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Kidus Bellete has been a problem-solver and innovator from a young age, constantly exploring new ways to better understand the world. While studying at Addis Ababa University, he built Derash, an app designed to detect car accidents and summon ambulances with the press of a button. By incorporating real-time location tracking and automated notifications, it was not just a technical achievement; it also provided Bellete with valuable insights into how artificial intelligence (AI) can be applied during emergencies to help those in need.
Hence, the Ethiopian innovator’s urge to “gain a deeper understanding and practical skills to contribute to advanced AI research and its applications.” This desire led him to the University of Verona (also known as Università degli Studi di Verona in its local language) to pursue a
“I chose this university because of its strong reputation in AI research and its welcoming environment for international students,” he says. “The university’s focus on innovation and cutting-edge research in AI was exactly what I was looking for, and I’m so glad I made the decision to come here.”
University of Verona is ranked sixth best Italian university, according to Times Higher Education. Source: University of Verona
Ranked sixth best university in Italy, the University of Verona builds human connections through its comprehensive degree programmes, such as the one Bellete is pursuing. This STEM-designated programme trains you to be well-versed in the fundamental techniques of AI and capable of developing intelligent agents in a wide range of application contexts including ecology, economics, sustainable growth, medicine, product and service industries, gaming and entertainment, and human-centred user interfaces.
“The programme’s focus on Deep Learning and Natural Language Processing has been incredibly helpful in preparing me for real-world AI applications,” Bellete says. “I am confident that I can apply these skills to solve real-world problems in industries like manufacturing, healthcare, and finance.”
It also helps that the Department of Computer Science’s faculty members are knowledgeable, supportive, passionate, and engaging. For example, professors like Alberto Castellini and Matteo Cristani are happy to guide students through complex topics in the form of taught classes and research projects, providing both theoretical understanding and practical skills.
When it came time for student Khoi Mai Tieu to take on a research project, Professor Luca Di Persio was a guiding light. “I greatly appreciate their support and guidance, especially as I was just a first-year Master’s student at the time,” she says. “Their mentorship has been invaluable in helping me navigate the complexities of research and has been a great learning experience.”
Khoi Mai Tieu is currently in the second year of her Master’s degree in Data Science. Source: University of Verona
As a Master’s degree in Data Science student, Tieu is learning to convert data into valuable insights and make predictions to develop data-driven solutions that will solve complex problems across industries. The curriculum’s emphasis on mathematical and technical areas has been a highlight for her.
“The curriculum is well-designed, with the two areas complementing each other effectively,” she says. “For example, the Statistical Learning course provides a foundation for the Machine Learning course. It’s like having one course focused on theoretical foundations and the other on practical applications. As a result, after taking Machine Learning, I find I can better understand the concepts I studied in Statistical Learning, and vice versa.”
Lessons are not just reserved for classrooms. For some courses, faculty members organise presentations hosted by representatives from some of the world’s largest companies. These sessions provide valuable insights into how top players in the industry apply technology to their business operations. This can help you make sense of how the foundational concepts you studied are used in the real world.
Everyone is welcome to relish such exposure. The University of Verona provides a welcoming environment for international students. It’s currently home to 22,000 students, representing various cultures and background –– and it’s easy to understand why. Apart from uniquely adopting a diverse, vibrant, and inclusive environment for learning, the university has a beautiful city as its backdrop.
“The comfortable and friendly atmosphere in Verona, with its pleasant weather and rich cultural heritage, has made my time here enjoyable and fulfilling,” says Bellete.
Indeed, Verona’s gourmet restaurants, luxury hotels, and historical sites, such as Juliet’s House and the Roman Arena, offer countless opportunities for hands-on training and internships. Where better to gain the skills and knowledge required to excel in the global hospitality industry?
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