From Ankara to ETH Zurich: A Summer of Innovative Research in Medical Imaging

Hi, I’m Berke, a computer science student from Bilkent University in Ankara, Turkey. As I prepare to start my final year this fall, I want to share my enriching experience as an intern at ETH Zurich.

Before coming to ETH Zurich, I had the opportunity to be an exchange student at EPFL. My time there left a lasting impression on me. I was captivated by Switzerland’s beauty and academic environment, which solidified my desire to stay in academia and pursue research.

Although I could not visit Zurich during my exchange, the stories I heard about ETH Zurich made me eager to experience it firsthand. With my growing interest and experience in Computer Vision, I began searching for summer internship opportunities at ETH. I discovered the Computer Vision Lab, and their work in the field resonated with me. I knew I had found the ideal place to do my internship. Surprisingly, I got accepted.

The administrative process of securing the internship was smooth, thanks to the incredible support from the lab’s secretariat. She was always available to assist me with everything from finding housing to navigating the visa process, whether via email or phone.

My Internship Experience

One of the first things that struck me about the lab was its diversity. Colleagues from all over the world came together, creating a vibrant and culturally rich environment. This diversity not only enhanced my learning experience but also allowed me to hear fascinating stories about different cultures and places.

My project focuses on disease localization and editing in the chest X-ray domain using diffusion models. The medical domain presents unique challenges due to the complexity and scarcity of previous work. Despite these challenges, the topic is incredibly exciting, and Prof. Konukoglu has been extremely supportive.

I’ve been in Zurich for 1.5 months now, and I have genuinely fallen in love with the city. There is so much to do here, and the natural beauty is breathtaking. I highly recommend taking a swim in the lake—it’s an experience you won’t forget and you’ll get to meet a lot of amazing people. Exploring the old town and other parts of the city has been equally delightful. One of the most beautiful aspects of Zurich for me is the architecture of the university buildings of ETH and UZH. These historical structures feel like living museums. Additionally, ASVZ offers excellent gyms throughout the city, which I highly recommend for staying active.

As my internship nears its end, I find myself deeply grateful for this opportunity. I extend my heartfelt thanks to Prof. Konukoglu for believing in me, the secretariat for their unwavering support, and all the incredible people I’ve met along the way. This experience has been transformative, and I look forward to continuing my journey of exploration and innovation.