the guidance of my project supervisors. The results will be submitted for EUMW 2021 and also a journal paper submission is sought.

Q: What was your favorite part of the internship?

My favorite and the most exciting part was when I succeeded in implementing the new detection algorithm of the radar and I saw the results. Although not perfect from the start, I managed to build the structure and also troubleshoot the initial problems. This part made it very rewarding and I could not have done it without the expertise of my supervisors, because they knew ahead of time the intricacies of the exercise and have guided me well so that I flourish in the end. Also, I have used the skills that I had gained at my home university and applied then at TNO while discovering the cutting-edge facilities that TNO benefits when it comes to radar research.

Q: Did the pandemic have a significant impact on your stay at TNO?

Not significant for my case, the pandemic did have an impact on our day-to-day activities especially at the beginning, but overall I was very glad that TNO did not interrupt the program since I wanted to finish the internship as well. I was not able to meet my supervisors in person in the first few months, but we adjusted to the online setting, which was sustainable and I still could achieve 80% of the work from home. In August, I was going again to work every day, so that was really good. I did not have to cut my time short, but we all decided that I would continue as initially planned. I was also fortunate that things calmed down a bit until my departure in September, so I managed to get lab measurements done and also see my colleagues. There were even some events which were held, in full accordance with the regulations at the time, so I also managed to see a movie with the team about Shannon and his contribution to Information Theory. I really liked the fact that TNO was a pleasant place to work and learn something new every week.

Q: How did you find the supervision at TNO?

The supervision was really great as I was always supervised by someone from the team. I liked that TNO had assigned multiple supervisors to me, so I always got my questions answered when it came to work-related issues, and also non-work-related issues (such as housing or insurance). Also, I am very grateful that my supervisors have illustrated something which was not right in my previous work, which I did not figure out myself so I can only say thanks for their contribution. My supervisors have been really good people and I really appreciate their dedication and professionalism. I am very grateful for their supervision and I am also glad I got good feedback from them.

Q: How will the internship affect your further career?

I think this collaboration has been a very positive experience for me career-wise and motivational. I now know what is expected in my field of work. I now feel more confident that I will be able to work in the same field as my Ph.D. as a result of this internship and I feel highly motivated in the long run.

Q: What are your plans after the internship?

I will prepare a submission for the next EUMW conference and a journal paper submission, as well as other activities that will happen (online) in the coming months as a result of my collaboration with TNO. I am very glad to still have some activities after the internship itself. My number one priority now is to finish my Ph.D. which is due in September 2021 and also continue on further advancements of my work.

Q: Is there any advice you would give to someone looking for an internship in microwaves?

The EUMA Internship Award is a high-caliber program that offers a unique opportunity to be sought by students, both Masters and Ph.D. If you are looking for an exceptional working experience during your studies definitely try and apply for the EUMA Internship Award, because it is a great program that will boost your career opportunities. In addition, TNO is a great place to work, highly recommended as professional and motivational. It is a place where work is both exciting and rewarding.