about Fen
We continue our series of portraits with Fen, one of our software engineers. He is working closeley with Alva - the Smart Grid AI Twin. Alva supports distribution grid operators to transition towards a smarter grid and to accelerate the energy transition. Thanks for taking the time to answer Fen!
→ Hello Fen, what’s your position/role at DataThings?
Fen: Ciao! I’m a Software Engineer at DataThings.
→ In a few words, tell us for what kind of clients and what kinds of projects do you work?
Fen: I’m currently working on the development of an application in the energy sector and more specifically on Alva - a map web-based tool that helps operating and managing energy grid systems.
→ Which technologies/programming languages do you use on a daily basis?
Fen: I work mainly on GreyCat , which is the language/framework created at DataThings, but I’m exposed to other languages as well.
→ What is the best aspect of your job?
Fen:I would say that the people I’m working with, they are very nice and competent, and everyone has a different background which is very interesting and inspiring.
→ Are you more formal or relaxed at the work?
Fen: Mostly relaxed, there are a few moments that are more formal.
→ What professional experience has shaped you the most?
Fen: Honestly, I think that the experiences I had when I was student delegate at university had a bigger impact on me than all the work experiences combined, in terms of how to approach and interact with people.
→ Home office or on-site?
Fen: On site, but flexibility is always appreciated.
→ DataThings we have collaborators from very different backgrounds, can you tell us where you come from?
Fen: I’m from Rome, Italy.
→ Let’s switch with a lighter questions: Arancini or pizza al taglio? :D
Fen: This question feels more serious than previous ones to me hahaha, hard to choose, but I’ll go for pizza al taglio.
→ Sea or mountains?
Fen: Between the two, mountains. But I really like to visit new cities.
→ What is your background?
Fen: I started my studies in Industrial Engineering (UCBM, Rome) where I discovered programming in one of the classes, and I loved it. I decided to try and go for this direction by getting a job as software developer after my bachelor in IT (GFT, MIlan). I continued my studies by taking a MSc in Computer Graphics, Vision and Imaging (UCL, London), then I worked as cloud & data engineer (BIP, Rome) for 2 years while doing a II level master in Cloud & Data Architecture (PoliMi, Milan/remote).
→ At the office's table soccer, do you rather play with “attackers” or “defenders”? Are you more into "mean diagonal attacks" or more a "brute force" guy?
Fen: I think I play more attackers, but I’m not better in terms of results :D I’m usually more “brute force” but I’m practicing for more ball control and “mean diagonal attacks” haha
→ How do you come to work on a daily basis?
Fen: I take the tram + some good walking
→ Do you have any hobbies?
Fen: I’m into photography and I like to explore good design, any type :)
→ What attracted you to DataThings?
Fen: During the interviews, the feeling I had about the people and the environment was quite good, and also, I wanted to work in a new country, so DataThings was a great opportunity.
→ What would you say to someone willing to apply at DataThings?
Fen: What are you waiting for? Come have fun with us and tell us your story.
→ What are the 3 emojis you use the most?
Fen: Directly from my phone:😂 🥲 😁
→ Great! Fen thank you for your time, and one last question. What is your favorite place to walk or relax in Luxembourg? 😎
Fen: I still have to find the perfect place honestly, so far I like the city center.
join the teams
Are you passionate about machine learning, AI, and software engineering? Do you like to code and work on hard problems? Are you determined and motivated to find the best possible solutions? And above all you are a great teams player? We are looking forward to hearing from you!