Jakob Fender

Hi, I'm Jakob Fender

Research Assistant in AI & ML

🇨🇭 Lucerne, Switzerland

I work as an AI Research Assistant, focusing on model efficiency, knowledge distillation, and representation learning in the audio domain. My work combines applied research with strong engineering practices.

Work Experience

  • Scientific Assistant

    Scientific Assistant

    Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts

    As an AI Research Assistant, I have worked on several applied research projects. I contributed to the automatic transcription and summarization of medical consultations, developing the frontend and implementing LLM-based summary generation.

    Another project focused on pedestrian detection and tracking in a public square using drone footage. I also developed a complete information-extraction pipeline for processing photos of pension certificates.

    My current work continues my bachelor thesis, where I explore distillation of audio tokenizers for deployment on hearable devices. In addition to research projects, I manage 13 GPU workstations and set up and maintain a small Slurm cluster.

  • Junior Web Developer

    Junior Web Developer

    V‑ZUG AG

    As a Junior Web Developer at V‑ZUG AG, I gained extensive experience in web development using Java, Angular, and Python. Working in a Scrum team, I effectively utilized Git, JIRA, and Confluence. With a strong background in MySQL, Spring MVC, and 3rd Line Support, I contributed to enhancing the company’s web presence.

  • Apprentice Software Developer

    Apprentice Software Developer

    V‑ZUG AG

    During my apprenticeship, I gained insights into IT and software development. From my second to fourth year, I was involved in improving and troubleshooting the V‑ZUG E‑Commerce platform and developing various data exports. In my final two years, I took on the responsibility of mentoring and training apprentices in web development.

Education

  • Master of Science in Engineering (Data Science)
    Feb 2026 - Present

    Master of Science in Engineering (Data Science)

    Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)

    The Master’s profile in Data Science within Information and Communication Technologies at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts deepens expertise in advanced machine learning and applied research methods. The program focuses on solving complex, real-world problems through project-based work and close collaboration with industry and research partners.

  • Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
    Sep 2021 - Jan 2026

    Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

    Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)

    The Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning at Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts provides a strong foundation in machine learning, data science, and AI systems, combining theory with hands-on projects. The program emphasizes applied problem-solving, preparing students to design, train, and deploy AI models in real-world settings.

  • Information Technologist, Application Development
    Aug 2017 - Jul 2021

    Information Technologist, Application Development

    Gewerblich-industrielles Bildungszentrum Zug

    Completed an apprenticeship in Application Development at Gewerblich-industrielles Bildungszentrum Zug, earning a Berufsmatura in parallel. Gained broad exposure to software development, covering fundamentals across multiple areas.

Selected Projects

I've worked on a variety of projects, from simple web applications to complex knowledge distillation pipelines. Here are a few of my favorites.

Model Distillation for Deep Audio Representations

Model Distillation for Deep Audio Representations

Bachelor thesis investigating how large audio representation models such as BEATs can be distilled into lightweight student networks for deployment on hearable devices.

Audio Signal ProcessingDeep LearningKnowledge DistillationPyTorchRepresentation LearningModel Compression
Jass Agent using Monte Carlo Tree Search

Jass Agent using Monte Carlo Tree Search

A modular Jass-playing agent combining Determinized Monte Carlo Tree Search, neural trump prediction, and rule-based heuristics. The project evaluates algorithmic tradeoffs, MCTS convergence behavior, and distributed search under real-time constraints, culminating in a competitive tournament deployment.

Deep LearningReinforcement LearningPyTorch

I like building things

During my time at university, I completed several project-based modules with concrete deliverables. I like to showcase some of this work here. A few projects are older, and there are many things I would approach differently today, so please don’t be too critical 🙂

Bachelor

Bird Call Classification for BirdCLEF 2024

AI Competition

For AICOMP, Flora Gashi, Alvin Veliyath and I participated in the BirdCLEF 2024 challenge, classifying bird sounds from the western ghats into 182 species using deep learning. Focused on audio preprocessing, model training, and evaluation.

Bachelor

Jass Bot using Monte Carlo Tree Search

Deep Learning for Games

For DL4G Dan Livingson and I developed a Jass-playing agent using Monte Carlo Tree Search and a regression neural network for trump selection.

Bachelor

Color Quantization & Dithering

Computer Vision & AI

For CVAI we were tasked to create a small project limited to 20 hours. I decided to explore classical color quantization and dithering techniques, with an interactive Streamlit demo.

Bachelor

Adventure Architect

Digital Creativity

A ChatGPT-based assistant for Dungeons & Dragons that generates NPCs, spells, monsters, and magical items. Built before structured output was available, with a strong focus on prompt engineering. Due to OpenAI removing unused balance, the application is no longer functional.

Bachelor

World Happiness Data Visualization

Data Visualization

Project for DVIZ, visualizing World Happiness Report data using Streamlit with interactive plots and comparisons.

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