Lab environment motivates interns

Each summer, Microsoft Research labs around the world assign mentors, set up extra workspaces, and welcome a new crop of interns.

The internship programme is a significant component of Microsoft Research’s partnership with the academic world. It provides an opportunity for students to work at a corporate research facility, interact with world-renowned researchers, and network with a diverse set of fellow interns. In return, the labs gain fresh perspectives, forge stronger ties with universities—and enjoy the energy and excitement of talented young scientists.

The diversity of research disciplines at each lab means interns are sure to join projects that require their domain expertise. What makes the summer special, though, are the relationships the interns build with researchers and their fellow interns—a key goal of the program.

Learning About Games

University of Cambridge student Abigail See has plans to pursue a Ph.D. in computer science after she completes her master’s programme in mathematics. See always has been interested in game theory, and during her internship this year at Microsoft Research Cambridge, mentors Yoram Bachrach and Pushmeet Kohli, researchers with the Machine Learning and Perception group, gave her a chance to dive right in.

“We’re investigating a variation of ‘weighted-voting games’ in cooperative game theory,” See says. “A weighted-voting game models a system where agents, each in possession of a number of votes, can form a ‘winning coalition’ if that coalition holds enough votes. An example would be the formation of a coalition government from political parties that each has a certain number of elected representatives. Most models of weighted-voting games assume that all coalitions are possible—meaning that all parties are willing to work together. We are studying a model in which some parties are incompatible—just as in real life!”

This summer is See’s second internship at Microsoft Research. In 2012, she interned with Byron Cook of the Cambridge lab’s Programming Principles and Tools group.

“Perhaps the most challenging aspect of that internship for me was working on a large coding project with several other people,” See recalls. “Now, I’ve worked on two completely different projects and had the opportunity to learn from world-renowned scientists. Both experiences have been amazing introductions to the world of research. I love the vibrant atmosphere, especially the frequent lectures by visiting researchers, which are a good way to hear what’s going on in other areas.

“A Microsoft Research internship is a unique experience. You get an inside look at the world of research and the world of a technology giant.”

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