Student Spotlight: Abdallah Essa, Egypt

Hi Abdalla! Please introduce yourself and tell us what brought you from Egypt to ITMO?

First of all, I’d like to thank you for the opportunity to be part of this interview. I'm Abdalla Essa from Cairo, Egypt. I completed my Bachelor's in computer science at the University of the People (USA) in 2023, where I was honored to receive a full scholarship. After graduating, I worked as a freelance data analyst, which gave me hands-on experience with real-world datasets. During that time, I became increasingly interested in the engineering side of data – how it's collected, processed, and prepared at scale. That curiosity led me to pursue a more specialized path, and I chose the Master's program in big data and machine learning at ITMO. I was fortunate to receive the Open Doors scholarship, which made this next step possible.

Big data and machine learning is a fascinating field – what sparked your interest in this particular program?

I’ve always been fascinated by how data can reveal patterns, support decision-making, and power intelligent systems. While working as a data analyst, I realized that data alone isn’t enough; what really matters is how we manage and structure it. That’s when I started diving into data engineering. I was especially inspired by projects involving automation, real-time analytics, and predictive modeling. The potential to solve real-world problems using data and AI is what keeps me motivated in this field.

Why did you choose Russia and ITMO in particular as your study destination?

Russia has been making impressive strides in STEM education and research and I was drawn to its strong academic culture. When I discovered the Open Doors scholarship, I began exploring universities, and ITMO quickly stood out. What impressed me most were the innovation-driven approach to teaching, emphasis on research, and the opportunity to work on real-world projects. ITMO’s reputation in computer science and AI made it a natural choice.

Tell us about your coursework. What subjects or projects have challenged or inspired you the most so far?

The most inspiring part has been the hands-on projects. Working with real datasets, especially in group settings, challenged me to think critically, solve problems creatively, and apply what I’ve learned in practical scenarios. 

Are you currently working on a thesis or research project?

Yes, I’m working on a research project focused on natural language processing (NLP) for medical data. The goal is to analyze and improve how health-related information is communicated and received, especially during public health crises.

How has being part of ITMO’s international community shaped your student experience?

Being surrounded by students from all over the world has been a huge advantage. It broadens my worldview, fosters cultural exchange, and creates a collaborative environment. I’ve made friends and learned a lot from diverse perspectives, which enriches both my personal and academic life.

Machine learning is advancing quickly. What trends or innovations are you most excited about in this field?

I’m especially excited about the growing role of NLP in healthcare, where machine learning can help extract insights from medical records and support clinical decisions. I’m also very interested in the evolution of scalable data infrastructure – how big data technologies are enabling real-time processing and smarter pipelines. The intersection of these two areas is where I see the most potential for impactful innovation.

Coming from Egypt, what was the biggest cultural surprise when you first arrived in St. Petersburg?

One of the biggest surprises was the calm and reserved atmosphere compared to the lively and warm social life I’m used to in Egypt. People in St. Petersburg tend to be quieter and more thoughtful in public, which was new for me but also very interesting. Beyond those cultural differences, I’ve been fascinated by the city’s rich history. I started reading about various historical topics, which deepened my appreciation for St. Petersburg and its unique place in world history. 

What’s one thing about life in St. Petersburg that you genuinely enjoy?

I really enjoy the city’s rich cultural life. Beyond the famous landmarks, I was pleasantly surprised by how vibrant the local arts and history scenes are. I also visited places like Komarovo and Kotlin Island, which offered peaceful escapes and stunning natural views – experiences I didn’t expect to enjoy so much.

What’s your favorite place to clear your head or relax in St. Petersburg?

I love spending time near the Neva River, especially around the Peter and Paul Fortress. The calm water and historic surroundings help me relax and reflect. But what I enjoy even more is visiting places outside the city, being in nature really recharges me. I especially enjoy forests and natural areas, so trips to Komarovo and Kotlin Island have been perfect. Being surrounded by trees or water gives me a sense of peace that I really value.

If you had to introduce one Egyptian custom, dish, or habit to your Russian friends, what would it be and why?

I’d introduce them to koshary – a popular Egyptian dish made of rice, lentils, pasta, and spicy tomato sauce, topped with crispy onions. It’s hearty, delicious, and represents Egypt’s diverse cultural influences. Sharing food is also a great way to build connections.

Have you been learning Russian?

Yes, absolutely. I’ve been learning Russian since arriving, and while it’s challenging, I really enjoy the process. I have some Russian friends here, and practicing the language with them has been a great way to improve naturally. The university also offers a Russian course for international students as part of my program, which gives me structured learning and helps me connect better with the local culture. I’m making progress, but I still need more time to become fully confident. Using the language in everyday situations has definitely made my experience here richer.

Looking ahead, what’re your plans for after graduation?

I plan to pursue a PhD, focusing on healthcare applications using NLP. At the same time, I’m passionate about big data technologies and aim to work in data engineering or applied machine learning to contribute to real-world solutions. I see my future in combining both research and practical innovation across these areas.

Finally, what advice would you give to fellow Egyptian or international students considering ITMO or a career in big data and ML?

Be open to challenges and stay curious. ITMO gives you all the tools, but your growth depends on how much you engage. Take on projects, connect with people, and always keep learning!