Jeremy Wojak, a Flinders University Masters student, recently completed a 6-month internship at Exail’s Brest facility in France, where he made significant contributions to maritime autonomy and robotics.
Jeremy was selected for the internship with Exail, a world leader in robotics technologies, as part of a research and development collaboration between Exail, Flinders University and ENSTA Bretagne.
Supported by the Nicolas Baudin Travel Grant, this experience allowed Jeremy to work on cutting-edge underwater vehicle applications and was a vital step in Jeremy’s academic and professional journey.
Jeremy worked closely with Exail Robotics’s Marine Data Processing Product Manager and Brest Site Manager Sébastien Tauvry, and Flinders University’s Professor Karl Sammut, gaining invaluable insights into real-world applications.
“This was a remarkable opportunity for me to grow as both a researcher and a professional,” Jeremy said.
“The projects I worked on have significantly enhanced my skills while contributing valuable research to Exail. This experience has deepened my understanding of specific challenges within the maritime technology sector.”
Tauvry said during the internship Jeremy embraced all the technicality and richness of the drone and sonar field.
“I appreciated his scientific and engineering approach and I’d be delighted to work with someone like him again,” he said.
Exail’s MCM & DW Product Line Director Daniel Scourzic said the company was ‘very pleased’ to be able to host Jeremy for his internship.
“This internship was the result of several years of contact with Professor Karl Sammut and his team,” he said.
“Exail wishes to continue its collaboration with Flinders and will be glad to welcome other Flinders interns in the future.”
Professor Sammut, from Flinders University’s College of Science and Engineering, agreed.
“Our students continue to benefit from valuable overseas study and work experience with the help of the Embassy of France in Australia internships under the prestigious 2019 Nicolas Baudin internships in Australia initiative,” he said.
"We look forward to continuing our collaboration with Exail."
Jeremy’s time in France was also enriched by the cultural experiences, which he described as “equally as transformative as the technical challenges”.
Now back from his travels in Europe, Jeremy is eager to apply the knowledge and skills gained during his internship to future projects. Jeremy extended his gratitude to Exail, Flinders University and ENSTA Bretagne for making this incredible opportunity possible.