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with the group. It gave me the
opportunity to talk to other
researchers. The scale was much
different, and people were much more
engaged.
These universities are
structured in a way that allows people
to be great. There are a lot of faculty
and visitors.
You are exposed to
cutting edge research all of the time.
A research community like that can
attract people to stay.
At the University of Ljubljana, the
group was maybe a couple of students.
We never really got visitors. You’re
kind of there on your own. Maybe you
go to conferences, but that’s it. In
Toronto, everyone is coming. There is
always someone you can talk to who is
interested in your research. It’s
awesome! I said that’s it. I’m going to
finish my PhD, and then I am going
abroad.
What was the most exciting part
about moving?
I
really love research.
The
opportunities there are just incredible.
It’s my passion. I can never switch off
my brain. Even when on vacation, I am
always thinking about my work.
Did you sacrifice anything by moving?
I really miss my family, but I find ways
to see them often. I go home basically
after every deadline. Before a
deadline, I work really hard, and then
the next week, I visit home and relax. I
get to see my sister and her kids, my
parents, and my friends.
This brings me to my next observation,
if this impressive research community
could attract you from across the
world then maybe the Vector Institute
can also bring in talent from all over.
Yes - That’s we hope!
At what moment in your career, did
you start to feel less like a student and
more like a teacher?
Ooh - That’s a tough one. I still feel like
a student, just a different kind of
student. When you are a student, you
are learning the field. Now as a
professor, I am learning how to teach.
I always feel like I am learning.
What is more difficult, deep learning or
“deep teaching”?
[
laughs
] Probably deep teaching…
Deep learning is really interesting so
it’s easy to pick up.
What is more satisfying, a successful
paper of yours or from a student?
[
replies with certainty
] A student’s -
The best thing is to see the paper
being accepted and seeing the student
become super excited. That’s the
TuesdaySanja Fidler
13
“In Toronto, everyone is coming. There is always someone you
can talk to who is interested in your research. It’s awesome!”
“…
deep teaching…
”
Apparently, being cool is a family trait:
Sanja with niece Ajda and nephew Marsel