Amir combines economics and machine learning

Bjelopoljac Amir Kolić He achieved an unattainable dream for many - enrolling in graduate studies at the prestigious Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) in the United States.

Kolić completed his undergraduate studies at Cambridge in May, earning a double degree in mathematics, computer science, data science, and economics. He spoke to "Vijesti" about completing his undergraduate studies, which has secured him admission to postgraduate (master's) studies, where he will continue his research work in the fields of artificial intelligence and machine learning.

After his talent was recognized very early, from his preschool days at the “Dušan Korać” Elementary School, and at the Mathematics Olympiad, he earned the maximum one hundred points, he continued to win first places at the “Miloje Dobrašinović” Gymnasium. He completed his third and fourth grades at the United World Colleges (UWC) in Mostar, where he continued to achieve success.

The Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) is ranked as the first or one of the top three universities in the world.

“MIT is particularly known for its computer science, engineering, mathematics, and, perhaps most relevantly at the moment, machine learning and artificial intelligence. MIT was instrumental in the early development of computing. Even today, computer science is the most popular program at MIT, and many consider it the best school for that program. MIT is definitely dominant in mathematics as well, with a very rich offering of courses, excellent professors, and opportunities for undergraduate research,” says Kolić.

He states that competitive experience in mathematics at the national and international levels (junior BMO, BMO, IMO), high school activities and, of course, the IB diploma at UWC Mostar were a springboard for further success.

“During my studies at UWC, I was a member of the laboratory sections, the founder of the mathematics team, and collaborated with professors in preparing students for competitions. The IB offers opportunities for students to demonstrate initiative, entrepreneurship, and personal responsibility through volunteer work and sports, which are equally important to universities. More than just an item on a resume for university applications, IMO meant for me to broaden my perspective, learn about possible opportunities for math competitors, and that's when I first heard about MIT and learned about the culture at different universities."

He says that the IB (International Baccalaureate) is an international high school diploma that is one of the most recognized school programs in the world and that the experience in Mostar managed to prepare him for going to Cambridge, as well as for starting at MIT.

When asked how he managed to bridge the gap between his specialization in a combination of four majors: mathematics, computational science, economics, and data science, he replied that, in fact, there is a very strong synergy between these seemingly independent fields.

“First of all, MIT has a General Institute Requirements (GIR) that requires all students to complete a certain quota of core science courses (two maths, two physics, biology and chemistry), as well as eight courses in various social science groups. I had taken economics back in IB in Mostar, and I certainly planned to complete a large part of the GIR requirements through economics. I wanted to choose a mix of pure abstract mathematics and computer science, with a focus on algorithms, statistics, machine learning and artificial intelligence.”

Kolić states that artificial intelligence and machine learning will be the central focus of his research, with these areas currently being applied in various spheres and sciences, which, he says, gives him some flexibility in choosing what he wants to focus on.

"Specifically, the Poggio lab, where I currently do research, is at a very interesting intersection between machine learning, artificial intelligence, and neuroscience."

However, he still has no answer to the question of what he will do after completing his education.

“I am currently interning in New York and gaining very significant industry experience, and I also interned in Berlin last year. I will put academia and research back in focus during my upcoming master's program, which will give me a richer perspective and make it easier to make a decision. Of course, this will also depend on the opportunities presented, not only on personal preferences. The master's and industry experience give me a certain flexibility, and the only thing I can say about this decision is that I believe that evolution has always favored adaptability.”

It tells young and talented people who dream of attending one of the world's universities that goals are achievable, especially if they are sincere, that is, motivated by a great and sincere passion for what they do.

"It's easier to say that from a position where we already know what attracts us and what we are seemingly effortlessly interested in, so I would tell students to discover where that spark of curiosity lies."

During the period he spent in Bijelo Polje, as he says, many friends, teachers, professors, and family members were very important to his growth and development.

“By singling out anyone, I risk unintentionally neglecting an individual or creating a list that is too long for one answer, and I am sure that every person who enriched my time in Bijelo Polje will recognize themselves in this answer. However, I would have to especially single out a teacher Nevena Ljujic, who, in perhaps one of the most significant developmental moments for a mathematician, was a huge positive factor for my development, both mathematically and as a person. I am very happy that she continues to inspire both students and teachers with her dedication and that her efforts have been recognized with numerous awards. I am sure that every student who had the opportunity to study with her is very grateful and that over time they will only become more aware of the importance of a quality pedagogical approach, especially during that period, just like I am," said Kolić.