Featured in Five is a monthly section where we pose questions to a Computing Reviews featured reviewer. Here are the responses from our March featured reviewer, Marius Iulian Mihailescu.
Q) What is the most important thing that's happened in computing in the past 10 years?
A) Over the past ten years there have been many great advancements in computing, but I believe the rise of deep learning and artificial intelligence (AI) has been the most significant breakthrough. It has the potential to drastically alter our lives in the years to come.
Deep learning includes teaching artificial neural networks to recognize patterns in massive datasets. It is a subfield of machine learning, which is a subset of AI. Natural language processing, driverless vehicles, image and speech recognition, and other fields have made tremendous strides because of this technology.
The availability of vast datasets, the rise in processing power, and the creation of more complex algorithms have all made deep learning viable. The application of AI has rapidly expanded across numerous industries, including healthcare, banking, and transportation, because of significant investments in research from companies like Google, Facebook, Amazon, and Microsoft.
Q) If you weren't working in the computer science field, what would you be doing instead?
A) I can’t see myself doing anything but computer science. It is my passion and my way of life. But if there were a career change opportunity in my life, I would probably look to the following:
- Entrepreneurship: I could start my own business, either in a field for which I am passionate or based on an identified market need.
- Science and research: I could pursue a career in a scientific field such as physics, astrophysics, geography, or meteorology. I could conduct research in academia or work in research and development for a company.
- Creative fields: I could explore careers in art, music, or writing. I could use my skills to create original works or collaborate with others on creative projects.
Ultimately, the choice of a career path depends on an individual's interests, skills, and passions. There are many opportunities available to those who are willing to explore.
Q) By the end of your career, where do you think computer science will have taken us? What are you working on that might contribute toward that?
A) Computer science has already brought about significant advancements in AI, machine learning, robotics, and data science. Looking forward, I believe that it will continue to transform many aspects of our lives via increased automation, improved healthcare, extended AI capabilities, enhanced cybersecurity, and more sustainable technologies.
Specifically, quantum computing has great potential, despite numerous obstacles. Academia and business continue to work at making this technology a reality.
Q) Who is your favorite historical figure? Why?
A) Ada Lovelace, the first computer programmer. Lovelace is a major figure in the history of computing because of her work on the Analytical Engine and her observations regarding its prospective capabilities. She was ahead of her time in realizing the potential of computers to perform tasks other than computations. Her contributions to the field continue to inspire many.
Q) What is your favorite type of music?
A) Rock (Nightwish, Xandria, Edenbridge); classical (Beethoven, Mozart, Bach); and 80s pop/disco.
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Click here to read one of Marius Iulian Mihailescu's reviews.
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