This summer, discover each week the portrait of our M1 students who are currently on international mobility.

Today it is Noe, student in the Smart IOT program, who is doing his internship at the University of Milan, Italy.

1. What is your background?

My name is Noé Minault, and I’m currently in my first year of the Smart IoT Master’s program at the University of Poitiers. I joined the Graduate School program, which offers a research approach and deeper skills in technological fields. This master’s program attracted me because I wanted to go beyond the traditional path, acquire solid technical skills, and discover the world of research.

2. International exchange is mandatory during the first-year Master’s program in TACTIC Grad School. Were you apprehensive about this exchange?

Yes, I was apprehensive about this mobility. It was the first time I had gone abroad alone, and having to immerse myself in an unfamiliar environment, in a language different from my native tongue, was a bit scary. But today, in the midst of this experience, I can say that it’s going very well. I adapted quickly, thanks in particular to the warm welcome from the members of the laboratory, which made my integration easier.

3. How did the internship search go, and how did you choose your internship location?

My internship search was a continuation of my work as a Research Climbing Rope, carried out as part of the Graduate School Master’s program. I was already working on imaging, particularly multispectral and hyperspectral, and I wanted to explore this field further, which I particularly enjoy. Thanks to the contacts of my supervisors, I learned that collaborations existed with a laboratory in Italy. This is how I joined a university laboratory in Milan. This choice also came with a personal advantage: I have an acquaintance living in Italy, in a city other than Milan. This gives me the opportunity to see her on certain weekends, if the opportunity arises.

4. What is the topic of your internship?

I’m working on the glare effect, a phenomenon that affects the perceived intensity of an object in a scene depending on the background, particularly in hyperspectral images. This is a natural extension of my Research Climbing Rope topic, since I already work on imaging-related issues. I really enjoy this field, and this internship has allowed me to further deepen my skills and understanding of the subject.

5. How is the internship going overall? Integration with the on-site teams, etc.

The internship is going very well. I’m being supervised by the director of the MIPS Lab, who is my internship supervisor. Even though I don’t see him every day, his kindness and support are invaluable. I work daily with a young researcher, as well as with the imaging lab team. This daily proximity has allowed me to integrate well, both in professional exchanges and in the lab life—with lunches, informal discussions, and even game nights. The atmosphere is truly pleasant and stimulating.

6. What are your responsibilities and what does a typical day of your internship looks like?

My day begins with a long commute through Milan, as I’m staying far from the lab. Once I arrive, I pick up where I left off the day before. I often start by reviewing my notes, then move on with my work. My assignments involve visualizing and analyzing hyperspectral images, using various tools, such as intensity-versus-wavelength graphs, produced using Python scripts. I also do some literature review. At the end of the day, I write a mini-report to keep a clear record of my progress. This helps me monitor my project, write reports, and communicate with my supervisors.

7. A travel story to share? Any culture shock there?

No real memorable anecdotes, except for a few minor mishaps at the airports… but everything went well in the end. As for culture shock, I was surprised – in a good way – by the presence of food trucks on every street corner. It’s anecdotal, but it’s really part of the local way of life and I love it! However, what I didn’t expect at all was the impressive number of mosquitoes there. You really need to be equipped to survive evenings outdoors!

8. What advice would you give to future students who are going on their exchange program?

I would say it’s perfectly normal to be apprehensive at first, but it’s an extremely enriching experience. It opens your mind enormously. I really recommend it to anyone who can. I would also advise them to choose an environment that suits them, for example in terms of climate – here in Milan, it can be very hot. And above all, try to discover the city in an authentic way, even as a tourist, thanks to the connections you can make during the internship or the lab. It’s these human interactions that make the experience unforgettable.