New to the office: Nicolas

Hello Nicolas! Where are you from and what is your background?

As you can probably tell from my accent, I'm from Bern. I come from a small village near Biel and attended the Biel-Seeland Gymnasium. Now I'm studying computer science – I'm just starting my master's degree. In my studies, I'm interested in visual computing, for example the optimization of rendering processes. On the other hand, I also find cybersecurity exciting, firewalls for example—making sure that the internet is a safe place for everyone. I can also imagine working in these areas later on.

What are your tasks as an assistant?

I'm sure I'll have a lot to do with the further development of OlyPortal. For example, I'll be working on linking OlyPortal to the Science Olympiad database.

More on project OlyPortal

I will also be involved with the Science Olympiad website, which is due to be revamped in the near future.

What are you most looking forward to in your new job?

I'm looking forward to applying some of the things I learned during my studies and working on a project for a longer period of time. In computer science studies, you always have a subject for one semester and then don't necessarily apply what you've learned again.

Which Olympiad would you have been most likely to participate in as a teenager?

Unfortunately, the Astronomy Olympiad didn't exist when I was in high school, but if it had, I would have participated. I did participate in the Physics Olympiad once.

What do you like to do when you're not working? What are your hobbies or favorite leisure activities?

As a computer science student, you spend a lot of time on the computer, but I also appreciate the balance. I like to get out into nature, for example, hiking and fishing with my brother. I also enjoy playing chess and strategy games. My newest hobby is drawing.