PhD Student Week: Jose Luis Medina Cartuche, Junior Research Fellow of Computer Vision

On 13 May, the Estonian Doctoral School – a joint initiative of all Estonian universities – celebrates European Doctoral Day. During a social media campaign from 11 to 17 May, doctoral researchers from across Estonia share their experiences, reflecting on the value of doctoral studies and the broader impact of research. Jose Luis Medina Cartuche, Junior Research Fellow of Computer Vision shares his thoughts.

Please describe briefly your field of research.

My research focuses on efficient neural networks, particularly in the areas of knowledge distillation and green learning, where reducing energy consumption is becoming increasingly important. I work on reducing the computational costs of deep learning models while maintaining high performance, especially in image classification tasks. The goal is to make AI systems more scalable, energy-efficient, and suitable for real-world environments with limited resources.

What motivated you to pursue doctoral studies?

After working in industry for several years, I realized that making meaningful and lasting contributions requires a strong theoretical foundation. I was motivated to pursue doctoral studies to deepen my expertise and explore ideas that bridge research and real-world applications.

I also value the academic environment, where I can manage my own time, think independently, and collaborate with experts across different areas of computer science. This combination of intellectual freedom and collaboration strongly influenced my decision.

What has been the most exciting or unexpected experience during your doctoral studies?

One of the most exciting aspects has been participating in scientific conferences. Having my work reviewed and accepted by experts, and then presenting it to researchers working in similar areas, is both challenging and rewarding. It is also a great opportunity to learn about cutting-edge research and build meaningful professional connections.

Additionally, working at the Delta Centre has been highly motivating. The environment is dynamic and supportive, with excellent facilities such as HPC resources and collaborative workspaces, making each workday both enjoyable and productive.

One especially memorable moment was when my poster was selected as the best poster presentation. That experience boosted my confidence and showed me that my work can make a valuable contribution to the research community.

What advice would you give to someone who is currently considering pursuing a PhD in computer science?

First, choose a research field that genuinely interests you. A PhD is not just a job, but a long-term commitment, and enjoying your work is essential for staying motivated and productive.

Second, take the time to find the right supervisor. A supportive and engaged supervisor can greatly shape your experience by helping you stay motivated and guiding your research in meaningful directions.

Finally, approach a PhD as a marathon rather than a sprint. Patience, persistence, and confidence in your abilities are key. Progress may not always be immediate, but consistent effort will eventually lead to meaningful results.

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The campaign highlights the opportunities offered by doctoral studies in Estonia and showcases diverse career paths in academia and beyond.

European Doctoral Day homepage: https://www.eurodocday.org/

Estonian Doctoral School homepage: https://www.doktorikool.ee/en/

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