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)

    Master of Science in Engineering (Data Science)

    Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)

    Feb 2026 - Present

    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

    Bachelor in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

    Lucerne University of Applied Sciences and Arts (HSLU)

    Sep 2021 - Jan 2026

    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

    Information Technologist, Application Development

    Gewerblich-industrielles Bildungszentrum Zug

    Aug 2017 - Jul 2021

    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

I like building things

During my time in university, I attended multiple hackathons. People from around the country would come together and build incredible things in 2-3 days. It was eye-opening to see the endless possibilities brought to life by a group of motivated and passionate individuals.

TechHacks 2023

San Francisco, CA

Built a machine learning-powered chatbot that helps students find relevant study resources. Won Best Use of AI award.

TechHacks 2025

Brasilia, BR

Built a machine learning-powered chatbot that helps students find relevant study resources. Won Best Use of AI award.

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