Meet our Students - Cohort 5 Meet our Students Cohort 5- Centre for Doctoral Training in Distributed Algorithms

Student	Bio
Alex Williams	“During my final year project at the University of Liverpool, I found a newly sparked interest in the puzzles within machine learning and artificial intelligence. Upon completing my degree, a friend told me about the DA CDT, and along with emails from the department themselves I felt a strong connection to the path or research. Now that I am starting my PhD, I am working with an amazing group of people throughout the CDT, as well as exploring topics in deep learning that fit my interests perfectly.”
Adam Williams	"As an undergraduate I studied Physics at the University of York, graduating in 2018 with an MPhys. Through the course of my studies I was exposed to computing and coding for the first time, eventually using it extensively in my master’s project to model the sudden application of force to differently oriented groups of atoms, observing the effect on grain boundaries. I then took the skills I had learned into industry, working as a Data Officer at the Dogs Trust for three years. While working for Dogs Trust, I saw how machine learning could be used to improve animal welfare as well as being inspired by those around me to improve my research abilities. Through this PhD with the DA CDT, I hope to develop as a researcher as well as contributing to improving animal welfare by employing AI methods to explore free text (e.g. clinical notes and survey data)."
Christian Pollit	"I hold a degree in Human-Computer Interaction, blending computer science and neuroscience, and I've concentrated my research on harnessing machine learning to enhance signal processing and classification in EEG data, alongside delving into the realm of Semantic analysis. My previous experiences encompassed serving as a Bioinformatics intern, employing nanopore methylation for classifying fragile X cases, and contributing as a data scientist at the DA CDT with a focus on simulating training data. I'm eager to dive into the forefront of future Machine Learning research and I can't wait to embark on this thrilling journey."
Daniel Chadwick	Coming soon...
Daniel Nash	“During my Aerospace Engineering with Pilot Studies BEng here at the University of Liverpool, I developed an interest in both aerodynamics and computing, especially programming. This PhD with the CDT allows me to work on a project that incorporates my interests and gain a deeper understanding of the subject as well as linking with an industrial partner. It is exciting to be able to do this as well as work on real problems in the industry."
Daniel Sumler	"After finishing my undergraduate degree at the University of Malta, I found a job in industry but this led me to miss the challenges presented in academia. I followed on with a postgraduate taught degree at Liverpool Hope University and decided to apply for a PhD studentship with the CDT. So far, I have been welcomed with open arms and am working on problems which interest me and will lead me to pursuing a fulfilling career in the future."
Finley Boulton	“During my MMath degree at the University of Liverpool, I realised that research was something that I thoroughly enjoyed and wanted to do more of. I also had developed interests in applied mathematics and programming. I was given the opportunity to join the CDT to study machine learning for data driven sound propagation modelling, perfectly combining my interests. My project is looks into modelling sound propagation through the ocean, which is complicated by a variety of environmental factors. I am looking forward to working with my industrial partner on real world applications of my research.”
Finn Henman	“Before coming to the CDT, I did a master's degree in mechanical engineering at the University of Sheffield. While I enjoyed the field, I found the projects I enjoyed most centred on coding. My final year project was based on creating a signal processing algorithm, which made me consider pivoting my career towards machine learning. When I heard about the CDT, I saw it as a perfect opportunity to enter the field, while also working on a real-world problem. Making a measurable difference in the world with my is always something I aspire to, so I'm happy that the CDT puts such an emphasis on it.”
Omree Naim	“Prior to starting this PhD I had graduated with a degree in Physics, and had worked for several years on computational geometry algorithms for geospatial data. During that time I found myself becoming more interested in sensors and radar in particular. The opportunity provided by this project and CDT to work on developing novel Bayesian tracking algorithms for radar is the ideal starting point to pursue research in this field, while the chance to work both in academic and industrial environments and develop a further career in this area working on real world problems excites me greatly.”
Richard Jinschek	“Having earned a bachelor's degree in Physics and Computer Science from Lake Forest College, I was looking for a way to combine my two interests while pursuing graduate studies. The CDT, through its unique approach to incorporating a multitude of academic disciplines into its project frameworks and facilitating collaboration with industry stakeholders, provides an exceptional opportunity for me to gain invaluable practical experience during my PhD studies. ”
Ruojun Zhang	“After obtaining my bachelor degree in mathematics, I worked as a research assistant for a year, collaborating with some PhD students. This experience deepened my understanding of doctoral life and AI for medical applications. I will be conducting my research on cancer drug response prediction using multi-modal models at the CDT. I am excited that the CDT provides me the opportunity for my research as well as reliable industry partners to instruct and validate my research.”
Teodor-Avram Ciochirca	“During my bachelor's degree I developed a deep interest in artificial intelligence which was fuelled by work experience in the field alongside my studies. As the field of artificial intelligence is developing at a rapid pace, I also started getting deeper into research whilst keeping a practical approach and then I discovered the DA CDT. The CDT provides me with the best of both worlds, doing practical research to solve real-world problems, in an environment populated by similar minds."
Wannrong Yang	“My research lies on the application of reinforcement learning in cyber security and beyond. Before I became a PhD student at the CDT, I was majored in biomedical engineering, and my past research is about machine learning with its medical application (medical image processing and radiomics). Here at CDT is a brand new start for me to embrace the cutting-edge, future AI research and gain plenty of experience from both academy and industry. I am looking forward to the journey ahead."
Wenping (Vicky) Jiang	“After gaining several years of industry experience studying a MSc in Data Science and AI, it profoundly ignited my passion for AI research. The DA CDT provides me with an unmissable and fantastic opportunity to dive deep into frontier data science research and contribute new solutions to real-world applications, developing AI tools in women’s healthcare. The CDT community is a welcoming and inclusive space, fostering collaboration and learning from peers, as well as experts in both academia and industry. The cohort setting makes the research atmosphere more enthusiastic and creative. By joining the CDT, I look forward to not only discovering my own potential but also making a meaningful impact on the AI application in healthcare."