Julian Donevsky joined Occuity as an Optical Engineering Intern, and we were excited to catch up with him to see how he's been progressing. Hailing from Morges, Switzerland, Julian is making strides in his academic journey at the renowned EPFL, where he is pursuing a Master's degree in Microengineering with a Minor in Photonics, having already completed his Bachelor's in Microengineering there. Julian will be an integral part of the FLF project focused on retinal technology, working under the guidance of Alistair. His role will involve aligning and characterizing ophthalmoscope systems, designing and implementing advanced pupil and retinal optical imaging techniques, and developing patient-system interfaces alongside ophthalmoscope fixation targets. In addition, Julian will explore the characterization of LED pulsing methods and undertake an array of other exciting tasks. We are excited to see the innovative contributions Julian will bring to our projects.
Can you tell us a little about your background and what led you to choose Occuity for your internship?
I have a bachelor’s degree in microengineering from EPFL, a Swiss university in Lausanne. This is a broad program that covers a range of topics, including electronics, mechanics, and programming, rather than focusing on a specific field of engineering. I am currently completing my master’s degree also in microengineering, with a specialization in photonics and optical applications. I have a strong interest in optical systems with biomedical applications, and Occuity obviously aligns with this aspect of my interests.
How did you find out about this Occuity internship opportunity, and what made you decide to apply?
I discovered this opportunity through the IAESTE platform, the International Association for the Exchange of Students for Technical Experience.
I was looking for an internship abroad, and Occuity’s offer caught my attention because it perfectly aligns with my aspirations and values. Additionally, I was excited about working in a startup environment rather than a large multinational. I believe the experience gained in such an environment is more valuable, as the tasks are more multidisciplinary and it’s easier to be involved in various projects.
Can you share a memorable experience or highlight from your time at Occuity so far?
The company celebrated the CE mark for the PM1 on the very first day I arrived. We had pizza in the office after work, then moved to a bar in Reading to continue the celebration. I couldn’t have arrived on a better day!
What skills have you developed during your Occuity internship?
Firstly, I discovered the software OnShape, which has helped me improve my CAD skills. Secondly, I have learned a lot about optomechanics, particularly with Thorlabs parts. More generally, I have discovered new tools for various purposes, such as Confluence for documenting our work and UltiMaker for 3D printing.
Can you describe a project you've worked on and your role in it?
I’m working on the FLIO project (Fluorescence Lifetime Imaging Ophthalmoscope), and I’m responsible for the optomechanics of the system. In short, I design the mechanical parts that secure the lenses in their correct positions within the system.
What are some lessons you've learned during your Occuity internship that you think will be valuable in your future career?
Sometimes I spend a lot of time trying to solve a problem, and when I finally decide to ask for help from a colleague, we often come up with a solution that resolves the issue much more quickly than I had been able to. If there’s one lesson I’ve learned so far, it’s that collaboration is key.
What advice would you give to future interns joining Occuity?
The people here are lovely. Don’t hesitate to ask for help from anyone—everyone is more than happy to assist.
Do you want to work within an extremely high calibre team, who are all working together on cutting-edge technology to deliver world-leading products? If the answer is 'yes', then we want to hear from you. Keep an eye out on our careers site for open vacancies.
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