Profile
Alan Diaz
Curriculum Vitae
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Education:
I did my bachelor's in Computer Science in Mexicali, Mexico and in San Diego, US. And now I'm doing a PhD in Dublin, Ireland!
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Qualifications:
Software development. Software architecting. Critical thinking. Project management.
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Work History:
I've worked at a small company developing software. Then I worked as a research assistant at SDSU (San Diego, USA). Then I worked as a research assistant at CONNECT Centre, TCD, Dublin.
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Current Job:
PhD student.
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Employer:
CONNECT Centre.
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About Me: I'm curious and with a twisted sense of humour.
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I love science as much as I love arts. Apart from my engineering/scientific workload I regularly compose and play music, as well as I write narrative and poetry! I’m also a fan of football (I support Valencia C.F. from Spain) and try to play whenever there is a chance. I’m also often travelling (before Covid…), and when I do I like to try out the gastronomy of the places I visit and, more importantly, I’m curious about the jazz-scene (music) around the globe.
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My Work: I build solutions for improving the control of optical networks, the type of network that delivers very fastly your favourite Netflix shows to your home!
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I’m actually a young-scientist in the making that applies engineering concepts and skills to answer questions related to the control and operation of optical networks.
I belong to a team that is led by a couple of Professors/scientists, with whom we discuss what about optical networks is either a problem or could be improved.
Particularly, we try to solve problems regarding the “control” of this type of network, in order to improve their functionality. A big part of trying to solve this type of problem is answering “how” are we going to do that, and because there is usually not just 1-killer answer, we have to check first if other people have tried to solve the problems that we have identified, how have they done this, and discuss whether we agree with what they have done or if we think that we can do it differently.
Thus, my work involves a big part of modelling/coding problems in a computer to validate my ideas against others’ ideas, then show my analysis to my team so that we can decide what to do next. It can be a never ending loop unless we set clear goals and deadlines!
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My Typical Day: Some days I just need to read all day long (which I love) and study. Other days I need to design ideas. Other days I need to implement those ideas: coding, presentations, data analysis. I take several (healthy) breaks during the day, such as coffee with colleagues, lunch, a walk around the building or the streets. Some days I need to meet with colleagues or my boss to discuss ideas or to plan next steps in our work.
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What I'd do with the money: Donate it or invest it
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I am aware of some organisations that dedicate their time to bring STEM projects to schools (i.e., elementary, secondary level). I would reach out to these ones in case they’re lacking funding for ongoing projects, or if the money could be used to fund an activity!
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My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
optical-networks research science
What's the best thing you've done in your career?
Developed a software system from scratch to do science with it!
What or who inspired you to follow your career?
My dad.
What was your favourite subject at school?
Physics and literature.
What did you want to be after you left school?
Musician and football player.
Were you ever in trouble at school?
All the time.
If you weren't doing this job, what would you choose instead?
Writing.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Cage The Elephant.
What's your favourite food?
My ma's lasagna and my partner's meatballs.
What is the most fun thing you've done?
One year I travelled to a different country each month!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
Travel around the globe with my partner!
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