Interviewee: Alejandra Estefanía Ichina López
CEDIA Questionnaire
Date: October 1, 2021
Interviewee: Alejandra Estefanía Ichina López
Interviewer: Anais Parrales Tigrero
Main topic: Experience in the Data Science School program La Serena 2021
• Please provide your full name and tell us what you are studying and your specialization at the institution you represent.
My name is Alejandra Estefanía Ichina López. I am studying Physics at the National Polytechnic School. Currently, I am working in medical image analysis and would like to specialize in Nuclear Physics or Medical Physics.
• CEDIA CEDIA is pleased to learn that you have been awarded a scholarship to participate in the “La Serena Data Science School 2021.” Could you tell us about the program and your experience there?
2021” program lasted 10 days and included talks focused on the processing and analysis of astronomical data. These talks provided the impetus for all participants to carry out group projects with real data, under the guidance of a faculty advisor.
My experience in the program was fantastic. I learned several new things and, above all, developed important skills that will serve me academically and professionally. The lectures were interesting because they covered topics that we don't address in Ecuador and are only just beginning to explore. However, I was able to understand and replicate all the proposed activities. Furthermore, the interdisciplinary nature of the working group helped me better understand astrophysics concepts, and I was able to support them with the new knowledge I had acquired during my thesis work.
• What would you highlight most about this program?
I think it's important to emphasize the development of the different group projects proposed by experts in the field. On the one hand, learning through the project was important, but on the other hand, collaborating with people from other countries who work in different areas and speak another language is one of the most enriching experiences one gains in this type of program.
• Would you recommend that students participate in the program's upcoming scholarships? Why? I wholeheartedly recommend that all students from different fields participate in the program's upcoming editions because it truly allows us to expand our social and intellectual horizons. Furthermore, we must take advantage of every opportunity offered by organizations like CEDIA to advance science and research in our country.
A scholarship or internship opportunity is very good because it helps improve our knowledge and opens up opportunities for study or work abroad; thus expanding our network of collaboration with other parts of the world.
Furthermore, obtaining a scholarship greatly enhances one's resume, which is highly valued by the selection committee when applying for postgraduate studies.
• How do you believe CEDIA contributed to technological/educational development in Ecuador through this partnership?
CEDIA sponsored two Ecuadorian students to participate in this program. The educational benefit is immense because it allowed us to learn new things, and by participating, we became ambassadors of knowledge, able to apply and share it with our friends, colleagues, professors, and students.
• In a few words, what does CEDIA for you and the academic community?
CEDIA has provided numerous opportunities and resources to the entire academic community over the years. CEDIA is truly committed to helping students so that we can join forces to further develop science and technology in Ecuador.
Thank you always for your kind and great contribution to our academic and reading community
