Alexa Darche, Class 22
Current place of residence: NIT, Hamburg
Currently working as: Master thesis student at NXP
Where are you currently working and what is the biggest issue that you are facing at work or what is currently keeping you busy there?
Currently, I'm working on my master's thesis at NXP. The topic has to do with automotive radar interference management and I've currently got my hands full with collecting data and writing the actual paper. The problem with radar sensors is that they don't necessarily work well if there are a lot of other radar sensors in the immediate area and, when every car on the road is using radar, this could become a problem. Right now, researchers are trying to get ahead of the future problems however empirical data is somewhat limited and so I'm primarily working with theoretical models.
Has there been a professional challenge since you were a student for which your studies or experiences at the NIT have prepared you for perfectly?
My thesis has been a short term exercise in project management, since I am ultimately responsible for my own paper. Additionally, I'm working with multiple teams on the project and have needed to facilitate communication between multiple groups of people. My experiences at the NIT definitely helped in this regard.
What has happened in your private life in the meantime?
Since I graduated over the summer, I successfully completed a C1 German course. While I still need to take the actual language exam, finishing the class was a huge accomplishment and I feel (mostly) prepared for the certificate exam. I've also been making an effort to read more in German, with my 2023 New Year's resolution being to finish at least one book a month.
What is your most precious / special / remarkable memory from your time studying at the NIT?
One time, my class got together after a seminar to make "pancakes." For some reason, I understood this to mean American style pancakes (fluffy with baking soda) and was pretty surprised when people actually started making German style Pfannkuchen. We then had a full on discussion about the difference between the two and I was shocked to learn that the stunning majority of the class preferred the German style. I guess I'll have to bring back some of the good maple syrup the next time I visit my parents for people to try with the fluffy pancakes.
How to keep in touch with me:
Via LinkedIn.
Photos: The one at the lake is from the summer before I started at the NIT (photo below) and the one where I'm wearing a sweater is from like last month (photo above).
