Hello! My name is Matthew Ketas. I am a rising sophomore at the University of Pittsburgh pursuing an honors degree in Computer Engineering. My degree path has been most influenced by my interest in artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and autonomous systems. First discussed at a small conference at Dartmouth University in 1956, artificial intelligence is now a global field changing our societal and economic landscapes. As countries all over the world race to develop and implement these new systems, few have done it more successfully than South Korea. This is precisely why I am so excited to be a part of the Plus3 South Korea: Autonomous Systems program.
Professional / Academic Background
Leading up to this point in my professional/academic career, my experience has been with SaaS (Software as a Service) and cloud computing technologies. From September 2022 to May 2023, I worked as a corporate development intern at Own Data Company (formerly OwnBackup) based in Englewood Cliffs, NJ. There, we helped companies back up, protect, and utilize their SaaS data, both with and without automated systems from CRM (Customer Relations Platform) technologies. It was in this role that I saw the value of what AI/ML could do for companies that had control of their own data. As I have continued my professional and academic journey, I have become fascinated by the upsides of artificial intelligence and conscious of the growing potential cost of privacy and accuracy.
To further my knowledge and experience of autonomous systems, on campus, I have joined Pitt’s Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and Triangle Fraternity. These experiences have not only been academically rewarding, but they have also provided me amazing connections and opportunities in my field of interest. This semester, I have had the chance to take Advanced Engineering Applications (0712) with Dr. Anna Balazs. In this course, I have had the opportunity to write and test mathematical modeling algorithms that have shown me how computers solve complex problems and how they can learn from certain outcomes.
Plus3 South Korea: Autonomous Systems
During my first year of college, I’ve had a plethora of experiences that I’ve utilized to showcase my passion and fascination for AI and autonomous systems. Among these experiences, perhaps none excited me more than the opportunity to participate in Plus3 South Korea. Being enrolled in this program, my first experience leaving the country will be to one of the most culturally rich and technologically advanced regions in the world. Not only am I eager to learn from industry-leading companies and products like Hyundai, LG, and Samsung Big Data, but also to experience landmarks centuries old, such as Gyeongbokgung Palace and Bukchon Hanok Village. This study abroad program is a once in a lifetime opportunity, and being able to attend as a freshman makes this opportunity even more special. I cannot wait to immerse myself in the culture and technology of Seoul, South Korea, and gain a global perspective that will aid and inform the entirety of my engineering career.