"It helped me realise what I want to do in the future. I want to be a researcher now." ~ Zofia Wilk, BSc Theoretical Physics (Google DeepMind Research Ready Internship 2025 Cohort)
In June 2025, the APRIL AI Hub launched our first transformative eight-week internship programme in partnership with the Google DeepMind Research Ready scheme. This internship was designed to support students from underrepresented groups in AI and related fields, the programme aimed to provide meaningful research experience, foster inclusive academic engagement, and nurture the next generation of researchers and innovators.
From this we then built an engaging summer internship programme for 2026. Six interns were funded again by the Google DeepMind Research Ready scheme, three were funded by one of our industry partners, Analog Devices, and Sabanci University sent two students, giving us our second cohort of amazing interns!
Read about our 2025 Internship cohort here.
Read about our 2026 Internship cohort here.
Keep an eye out for future internship opportunities with APRIL here!
MPhys Physics
Dominic Stead
BSc Creative Computing
Blessing Gasongo
BSc Mathematics
Emma Deyell
MEng Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Mary Kong
BSc Computer Science
Sean Yalçın
BSc Computer Science
Thiara De Alwis
MEng Computer Science
Elsa Wakfi
BSc Computer Science
Reanna McEldowney
BEng Artificial Intelligence
Jenna Shaikh
MSc Manufacturing Engineering
Fatih Arda Zengin
MSc Material Science and Nano Engineering
Saim Egemen Yücel
MSc Eng in Electronics and Computer Sci
Shu Gu
BEng EEE
Haleem Abusalem
BEng EEE
Junjian Chi
BSc Theoretical Physics
Zofia Wilk
MSci Chemistry
Issa Saddiq
MEng Electronic with Industrial Studies
Anuoluwa (Anu) Adeleye
BSc Hons Computer Science
Jamie Clements
BEng in Mechatronics and Robotics
Sara Anurag Somani
BEng Biomedical Engineering
Eva Hita Sogorb
Aeronautical Engineering
Mohannad al-Najjar
MInF Informatics
Massimiliano (Max) Tamborski
BEng EEE
Jingyi Li
MSc Electronics Engineering
Bartu Orhun
MSc Electronics Engineering
Arda Ozgun
MPhys Physics
Dominic Stead
University of Bath
My research interests focus on next-generation computation and interpretable AI.
I am interested in how spintronics and 2D materials can be utilised to realise Kolmogorov-Arnold Networks for neuromorphic computing architectures that are both energy-efficient and inherently interpretable.
Previously, I worked on fabricating novel 2D Van der Waals heterostructures to demonstrate controllable spin-charge interconversion using 2D ferroelectric and multiferroic materials. I have also applied machine learning to problems of symbolic regression, image recognition, and classifying chaotic versus regular motion in dynamical systems.
BSc Creative Computing
Blessing Gasongo
University of Leicester
Blessing Gasongo is a final year BSc Creative Computing student at the University of Leicester, specialising in UX, product design and human-computer interaction.
She is interested in human AI interaction design, specifically how AI systems can be made interpretable and accessible to the people using them, and the role that user-centred design plays in that process. Her projects include Harmonia AI, an affective computing application that uses emotion classification to drive generative music outputs through Meta’s MusicGen model and the Replicate API, and Planet Pals, an AI powered educational game made in collaboration with the National Space Centre for children in primary school. She captains the Leicester Panthers cheerleading team, three-time national champions, and is fluent in French.
BSc Mathematics
Emma Deyell
University of Edinburgh
My name is Emma and I’m a penultimate year Mathematics student at the University of Edinburgh with a strong interest in statistics and its applications to deep learning.
Growing up in the Shetland Islands, I had quite a unique learning experience which really shaped my curiosity and drive, so I'm excited to bring that to a research environment this summer!
MEng Electronics and Electrical Engineering
Mary Kong
University of Edinburgh
Hi, I'm Mary! I am a final-year MEng Electronics and Electrical Engineering student at the University of Edinburgh with an interest in integrating machine learning with electronic and sensing systems.
I am passionate about applying machine learning to solve real-world engineering challenges, particularly in robotics, autonomous systems, and electronic design automation.
Experience:
BSc Computer Science
Sean Yalçın
Queen's University Belfast
I’m Sean Yalçın, a final-year Computer Science student at Queen’s University Belfast.
I previously interned at Citi as a software Engineer and at AllState as a Software Test Engineer.
My academic interests lie in high-performance computing and its applications to real-world problems, with a growing interest in electronics and chip design.
Outside of Academic, I enjoy running, playing golf and I work in McDonald's. I am really grateful to be accepted onto this program and looking forward to getting involved in research.
BSc Computer Science
Thiara De Alwis
Univeristy of Bristol
Hi I'm Thiara! I completed my undergraduate degree in Computer science with a focus on Human Computer Interaction and its applications in AI.
My research investigates how AI shapes everyday interactions, with a focus on designing technologies that are ethical, inclusive, and grounded in real human needs. My recent work investigates the effects of multi agent AI mediation in small groups, exploring the dynamics of human-LLM conversations. I have previous experience in ML, data science and software engineering, and I aim to ultimately pursue a PhD in Artificial Intelligence, focusing on human-centred and socially responsible AI systems.
MEng Computer Science
Elsa Wakfi
University of Bristol
Hi, I’m Elsa! I am a 3rd year MEng Computer Science student at the University of Bristol with an interest in cybersecurity, human-computer interaction, and AI.
My current research explores the security and safety of large language models, including adversarial jailbreak mechanisms and how creative forms of prompting can influence AI behaviour. Alongside my research, I have experience in software engineering, game development, and the design of interactive systems using Arduino-based hardware. My previous projects include developing educational software for medical students, building a 3D rendering engine in C++, and creating interactive games using modern game development frameworks.
I am particularly interested in the intersection of AI, security, and human behaviour, with a focus on developing trustworthy, resilient, and human-centred intelligent systems.
BSc Computer Science
Reanna McEldowney
Queen’s University Belfast
Hi! I’m Reanna, a final-year Computer Science student at Queen’s University Belfast.
I have recently completed a dissertation using digital twins to assess the safety of autonomous vehicles, using computer vision alongside YOLO models to predict hazards. Last summer I attended Q-Camp Summer School at the University of Gdańsk, where I developed a strong interest in post-quantum cryptography and the future of AI in the quantum era.
In September, I will begin an MSc in Artificial Intelligence at QUB, hoping to expand my knowledge of computer vision, particularly for real-world safety analysis use cases like my dissertation.
In the future, I see myself working in AI ethics research, understanding the safety and bias of AI in our world.
Outside of my studies, I am really interested in the representation of women in STEM, serving on the executive committee for QUB Women in STEM and taking part in the Belfast Women Techmakers group.
BEng Artificial Intelligence
Jenna Shaikh
University of Bristol
Hi, I'm Jenna! I am a first-year BEng Artificial Intelligence student studying at the University of Bristol.
I am thoroughly interested in cloud architecture, machine learning, and computer vision. As an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner, I've gained hands-on experience through internships where I applied computer vision techniques to VR robot vision testing and led an ML-based fraud detection project presented to 400+ attendees. My work also spans simulation projects including a weighted grid model with consensus updates, segregation, and flood fill algorithms.
Outside of my studies, I enjoy crocheting, baking and hiking.
MSc Manufacturing Engineering
Fatih Arda Zengin
Sabancı University
Fatih Arda Zengin is a Master’s student in Manufacturing Engineering at Sabancı University, Türkiye.
His research focuses on battery health prediction using machine learning, particularly Remaining Useful Life (RUL) and State of Health (SOH) estimation for lithium ion batteries. His interests include artificial intelligence, data driven modeling, battery systems, and edge AI applications. He completed his undergraduate studies at Sabancı University and has worked on projects involving machine learning, optimization, and battery analytics.
MSc Material Science and Nano Engineering
Saim Egemen Yücel
Sabanci University
Saim's research interests include Computational Materials Science, 2D Materials (Borophene, MoS2, MoSe2), Density Functional Theory (DFT), and Micro-Electro-Mechanical Systems (MEMS).
He is passionate about leveraging computational physics and numerical calculations to explore the structural and electronic properties of nanomaterials for next-generation sensors, nanoelectronics, and emerging computing architectures.
Research Experience
Published peer-reviewed research investigating the physical properties and quantum nanosensing applications of 2D materials, with a specific focus on borophene. Conducted a TUBITAK research project focusing on the electronic characteristics and band gap properties of 2D semiconductors. Proficient in performing advanced materials modeling and first-principles calculations using Quantum Espresso and the Atomic Simulation Environment (ASE).
Technical & Engineering Experience
Gained practical experience in semiconductor device simulation and multi-physics modeling utilizing Sentaurus TCAD and COMSOL. Actively engaged in specialized research groups focusing on MEMS and advanced sensor technologies, bridging the gap between fundamental physics and applied hardware development. Possesses a strong foundational interest in the integration of novel materials into memristor technologies and hardware-level simulations.
MSc Eng in Electronics and Computer Sci
Shu Gu
University of Edinburgh
Internship Project: LLM-Driven Bit-Accurate Functional Verification for Digital Circuit Design
Research Interests:
Electronic system design, simulation workflows, and design automation. I’m also interested in incorporating human-centred AI to improve the usability and adaptability, enabling more efficient and reliable hardware–software co-design environments.
Research Experience:
Industry Experience:
BEng EEE
Haleem Abusalem
University of Glasgow
Internship Project: AI-Driven Inverse Design of Gate Dielectrics
Research Interests:
I have a strong passion for electronics, particularly in enhancing design and architecture to achieve optimal results.
I am keen on integrating AI into these processes to improve efficiency. I am deeply interested in leveraging FPGA
accelerators to speed up deep neural networks. I am an active member of the Electrical Team in the Hydrogen Fuel Racing Society. My areas of expertise include: circuit and PCB design, digital electronics, Python and C/C++ embedded programming.
Experience:
BEng EEE
Junjian Chi
University College London
Internship Project: Integrating Multi-Physics Modelling and Machine Learning in Spintronics: Enhancing Micromagnetic Simulations through Automation
Research Interests:
I am interested in neuromorphic computing and memristive learning systems, particularly in implementing spike neural network and brain-inspired computation for low-power edge applications.
Experience:
I have prior experience in embedded system design and applied machine learning used for wearable rehabilitation system and have contributed to research publications in this field.
BSc Theoretical Physics
Zofia Wilk
University of Leeds
Internship Project: Uncertainty Quantification and Validation of Neural Network Models of Complex Physics
Research Interests:
Experience:
MSci Chemistry
Issa Saddiq
University College London
Internship Project: Comparison of Machine Learning-Based Interatomic Potentials for Property Prediction of Electronic Materials
Research Interests:
I am passionate about applying data-driven methods to solve scientific challenges, particularly in materials discovery, characterization, and process optimization. I enjoy working with statistics, programming, and computational approaches (especially machine learning) and I'm looking forward to getting involved in projects at APRIL.
Experience:
MEng Electronic with Industrial Studies
Anuoluwa (Anu) Adeleye
University of Southampton
Internship Project: Integrating Multi-Physics Modelling and Machine Learning in Spintronics: Enhancing Micromagnetic Simulations through Automation
Research Interests:
I’ve loved learning the statistical foundation behind methods such as Principal Component Analysis at university, allowing me to analyse large amounts of data. However, I am especially interested in exploring machine learning in computer vision and system modelling as well as accelerating these processes through hardware.
Experience:
BSc Hons Computer Science
Jamie Clements
University of Stirling
Internship Project: Carrier Mobility-Conditioned Material Design
Research Interests:
My journey into the world of computer science has been non-traditional - beginning in Business Management before discovering my passion for AI and computational innovation through an optional Computer Science module. This transition, while challenging, demonstrated my resilience and adaptability, leading to hands-on experience with AI technologies through various projects. My current undergraduate dissertation represents my first substantial exploration of AI applications in a research context. The project focuses on multi-modal surgical video analysis using Google's Gemini Flash API, where I engineered an AI pipeline for real-time surgical instrument detection.
Experience:
Technology Infrastructure Analyst at Citigroup
BEng in Mechatronics and Robotics
Sara Anurag Somani
University of Leeds
Internship Project: Advancing Beyond CMOS: TCAD Modelling for Circuit Layout Optimization and System Deployment
Research Interests:
My research interests lie in the field of human-machine interaction, focusing on enhancing the predictability and responsiveness of real-time systems. I integrate knowledge from mechanical, electronic, electrical, and computer engineering, with a keen interest in how combined hardware and software systems can improve safety, usability, and automation in real-world applications.
Experience:
Internship in semiconductor manufacturing at SSMC in Singapore - Characterisation Team and Test Engineering
BEng Biomedical Engineering
Eva Hita Sogorb
University College London
Internship Project: Representing electronic circuits as GNNs & cellular sheaves
Research Interests:
As a Biomedical Engineering student, my research interests lie at the intersection of machine learning and healthcare.
My dissertation project explored the feasibility of using cognitive biomarkers to predict the spread of an Alzheimer’s causing protein in the brain using machine learning.
Experience:
Aeronautical Engineering
Mohannad al-Najjar
University of Glasgow
Internship Project: AI-Driven Calibration of TCAD Simulations for SPAD devices
Research Interests:
Aerospace engineering with a focus on AI-driven solutions, including UAV performance analysis, trajectory prediction, and autopilot training. Skilled in MATLAB, Simulink, and AeroSim, with experience in HIL/SIL simulations, sensor fusion, and AI optimization. Passionate about applying AI and control systems to advance aerospace research.
Experience:
MInF Informatics
Massimiliano (Max) Tamborski
University of Edinburgh
Internship Project: Leveraging Parameterized PINNs for Efficient Reinforcement Learning in Optimal Control of Electronic Devices
Research Interests:
Real-world problems demand real-world robots. However every robot we build is inherently resource-constrained—limited by its hardware, power, and sensing capabilities. So, how can we enable robots to autonomously interact with our complex world? My research explores this question through the lens of reinforcement learning, bounded agency, and the co-evolution of hardware and policy learning. In particular, I’m interested in: (a) How can robots adapt their behaviour depending on the resources they have? (b) Given some resources, how can robots jointly evolve their control policies and physical designs to maximise their performance across tasks and environments?
Experience:
BEng EEE
Jingyi Li
University of Manchester
Internship Project: Smart Report Parser for FPGA-Oriented EDA Tools
Research Interests:
Strong foundation in power systems, embedded systems, and control theory. Currently exploring AI integration with advanced topics such as data networking, sensor and instruments, and numerical analysis to develop intelligent solutions for applications in electrical systems and industrial automation.
Experience:
Power System Design Engineering Intern at China Energy Engineering Group Guangdong Electric Power Design Institute
MSc Electronics Engineering
Bartu Orhun
Sabanci University
Internship Project: Natural Language Interfacing with Memristor Measurements
Research Interests
Processing-in-Memory (PiM) architectures, Neuromorphic Computing, VLSI Design, and Digital & Mixed-Signal Integrated Circuit Design. Passionate about developing innovative circuit and system-level solutions using emerging memory technologies that improve energy efficiency and computational performance.
Research Experience
Industry Experience
MSc Electronics Engineering
Arda Ozgun
Sabanci University
Internship Project: LLM-Driven Prompt Generation Interface for Digital AI Hardware
Research Interests:
Neuromorphic computing, Processing-in-Memory (PiM), VLSI design, and computer architecture. Particularly interested in novel system and circuit designs that enhance computing performance and efficiency.
Research Experience:
Conducted NLP research at KocLab under the supervision of Asst. Prof. Dr. Aykut Koc.
Collaborated with InterLabs on privacy-preserving adversarial filters for face recognition systems.
Developed an automatic irrigation system using sensor data and microcontroller logic to optimize watering based on real-time soil moisture levels.
Industry Experience:
Designed a CAN bus protocol and developed embedded algorithms on STM32F4 boards.
Worked on object detection and performance optimization for deep learning models at InterLabs.
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