I was thrilled to learn about the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Program (UROP) at RWTH Aachen University through my department at Cornell. This prestigious program offers students from around the globe the chance to engage in cutting-edge research in a new cultural environment for 10 weeks. Given my interest in artificial intelligence and mental health, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to gain hands-on experience and contribute meaningfully to an important field.
After a rigorous application process supported immensely by my professors and peers at Cornell, particularly through the recommendation letters from Professors Leon Tabak and Ajit Chavan, I was ecstatic to receive my acceptance. The anticipation of living and working in Germany was both exhilarating and daunting.
Leaving the familiar surroundings of Iowa, I embarked on my journey to Germany filled with a mix of excitement and nerves. Upon arrival, I was captivated by Aachen's historical architecture and vibrant marketplaces. Settling into my new dorm, I took some time to explore local sights like the magnificent Aachen Cathedral and the lively Pontstraße, where I indulged in the Mediterranean cuisine I had missed since leaving Egypt.
The first week at RWTH Aachen was dedicated to orientation and cultural immersion, including a comprehensive German language course that proved essential for daily communication and understanding cultural nuances. I also began acquainting myself with my research project at an AI lab, where we are using natural language processing (NLP) to diagnose mental health diseases from social media data.
By the second week, I was fully immersed in research. Our project aims to detect mental health issues by analyzing patterns in the freely available data from social media, where users often openly share their thoughts and feelings. This approach is not only innovative but also promises significant implications for mental health diagnosis and treatment.
The third week brought challenges, particularly with the complexities of NLP algorithms. However, a late-night brainstorming session led to a breakthrough, underscoring the value of teamwork and collaborative problem-solving. Outside of the lab, I attended a local music festival, further enriching my experience of German culture.
As I reflect on my time at RWTH Aachen, I'm amazed at how much I've learned and grown. My German has improved, I feel confident navigating daily life, and our research project is progressing well. I've come to value the importance of cultural exchange in research, learning new problem-solving approaches from my international teammates.
In conclusion, my internship at RWTH Aachen has been nothing short of transformative. It has perfectly blended rigorous academic work, cultural immersion, and personal growth, making it an unforgettable chapter of my life. I look forward to the remaining weeks, eager for more learning and new experiences in the heart of Europe.