InternViews #6: Shuchi Saxena
InternViews is our weekly series where RIGI interns share their experiences, insights, and stories from their time in Stuttgart.
What inspired you to pursue a career/studies in your field?
From childhood, I had an interest in building models from the waste in my house. I felt mechanical engineering to be the most versatile branch, which can associate me with electronics and computer science altogether. Therefore, I looked forward to robotics to build autonomous methods of replacing humans from dangerous working conditions.
What made you apply to RIGI/work on a robotics-related project?
Since I had been in the research sector since the second year of my studies, I was strongly encouraged by professors and scholars to apply for international opportunities. RIGI was one of those esteemed opportunities to work in institutes like the Max Planck Institute for Intelligent Systems (MPI-IS).
What’s one (surprising/unexpected) thing you’ve learned so far during your internship?
Actually, the answer to this question is not professional. Personally speaking, cooking and grocery shopping against all the odds, all alone, was one of the unexpected skills I learned during my internship.
What has been your favorite part of the RIGI program?
For me, attending the Summer Colloquium and Party in Tübingen and Dinner Evenings at MPI-IS Stuttgart were one of my favourite moments during my internship.
Shuchi with the Biomimetic Materials and Machines Group
Do you have a favorite memory from your time in Stuttgart so far?
Making visits to Schlossplatz for peaceful evenings, having grocery shopping at Bonus and Netto, and walking at night near the guest house of MPI-IS were my favorite memories.
Which inanimate tool or equipment you used in the lab would be the WORST roommate if they were human, and why?
I think Shapely and ezdxf Python libraries would be my challenging roommates as they were obsessed with me. They were a recurring part of my internship project that came to mind again and again, no matter how monotonous I found them.
What’s next for you after RIGI?
I'm looking forward to working in industry, and I'm especially willing to bring automation to the next level in India
What do you like to do when you’re not doing research/studying/working?
Honestly, I like hearing from my friends in my free time. However, I have a few of my personal interests like singing, writing lyrics and poems. I am also developing a habit of going to a gym for personal growth.
Any advice for future RIGI interns?
Rather than grouping yourself based on your nationalities, take this as an opportunity to link with other people, people with different mindsets, languages and cultures. Be together as one unit, and learn as much as you can in the office. Also, go outside and enjoy your free time in Germany. If you are Asian, please carry your winter clothes all the time; you will thank me later.
