{"id":9200,"date":"2023-10-04T13:41:31","date_gmt":"2023-10-04T11:41:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sites.hslu.ch\/applied-data-science\/?p=9200"},"modified":"2025-06-11T10:33:20","modified_gmt":"2025-06-11T08:33:20","slug":"professional-data-science-portrait-with-daniel-barco-phd-student","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sites.hslu.ch\/applied-data-science\/professional-data-science-portrait-with-daniel-barco-phd-student\/","title":{"rendered":"Professional Data Science portrait with Daniel Barco: PhD student"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Shortcuts: Interview<\/a> – Info-Events<\/a> – Programme Information<\/a> – Contact<\/a> – Professional Data Science Portraits<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Daniel Barco<\/a>
PhD student @Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAI) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)<\/a><\/strong>
Applied<\/strong> Information and Data Science Master’s graduate @HSLU<\/a> <\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


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First of all, tell us something about yourself: What hashtags best describe you?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

#DataScienceForSocialGoods #DetectMalariaAI #AI4RadiationTherapy<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell us more about them:<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

These hashtags suit me very well! #AI4RadiationTherapy is for my work in radiotherapy as part of my PhD, and #DetectMalariaAI is for my malaria detection project.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Join us on our information events to get all the details about our Master’s programme<\/a><\/div>\n

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Now let’s talk about your professional life: What do you do at the Centre for Artificial Intelligence (CAI) at the Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW)? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At CAI, I am working on an exciting project where we are developing new AI algorithms to improve radiotherapy. We are working closely with our implementation partner to create high-quality 3D models of the body and tumours from just a few 2D CT images. Our goal is to reduce radiation exposure for cancer patients.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What have you done before and why did you join the CAI?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I used to work as a data scientist and part-time on a project to develop AI-based malaria detection software. This software uses microscopic images to help lab technicians in malaria-endemic areas detect malaria faster and more accurately. The software was successfully tested in Angola and has been used in a local hospital since the beginning of the year.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Tell us about the most exciting part of your job. <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The most exciting thing about my job is that I can help improve people’s lives through the use of AI technologies. That’s really fulfilling!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What Data Science skills are most in demand in your role?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

In my job, deep learning skills are in high demand, especially in medical imaging. I use Python and PyTorch (PyTorch Lightning) on a daily basis. It also involves reading and understanding publications by other scientists.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do you see yourself as a technician or an analyst? Or a creative genius, management superhero or generalist wizard?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

At the moment I would describe myself as more of a techie, because I spend a lot of time writing software.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What do you remember most about your time on the MSc in Applied Information and Data Science?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

I am fascinated by the craft of data science. By craft, I mean programming, setting up data pipelines, building and tweaking models, and understanding solutions that have already been developed. Now I have the opportunity to use this craft to make a positive difference in global development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Get the details for the Master’s programme “MSc in Applied Information and Data Science”<\/a><\/div>\r\n

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What are the biggest challenges in your job at the moment?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of my biggest challenges is finding the time to work on the malaria project. Besides my PhD, there is sometimes not as much time as I would like to spend on the project. We are currently in talks with the Italian Institute of Tropical Medicine to label our images from Angola. I hope to find enough time during my PhD to continue this project. For more information, please visit www.malariadetection.ch<\/a>. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

What advice would you give to others starting out in the same role?<\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are many ways to do good with AI systems. For me, it was a great motivation to consciously focus on data science for social good and learn new skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And finally: What new hashtag are you aiming for? <\/strong><\/h3>\n\n\n\n

#GetFunding4MalariaDetection #AI4SocialImpact
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We thank Daniel Barco <\/a>for his dedication and time to share these valuable insights with us.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n


Start your career with the MSc in Applied Information and Data Science now!
Register and join us for a free online Info-Event:<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

Monday, 13 April 2026 (Online, German)<\/a>
Monday, 27 April 2026 (Online, German)<\/a>
Monday, 11 May 2026 (Online, English)<\/a>
Monday, 26 May 2026 (Online, German)<\/a>
Monday, 8 June 2026 (Online, German)<\/a>
Monday, 10 August 2026 (Online, English)<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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