Robotics graduate and data engineer Miguel Angel from Mexico has many ways of describing himself. He is also, from time to time, a baker, writer, pianist, folk dancer and runner. Yet one of his biggest passions brought him thousands of kilometres from home to Kaunas University of Technology (KTU).
Miguel was born in Zacatecas, a small and colourful city nestled among the hills of north-central Mexico. He describes his hometown with an almost poetic expression – a city with pink quarry skin and a silver heart, referring to the pink quarry stone that characterises its historic centre and the rich silver mines hidden beneath it.
His journey towards robotics began already in middle school, when science fiction inspired him to start learning about the field as an extracurricular activity.
“As I began learning about algorithms and control systems, I became fascinated by how the synchronised interplay between physical and software systems could create machines capable of carrying out such varied tasks, much like a symphony creates music,” says the recent KTU graduate.
From a Silver Heart to a Green City
Even before finishing school in Mexico, Miguel knew he wanted to experience studying abroad. There was also a practical reason to look beyond his hometown – the full degree programme he wanted to pursue was not available at local universities.
While researching international opportunities, he discovered that KTU had an exchange agreement with his home institution. Looking further into the university, he found something even more important – KTU offered a bachelor’s degree in Robotics. That was enough to convince him to apply.
“I was very excited to take this step, curious to see how I would make it on my own in a completely different country,” he recalls.
His first impression of Kaunas was of a relaxed and easy-going city surrounded by greenery. “Everything seemed to follow a harmonious order, and I remember being amazed by everything around me. I like to think I still feel that way,” says Miguel.
KTU, however, took a little more getting used to. He remembers the transition from August to September as windy and rainy, while the unfamiliar university corridors initially felt a bit strange at first.
That feeling disappeared quickly once the studies began. “As soon as I started my very first physics lecture alongside the people who would become my classmates and friends, I realised that no matter how cold the weather or liminal the spaces, having supportive people around you make it much easier to adapt to any new environment,” he says.
His studies also took him beyond Lithuania. Through the Erasmus programme, Miguel had another opportunity to study abroad, meet students from different countries and experience new approaches to learning and working.
Later, he joined the KTU Exchange Counsellors team, where he could use his own international experience to support other students embarking on their exchange journeys.
Looking back at his studies, Miguel also sees areas where the learning experience could become stronger. While emphasising the professionalism and expertise of his professors, he believes some theoretical lectures could benefit from greater interaction and more detailed explanations rather than relying heavily on presentation slides.
One Thesis Submitted, Another KTU Chapter Ahead
After years of lectures, laboratories and projects, one academic moment stands above the rest for Miguel – submitting his final thesis.
“It felt like proof that I had mastered my field – that I was the author of something that reflected all the effort I’d put in,” he says.
His university years also brought achievements that cannot be measured by a diploma. With interests ranging from music and writing to dancing, running and baking, Miguel had to learn how to balance his studies with the many activities he wanted to continue exploring.
Learning to manage his time and priorities, he says, became one of the most important parts of his personal growth.
Graduation, however, is not the end of Miguel’s story at KTU. Having completed his bachelor’s degree, he has already been accepted to continue his studies in the master’s programme in Control Technologies at the university.
At the same time, his professional career has already begun. Miguel is currently a data engineer intern. This opportunity allows him to broaden his knowledge beyond robotics and explore other areas of technology.
In the longer term, however, he hopes to bring his career closer to the field that first fascinated him years ago.
“I would like to continue my career in the human-robot interaction field,” he says.
From discovering robotics through science fiction in Zacatecas to completing a degree thousands of kilometres away from home, Miguel’s journey has already crossed countries, disciplines and cultures. With another KTU degree ahead of him, the next chapter is about to begin.
Inspired by Miguel’s journey? Discover study opportunities at KTU and find your own path.
