Jonas Kraasch

Interactive Arts & Technology master's student in the Faculty of Communication, Art and Technology

I am 23 and originally from Germany. Since my high school years I have been trying to find a way to combine both my artistic interests and abilities with my ever growing curiosity concerning AI. During my undergrads I have acquired a great foundation on the technical side of things and now at SFU I can combine both my passions.

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO COME TO SFU?

I have previously done an internship at the metacreation lab, doing research on music generation with AI. And after I have finished my B.Sc. in Cognitive Science, I realized that I want to apply my knowledge in AI and Deep Learning to create and express myself, rather than following a career in data science .

HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR RESEARCH OR YOUR PROGRAM TO A FAMILY MEMBER?

I would describe it as my kid. Sometimes it takes a lot of care and attention to follow through on a research project, spending days and nights nourishing it. Then experiencing the joy of seeing it grow and accomplish something, but also the disappointment and pain when something goes wrong.

WHAT ARE YOU PARTICULARLY ENJOYING ABOUT YOUR STUDIES/RESEARCH AT SFU?

At SFU, specifically at SIAT, I have the freedom to explore my interests in research, while I am also offered support from my supervisor and the opportunity to try myself out with internships.

HAVE YOU BEEN THE RECIPIENT OF ANY MAJOR OR DONOR-FUNDED AWARDS? IF SO, PLEASE TELL US WHICH ONES AND A LITTLE ABOUT HOW THE AWARDS HAVE IMPACTED YOUR STUDIES AND/OR RESEARCH.

The main awards I have received, were a MITACS fellowship and internship, which allowed me financial freedom and in the case of the internship it allowed me to have a look into a possible work situation.

Contact : jkraasch@sfu.ca

ADDITIONAL LINKS 

• LinkedIn