Alessandro Ragano headshot

Insight PostDoc: Alessandro Ragano, UCD

Submitted on Friday, 22/12/2023
I am a Postdoctoral Research Fellow in the School of Computer Science at University College Dublin. I completed my PhD in Computer Science at the same university in 2022, following my MSc in Computer Science and Engineering from the Polytechnic of Milan in 2018. During my doctoral studies, I spent time as a visiting student at Queen Mary University of London and as an enrichment student at the Alan Turing Institute in London.
My research focuses on developing deep learning models to estimate the quality of experience in music and speech. Additionally, I work on performance evaluation of media quality models, music representation models, music information retrieval, self-supervised speech models, and immersive media.
What do you most enjoy about your research with Insight?
I find the greatest enjoyment in my research with Insight comes from combining academic research with industry applications. Working alongside both academic experts and industry professionals offers a unique blend of perspectives, making my work intellectually rich and relevant in practical settings. Seeing theoretical research concepts applied in the real world is extremely rewarding and significantly contributes to my professional growth, expanding my problem-solving skillsWhat is the most challenging aspect of doing a Postdoc?
The biggest challenge in my postdoctoral experience is balancing the wide range of responsibilities beyond just research. This includes managing in-depth research projects, teaching, and administrative tasks. It requires excellent time management and flexibility. The goal is to excel in each of these areas, ensuring they contribute to my overall professional growth. It’s a challenging but rewarding balance that continuously improves my skills.When you’re not working on your Postdoc, what pastimes do you enjoy?
When not focused on my postdoctoral work, I like to engage in outdoor activities such as hiking and cycling, which offer a physical and mental break from my academic routine. I also engage in creative hobbies playing a musical instrument, which are relaxing and help me recharge. These activities help maintain a healthy balance between my work and personal life, keeping me refreshed and productive in my professional tasks