OpenSI is a collaboration between NetApp, University of Canberra and the ACT Government. The collaboration is boosting open source research, innovation and building capability and advancing our community and knowledge. It’s a platform for applied research, idea exchange, and global collaboration. This partnership bridges academia and industry, enhancing open source capabilities to solve real-world problems.
Part of our mission here is to fostering future open source technologists and advocates, helping them develop their professional aptitude and skills and to apply them to real-world experiences.
One of our first interns, Joshua Varghese, has been doing an outstanding job and applied himself to our inaugural research & development project and is working closely with our team of engineers and open source specialists located within the NetApp R&D team..
Below are some questions we have asked Joshua and the responses are in his own words.
QUESTIONS
What are you studying at university?
I am currently in my third year, pursuing a Bachelor’s in Networking and Software Engineering (Honors) at the University of Canberra.
How did you come across this internship opportunity and what made you choose the OpenSI program?
I discovered the OpenSI program through the CareerHub job portal at UC. The unique collaboration between academia and industry instantly appealed to me. The prospect of contributing to real-world open-source projects, especially in partnership with NetApp, was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up.
What are you hoping to learn during your internship?
My primary goal was to gain hands-on experience in applying theoretical knowledge to practical situations. I aim to enhance my skills in software engineering, while also learning about the intricacies of collaborative open source development and its real-world impact
Can you share how this internship is contributing to your own personal advancement?
This internship has been an enriching experience where I’ve learned new skills, delved into industry best practices, and adapted to the agile methodology. Working closely with the NetApp R&D team, I’ve been exposed to cutting-edge technologies and participated in cross-team collaborations, fostering an environment that is propelling my growth as an aspiring software engineer.
What project have you been working on?
I am actively contributing to the inaugural research & development project, on Fast Fourier Transform (FFT) based compression . Our focus was on leveraging signal processing to compress time series data by encoding it as an audio wave and compressing it using lossless audio codecs.
What’s the most surprising thing so far about working with the NetApp team?
The NetApp team’s commitment to innovation and knowledge exchange has been truly inspiring. The seamless integration of academia and industry within the collaborative ecosystem has exceeded my expectations, fostering an environment where ideas flourish, and expertise is shared effortlessly
What advice/tips do you have for current students looking to apply for an OpenSI internship?
I would encourage fellow students to actively seek out opportunities at OpenSI. Be proactive in exploring the intersection of academia and industry, and don’t shy away from showcasing your passion for open source. Embrace challenges, be adaptable, and most importantly, be ready to learn and contribute to a community-driven initiative.
Anything else that you would like to add?
I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of a project that not only pushes the boundaries of data compression but also contributes to the vibrant open-source community. Special thanks to Carlos Rolos and Lucas Kent for their guidance and support, which have been instrumental in making this internship a pivotal experience in my academic and professional journey.
Are you interested in opportunities with OpenSI? Get in touch here.
