Berke Altiparmak
Computer Science Specialist with a Focus in Artificial Intelligence
Mathematics Minor
Innis College
Through his undergraduate studies, Berke Altiparmak gained insights on how computational techniques are making an impact in medicine, particularly through his research on pancreatic cancer.
As he prepares to graduate, he reflects on his time at U of T and his plans to continue combining research skills and creative thinking.
What inspired you to study computer science at U of T?
Toronto’s growing prominence as a global AI hub drove my decision to study at the University of Toronto. The city’s integration of a dynamic tech ecosystem with the university’s rigorous academic environment is an ideal setting for AI enthusiasts. The university also offered a variety of specialized AI courses even at the undergrad level, such as computer vision, natural language processing, deep learning, and advanced statistical methods for machine learning. The exposure to the latest developments in the field really sets U of T apart.
Tell us about your experiences with research and internships. How have those shaped your time as an undergraduate?
My undergraduate research through U of T’s Research Opportunities Program involved developing machine learning models to predict drug sensitivity, where I also created my own clustering algorithm to identify patterns in drug data — this introduced me to the impact of computational techniques in medical research.
My internship as a machine learning engineer was a deep dive into deploying scalable AI solutions, which enhanced my capability to drive projects from concept to execution.
Additionally, participating in the ICUBE UTM Ideation Lab provided invaluable mentorship on entrepreneurship, broadening my perspective on the tech industry and fine-tuning my approach to bridging theory with real-world applications. I’m truly grateful for the diverse opportunities Toronto has offered me.
What’s next for you?
As I step into the next phase of my career, I’m enthusiastic about blending the research skills and creative thinking that have defined my undergraduate experience. At Harvard, pursuing a master’s in data science, I’m excited to continue exploring how cutting-edge data science can be applied to create impactful solutions. It’s this fusion of theory and practical application where I see the potential for real innovation, and I’m eager to spearhead projects that turn big ideas into tangible results around the globe.