Adamo Orsini, Canada

Over the course of my 11 week internship at LEST, I had the opportunity to work on the COMPILE project. Specifically, I re-architectured and developed a new version of Value Tool, which allows users from different regions across Europe to estimate cost and CO2 emission savings over 30 years when using an optimal PV panel configuration compared to their current energy consumption habits. Despite the project being mostly independent, I received a lot of help from Chloé Fournely when it came to learning the real-world context of the tool, and getting relevant data from the different supported regions. From working on this project, I was able to both develop my software engineering skills and expand my knowledge on energy policy in general, including the long-term benefits of renewable energy sources like PV panels.

The LEST team is an incredible group of people, each with different skills, passions, and interests that makes working there constantly fun and interesting. Everyone had great team cohesion, which stems from the many events and bonding opportunities that are done at the lab. Thanks to all of you for being so welcoming and helpful throughout my time there! A big thank you to Tomi Medved for helping me coordinate the internship between Slovenia and Canada.

My time in Ljubljana was an incredible change of pace from Montreal. The difference in lifestyle was refreshing, and having everything within a short bike ride away was an incredible experience. The city itself is comfortable, the people are kind, and the nature is beautiful. It’s definitely a great spot for students to visit on exchange, because of the events and activities in the city, as well as the comfort you feel when staying there.

I was also able to explore elsewhere in Slovenia and other bordering countries during my stay, which only added to the already amazing experience. Within Slovenia, I visited Bled, Bohinj, Piran, Velika Planina, and Postojna cave, and more! Slovenia really is a hidden gem and I would recommend it to anyone.

Overall, an internship with LEST was all I could hope for and more. If you have the opportunity to visit, I would definitely recommend it for the interesting work, entertaining team, and beautiful city!