Amidst the celebratory atmosphere of the recent AIMS 20-year anniversary event, Abdel shared his unique perspective and experiences, offering a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of connections and emotions that characterized the occasion.
For Abdel, the event held special significance as it marked his first encounter with fellow alumni from AIMS-Cameroon, namely Hortence Phalonne Nana and Dr. Redrisse Djoumessi Fobasso. This initial reunion set the stage for a series of meaningful interactions throughout the event. Of particular note was the opportunity to reconnect with the AIMS-Cameroon Centre President (Prof. Mama Foupouagnigni) and Academic Director (Dr. Daniel Duviol Tcheutia), engaging in insightful conversations about the future projects of the centre and receiving valuable advice that extended beyond the realm of science to encompass life itself. “Despite the bittersweet emotions of bidding farewell after these exchanges, the experience was a poignant reminder of the profound impact of AIMS-Cameroon on shaping my journey”, Abdel says.
In addition to reuniting with familiar faces, the event provided a platform for forging new connections with students, alumni, and lecturers from other centres within the network. Discussions ranged from opportunities in various fields of science to personal reflections on the journey thus far. A highlight for Abdel was the opportunity to hear the founder’s story firsthand, and the opportunity to capture the moment in photographs.
Presenting a poster detailing his research work during his Master’s thesis at the University of the Witwatersrand, Johannesburg was a source of pride and validation for Abdel. In his words, “The positive feedback and praise I received from respected scientists showed that my work had made an impact and was recognized within the scientific community.”
Beyond the academic realm, the event held personal significance for Abdel, as he received news of his acceptance into the PhD program while basking in the serenity of the beach with his friend Hortence Nana. The magic of this moment was further amplified by their joint acceptance to attend the Deep Learning and Reinforcement Learning (DLRL) summer school adding a layer of excitement to their academic journey.
Amidst the festivities and reflections, Abdel also took note of the impressive construction progress of AIMS-Cameroon new facilities, symbolizing growth and evolution. With a big, malicious smile on his face, he mischievously says, “I discovered new foods that I didn’t really enjoy and realized just how fortunate we were at AIMS-Cameroon to have such delicious meals.”
As the event drew to a close, Abdel departed with a sense of gratitude for the connections made, the memories shared, and the opportunities that lie ahead. The journey continues, fueled by the experiences and insights gained from this momentous celebration.
