Jorge Medina - ECE PhD Student of the Month - February 2022
Jorge Medina is a Ph.D. Candidate in the Helen and John C. Hartmann Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering of the New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT). His research focus is on the optimization of networked communications systems, network programmability, and blockchain under the advisement of Professor Roberto Rojas-Cessa. Jorge is passionate about coding and learning about innovating technology. During his free time, he enjoys cooking, going to the gym, and watching movies and documentaries.
What attracted you to NJIT?
I worked in the telecommunication sector acquiring practical experience for more than 5 years. However, I wanted to continue develop myself professionally and academically, and decided to challenge myself to take my career to the next level. I was attracted to NJIT as I was seeking specialized knowledge to satisfy my hunger for technology. I also like that NJIT is constantly evolving to prepare students with the necessary skills to face the challenges of the future.
What do you think would be an impactful move in your research area?
I think blockchain technology coupled with artificial intelligence is already having a significant impact in areas such as energy, healthcare, and many more. Although there are still scalability challenges of major concern for global adoption, blockchain technology would have a major impact to the decentralization of big information systems.
If you have been a Teaching Assistant, please describe your teaching experience.
I think the best way to learn and master a subject is by teaching others. I have been working as a TA since 2019, teaching the lab on computer communications. I have also been working on writing new materials and experiments to improve the curriculum for the lab. It has been a gratifying experience to see my students develop new skills, learn concepts, and use tools that they will apply in their future careers.
What are some of the most mesmerizing moments during your time in the ECE Department and at NJIT?
I have enjoyed all my time at NJIT and being part of the ECE family. The ECE department is constantly striving to offer students academic programs that go along with the latest innovative technology. All seminars and talks that I have attended have been valuable opportunities to learn from skillful researchers about the latest work in my research area. One of the most mesmerizing moments during my time in the ECE department is when I presented a conference paper at the 2020 IEEE HPSR conference and received the Best Student Paper Award.
Where do you (hope to) see yourself in five years?
I see myself keep doing research to propose efficient solutions that leverage networked communications systems to address the problems of the future. I would also love to develop and implement new intelligent algorithms and systems that provide services to improve the quality of user experience and contribute to the generation of innovative technology.
Please share some experience of being an international student.
As an international student, I have met many people from all over the world, learned about their cultures, customs, and research backgrounds. That has opened my mind to be more receptive to different perspectives and points of view on various topics. The experience has been extremely helpful to expand my research ideas.