Fraunhofer Institute for Industrial Mathematics ITWMVictor Adeyemi from Nigeria completed an internship in the »Image Processing« department at the Fraunhofer ITWM over the last three months. His work focused on quantum computing. From the challenges of obtaining a visa to culinary and climatic differences – Victor overcame many hurdles to pursue his professional goals. The portrait of the 29-year-old highlights his professional ambitions with a focus on »Quantum Computing« as well as his cultural experiences in Kaiserslautern
From Nigeria to Kaiserslautern: International Young Talent at the Fraunhofer ITWM
Portrait Victor Adeyemi
Victor became interested in the topic after taking part in the Fraunhofer ITWM's online training course »Quantum Technology Professional« two years ago. »After the online training, I really wanted to learn more about quantum computing. I completed further training courses and always stayed in contact with Alexander Geng. He further strengthened my interest and kept me motivated.« Dr. Alexander Geng is an expert in quantum computing and quantum machine learning at the Fraunhofer ITWM.
He drew Victor's attention to the »QUIP« project, the Rhineland-Palatinate Quantum Initiative. This project focuses on young scientists: it uses targeted measures to support young researchers in the fields of quantum computing and quantum technologies. This also means attracting students and graduates from all over the world to Rhineland-Palatinate. After Victor found out that the project offered the opportunity to complete an internship at the Fraunhofer ITWM, he did everything he could to take advantage of this opportunity.
A Journey Full of Challenges: Visa, Weather and German Food
»I had to visit the German embassy regularly for more than three months until I finally got a visa for Germany«, explains the student from the University of Ibadan. »I received a lot of support from my colleague Théo. Although he is more of a mentor to me than a colleague. He made it possible for me to travel here.« Théo Lisart from Belgium works at the institute in the division »High Performance Computing«. He taught a section of the online Quantum training course at Fraunhofer ITWM in which Victor participated.
Once he arrived in Germany, the next challenge for Victor was adjusting to the autumn weather in Germany. The first snow at the end of November reconciled him to the weather. »I also had to get used to the German food - it's really different to the food back home in Nigeria.« Nevertheless, he has found a favorite German dish: the Palatinate favorite Dampfnudel with vanilla sauce. Victor is also impressed by the public transport system, which is more reliable and convenient than he knows it from his home country.
Victor Adeyemi at his workstation in the »Image Processing« department.
Victor had a lot of support from his colleagues: from left to right: Théo Lisart, Victor Adeyemi, Dr. Ali Moghiseh and Dr. Alexander Geng.
Expanding and Sharing Knowledge: Victor’s Vision for His Career
The internship at the Fraunhofer ITWM has validated Victor's career path. He sees his future in quantum physics and quantum computing. In addition to research, he is also interested in passing on his knowledge in Nigeria and training other students in this field. »In my opinion, one who dares to teach must never cease to learn themselves,« says Victor, summarizing his ambitions in research and teaching. He can well imagine continuing his academic education in Germany. »I would be happy to continue my studies for a Master's degree in Advance Quantum Physics at RPTU Kaiserslautern. I await the decision of the admission committee few days from now.«
But first he is drawn towards home. »I'm looking forward to spending Christmas with my family and friends. As a Christian, Christmas is an important festival for me, where we come together a lot as a church, pray and celebrate Christ together.« But he is also looking forward to seeing his fellow students, to whom he would like to report on his insights at the Fraunhofer ITWM and whom he would like to motivate further for the topic of »Quantum Computing«.
Three questions for Alexander Geng
Dr. Alexander Geng got to know Victor Adeyemi during the online training course »Quantum Technology Professional« and has supported him ever since. He was instrumental in enabling the Nigerian student to complete the internship at the Fraunhofer ITWM.
Alexander, what impressed you about Victor?
What impressed me about Victor right from the start was how inquisitive he is and how much he wants to learn and understand even quite complex topics. Victor settled in very quickly and adapted to the new situation here in Germany. He has even mastered the bureaucratic hurdles very well and can be a role model for other colleagues.
Where do you see his professional future?
I see Victor in a field of research where he can teach other people what he has learned. He definitely has great potential to continue working in this field and to go on to complete his Master's and, if he wants, his doctorate. With his commitment, a further career in this field should not be a problem.
What wishes do you have for him?
I sincerely wish him all the best and all the best in his future endeavors and that we meet again soon. I was very happy about the time he spent here in Kaiserslautern.