With a unique knowledge base that intersects Artificial Intelligence (AI) and neuroscience, Dmitry Brizhinev is aiming to influence AI technologies of the future.

Dmitry’s Flexible Double Degree combination comprising a Bachelor of Advanced Computing (R&D) and a Bachelor of Science, allowed him to undertake a research degree without having to abandon his interest in neuroscience.

“I studied neuroscience because I find the brain fascinating. I think it is important to understand our own intelligence first, if we want to replicate it in a computer,” says Dmitry.

Majoring in Intelligent Systems, also known as AI, Dmitry has undertaken numerous research projects, including an ANU TechLauncher team project, and one as a summer scholar. He cannot stress enough the importance of taking on research projects.

“The computing industry lives and breathes innovation. Being familiar with the research process is a must for working at the cutting edge of the field – the most interesting place to work,” says Dmitry.

This research and development degree has taken Dmitry to places, quite literally. He has represented ANU at the ACM International Collegiate Programming Contest (ICPC) world finals in Morocco, and interned at Facebook in Silicon Valley.

“Representing ANU on a world stage was definitely my greatest achievement at ANU. It was unexpected, loads of work, and highly enjoyable.

The courses I undertook at ANU helped theoretically, but the most valuable experience was my internship. Nothing beats on-the-job experience. It was a bit scary that the internship was a required part of my degree, but that pushed me to look for and apply to various internship programs,” said Dmitry.

Dmitry will begin his next chapter as a software engineer with Google in Sydney.

“It is a really exciting opportunity. I will work with a new team of colleagues, and also with other teams whose code I have to understand and modify. I will be solving software engineering problems revolving around writing efficient, correct, and maintainable code.”

“Eventually, I hope to be working on Artificial Intelligence in Google’s London or Mountain View offices.”

Although Dmitry is entering the workforce for the foreseeable future, he hasn’t ruled out a PhD just yet.

“A PhD has always been a possibility, and it still is. I’m taking some time in industry to see how I like it, but I might consider getting a PhD later on if it starts to look like I need it,” he said.

Dmitry’s advice to ANU students is to seek out the opportunities, talk to professors about research projects and apply for internships.

Click here to learn more about students from the ANU College of Engineering and Computer Science.