Vedat is a CONFIRM PhD Student based at University College Cork
” I believe making manufacturing smarter and faster will create positive impacts for humanity and industry alike!”
Tell us a bit about your research...
Currently, I am studying solving and automating real-world optimization problem processes such as production planning, supply chain and optimizing machine learning algorithms with statistical techniques such as Bayesian methods.
The nested optimizations problem is the main problem that I am working on. For instance, when we are trying to find the fastest route for a person, what is the maximum profit for the owner company of the tolls. These kinds of structures can be implemented in various real-world problems and finding the optimal solutions for both sides is an interesting problem.
It is crucial for machine learning and artificial intelligence in the concept of hardness and the need for high performance. These are the challenges for the research when we are talking about applying some theoretical concepts in the real world.
What did you study as an Undergraduate?
I studied Mathematical Engineering at Yildiz Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey as an undergraduate. During my education, I studied deep mathematical concepts and their applications in the real world. It made me able to think more clearly about how numbers and calculations that we are taught in Maths have real applications in reality.
What made you decide to go into research?
I become more curious about machine learning and artificial intelligence after my bachelor thesis which was about classifying and predicting human activity according to previous actions. I wanted to have a deep understanding of the concepts and mathematics behind these two areas which are crucial for the future, especially smart manufacturing and industry 4.0. That is why I went into research and academia to develop myself by reviewing the literature, studying the deep concepts of the area and make contributions within the community. I believe making manufacturing smarter and faster will create positive impacts for humanity and industry alike!
What do you enjoy most about being a PhD Student or Post-Doc?
Being a PhD student is an opportunity to develop yourself in the area of your interest and to gain a deep understanding of it. Moreover, researching, looking for meaning and questioning means looking for cause and effect and I enjoy looking for answers to the open questions and study on it. Contributing to the community, chatting and networking with people who have the same interest as you is one of the best parts of it.
Could your research be used to combat any societal issues, such as those experienced during the COVID-19 Pandemic?
When we are talking about producing vaccines, determining the effects of it and potential side effects for the individuals according to past medical records, my research concept can be developed for this purpose. Moreover, following the production and distribution of the vaccines, it is important that countries can assess as soon as possible, the impact that this has had. From this perspective, finding the fastest route with minimum cost is kind of the main topic of my research and the techniques that I am studying.
Do you have any advice for someone who is thinking about a career or research in STEM?
I can say follow the passion inside you, be aware of the importance of combining science and society and do not give up in any circumstances, even if it seems very difficult at the time!
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