Tell us about your project in the E2Top program.
The topic of my project is mapping the web of stock market collapse. Its goal is to assess changes in the structure of the financial network and the classification of stock market companies under the influence of unusual and irregular events that disrupt quotations in the securities market. The research is conducted using, among other things, complex networks, the minimum spanning tree method, artificial neural networks, including unsupervised learning algorithms.
What does working on such a "web" look like?
My research topic is mainly based on processing a large amount of data, so I often perform calculations in spreadsheets, work with specialized software, or write scripts in Python - a programming language suitable for this type of problem. Therefore, my laboratory is a computer, and I spend long hours at my desk in front of my laptop screen. It is important, with such a work mode, to take care of the right conditions and take frequent breaks. Sports also help a lot.
How can the combination of economics and artificial intelligence help us?
My project is mainly of a scientific dimension, and I hope that it will contribute to the popularization of the use of artificial intelligence in conducting research in the field of economics. The research results could find wide application in investment management and risk assessment in stock market investments and may be valuable for the financial market regulator.
You study Applied Computer Science, but your Mentor works at a different faculty.
My mentor is Assoc. Prof. Dariusz Siudak from the Faculty of Organization and Management. My choice was mainly determined by common scientific interests, such as artificial intelligence, neural networks, and of course, economics. For a long time, I knew that at some point in my studies, I would like to try to use the tools and skills I acquire while studying Applied Computer Science in stock market research and develop in this direction. Prof. Siudak seemed to be the right person who could help me with this.
What inspires you?
Many things inspire me. Often, I have the completely opposite problem in this matter, that I would like to research, discover, experience everything, but I do not have enough time for it. This applies to both research and other areas, professional and private. It breaks my heart that there are only twenty-four hours in a day, so I have to choose what to devote energy to, and I am not always able to realize all my plans.
You spend a lot of time in front of the computer, what gives you balance?
Travel and water sports. Throughout the summer holidays, I work as a windsurfing and wing foil instructor, and last year I also represented Lodz University of Technology at the Polish Academic Sailing Championships. In winter, I ski. I also love art, I have been playing the piano for many years, I read and write a lot, I take photographs and create graphics, I dance. I try to regularly try new things and broaden my horizons, both scientific and not only.
Interview by Agnieszka Garcarek-Sikorska