ASC Success Stories

“In hindsight, choosing to study ASC was an excellent decision. Especially the research projects allowed me to become familiar with the ups and downs of research and finally helped me in deciding to pursue a PhD. ASC caught my attention because of the mentoring by an ASC-professor, which indeed was very helpful not only in choosing which classes I wanted to take, but also in providing the possibility to do one of my research projects abroad. After ASC, I took a PhD position at the LMS (Chair of Multimedia Communications and Signal Processing) at FAU, where I can directly apply the concepts learnt during my studies.”

Annika on LinkedIn

Interview with Annika in German

“After Bachelor’s, I was unsure about what to focus on. I liked signal processing and machine learning, but these could be applied to so many domains, leaving me in a paradox of choice. Most MSc programs assume the student has already zeroed in on a specialization. Except for ASC. With its flexibility and technical diversity, ASC helped me to explore various directions, including medical and audio signal processing or telecommunications. Chairs offer student jobs that provide financial relief and valuable experience for subsequent employment. Compulsory lectures from other institutes, such as Mathematical Optimization and Game Theory, were much fun and affected how I perceive and treat life, in addition to being useful in modeling and solving scientific problems. (…) I met my current employer, Prof. Nils Peters of International Audio Laboratories Erlangen, during one of my internships. I am pursuing a PhD on privacy-preserving audio processing applications, and I am extensively making use of the skills I developed during my MSc studies.”

Ünal on LinkedIn

“In 2021, I graduated from Elite Master’s Programme Advanced Signal Processing & Communications Engineering at Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nurnberg with GPA 1.0 (best possible). I was also awarded the DAAD Award for Outstanding International Students. My Master Thesis was on the application of deep learning and ordinary differential equations to Virtual Analog modeling of audio effects. The thesis research was carried out in Finland, at the Aalto University with professor Vesa Välimäki and Alec Wright. On the FAU, invaluable supervision came from professor Emanuël Habets.”

Jan has published two videos about ASC on Youtube:

1. What is Advanced Signal Processing and Communications Engineering at FAU?
2. Advanced Signal Processing and Communications Engineering at FAU: Frequently Asked Questions

“In my personal experience, the rigorously interdisciplinary frame of the program in combination with the flexibility to shape it according to one’s own interests is the major advantage of ASC. Besides that, I very much value its international orientation. I am currently pursuing my PhD at the Institute for Digital Communications at FAU. Due to its research focus, ASC provided the background for quickly getting started with the PhD.”

Sebastian on LinkedIn

Dr.-Ing. Sebastian Lotter receives the VDE Bayern Award for his dissertation on molecular communications.

“The well-rounded curriculum of ASC introduced me to diverse topics in both signal processing and communications, ranging from fundamentals to advanced, contemporary subjects. As a result, I had the opportunity to study and research on various exciting topics within my area of interest, including molecular communication, 5G technologies, and applications of Machine Learning in wireless communication. The latter became the focus of my current PhD studies at the Institute for Digital Communications, FAU, where I am continuously using the insights and research skills I gained from ASC. I would also like to highlight the close networking with other students, professors, and external industry/research partners as one of ASC’s strongest points, helping students to make the most of the rich program ASC has to offer.”

ResearchArticle on IEEE Access

“With the way the curriculum of ASC is designed, one could really figure out answers to all their questions throughout their studies. The important and best part being the mentoring program where I received immense support even in the most toughest times. Starting with mostly concentrating on signal processing concepts, eventually I figured that I was curious about the AI/ML world. The amalgamation of all this gave me a clear pathway to decide what I want for my future and that is how, I ended up working as an AI Engineer with appliedAI Initiative GmbH.”

Sri Harsha on LinkedIn

“I’ve always had a passion for math and signal processing, and the ASC program exceeded my expectations in this regard. The in-depth theoretical courses not only satisfied my academic curiosity but also allowed me to solidify my skills. The practical labs provided an opportunity to apply the knowledge gained in a hands-on setting. The ASC curriculum explored intricate topics, including advanced signal analysis and processing techniques, which have proven invaluable in my current role. As a deep learning engineer specializing in audio signal processing at Fraunhofer IIS, I actively apply the expertise acquired during the program. The seamless integration of theoretical foundations and practical applications has been instrumental, particularly as I make use of deep learning skills to enhance audio signal processing in my current workplace.”

Nazim on LinkedIn

“During my Bachelor studies, I became acquainted with the ASC program. Initially, I was particularly drawn to the program’s flexibility and the mentoring program it offered. In hindsight, the major research project stands out as the most valuable learning experience, as it afforded me valuable hands-on experience in the field of research. It culminated in my first peer-reviewed publication at an international conference and served as the conduit for my introduction to Prof. Nils Peters who now serves as my Ph.D. advisor. It is safe to say that the opportunity to pursue a Ph.D. at the International AudioLabs Erlangen arose directly from my involvement in ASC.”

Jeremy on LinkedIn

“During the first semesters, the ASC study programme provides students with in-depth knowledge in various fields such as signal processing, machine learning and communications. Later on, individual research projects allow for deepening the knowledge in selected disciplines, which I particularly appreciated. A big advantage compared to other study programmes is the mentoring, where one of the ASC professors serves as contact person, giving advice regarding study and career planning. I am now pursuing a Ph.D. at the International Audio Laboratories Erlangen in the field of music information retrieval, for which studying ASC was an excellent preparation.”

Sebastian on LinkedIn

“For me personally, the ASC study program was the ideal continuation of my Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering. One aspect that sets ASC apart from other study programs is the community sense, both between peers and faculty. The kick-off seminar as well as the winter and summer schools create valuable opportunities to connect with people of various backgrounds. I now work as a research assistant at the International Audio Laboratories Erlangen pursuing my PhD, where I can apply my skills obtained during my Master studies to tasks in Music Information Retrieval. The ASC program paved the way for this opportunity through its research-oriented curriculum.”

Hans-Ulrich on LinkedIn

“During my bachelor studies in Medical Engineering I developed a strong interest signal processing, communications engineering, and machine learning. I really enjoyed the ASC master’s program at FAU since it offered the unique opportunity to benefit from a well thought out core curriculum and enjoy the freedom of pursuing personal interests through research projects in a highly collaborative environment. In my opinion, the research projects provide the ideal preparation for subsequent PhD studies, which I am currently doing in the field of digital communications at FAU Erlangen.”

“After my bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering (EEI) my interests lay in information and communications technology. The ASC master’s program fulfilled my expectations perfectly. ASC offered not only a curriculum tailored to my interests but also provided opportunities to train in soft skills. I currently work as an academic researcher at the Institute for Electronics Engineering (LTE) of FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg.”

“After my bachelor’s studies, I was briefly enrolled at the RWTH (Rheinisch-Westfälische Technische Hochschule) Aachen University, Germany, in the program of Masters in Communication Engineering (MCE), from where I shifted to the ASC master’s program. My main reason for enrolling in the ASC master’s program was its unique course content that provides students with a strong theoretical foundation with subjects such as: Game Theory, Statistical Signal Processing and Machine Learning in Signal Processing, while at the same time providing students with an opportunity to develop their practical skills using major and minor research projects and a guarantee of a student assistant job at the University. Moreover, ASC master’s program provides a closer interaction with the professors through mentorship and social events, and also with fellow students through events like summer and winter schools.

I am currently working as a scientific researcher, doing my PhD. at Hardware-Software-Co-Design chair (CS12) at the FAU. My research work involves optimizing deep learning methods for implementation on the hardware. ASC master’s program had a key role in my hiring for the current employment because for this work, a candidate was needed who combined a sound understanding of machine learning and signal processing with a good expertise in practical work (like proficiency in programming languages). ASC master’s program provided me with what was required for my current job and more than that.”

“To deepen my knowledge on signal processing, I have chosen the ASC Master program. The most interesting lecture for me during the ASC was ‘Selected Topics in ASC’, in the year I attended read by Prof. Theodoridis. I enjoyed the small group of international students leading to an open atmosphere. For me, the most valuable parts of the ASC were my mentor, who provided me with many opportunities such as a stay abroad, and the two research projects additional to the master’s thesis. These projects roused my interest on research and therefore I am now doing a PhD at the Carl von Ossietzky Universität Oldenburg.”

Mohamed E., with a Bachelor’s degree from KFUPM in Saudi Arabia

“Towards the end of my undergraduate studies at KFUPM in Saudi Arabia, I decided to further deepen my knowledge in the fascinating area of signal processing. I opted for the Elite ASC program as the next step in my academic journey due to its well-structured study plan and the unique mentoring program. The ASC program offered not only informative and intriguing technical courses but also a variety of non-technical seminars that enhanced my soft skills. In addition, the minor and major research projects offered an ideal opportunity to apply the theoretical knowledge I gained during the program and further advance my research experience. The ASC program paved the way for my career in scientific research where I am currently pursuing my Ph.D. at the International Audio Laboratories Erlangen.”

“ASC was a great opportunity for me to transition from a quite practical point of view on music and audio to more theoretical signal processing research. In that context, I particularly enjoyed the wide variety of fundamental lectures in the first semester, as well as the freedom to pursue my own research in the extensive projects. I am now a PhD student at the International Audio Laboratories Erlangen, where I can apply the experience from both my practical and theoretical education to research topics in the field of Music Information Retrieval.”

“I liked the variety of topics and applications of the topics addressed by the program. Machine learning, information theory, image, video, audio and music processing, and even molecular communications! Having experts as invited lecturers for selected topics courses and the mentoring by experienced professors was a big plus. I am currently working at Fraunhofer IIS as a researcher in Spoken Language processing. I apply signal processing techniques every day! My ASC studies provided me the tools and the confidence to tackle complex signal processing problems and develop state of the art speech solutions.”

ASC was for me the perfect playground to explore new topics and also specialize my knowlede into the topics I enjoyed the most. I particularly liked the course selection in communications theory and in machine learning. Another vital part of ASC for me was the mentoring program, in which I could talk face-to-face with a teacher about courses and ask questions. It also helped me getting references and contacts for student employment during ASC.

I’m currently employed as a PhD in the Communications Engineering Lab (CEL) at the Karlsruhe Institute of Technology (KIT). FAU is known for their excellence in teaching, and having a degree from a prestigious program such as ASC helped me stand out among other candidates.

Furthermore, the comprehensive but also specialized module plan offered me with the right coursework I needed to specialize in the communications engineering area.

Rodrigo on LinkedIn

“I specifically chose ASC because of my interest in signal processing and the great flexibility this study program offers. The possibility to design my own curriculum in correspondence with my mentor proved to be very valuable in pursuing my talents and interests. Especially, the research projects were great opportunities to get some hands-on experience in current research topics and getting to know different chairs at the university, which also paves the way for working in academia. Currently, I am working as a research assistant at the Chair of Multimedia Communications and Signal Processing where I’m pursuing my Ph.D.”

Simon on LinkedIn