This is Adrian Garcia, currently a team leader at Ericsson Research on AI/ML for the NR and 6G Air Interfaces. This role entails, among others, identifying the key research areas where our focus should be placed, coordinating the technical work of a large number of researchers spread across the world, or devising the strategy of Ericsson in the area. I think it's fair to say that I would not be holding this position if I hadn't crossed paths with David and spent 4 years with him at Bell Labs.
I joined Bell Labs immediately after finishing my PhD as a post-doctoral researcher. At that time, David was already a world-renowned researcher in the area of small cells and acted as a mentor in the area upon my arrival. The key feature of the time we spent together can be summarized in one word: Excellence. David searches for excellence in every aspect of everything he does and rewards and appreciates those around him to also reach a high standard. This entails not only the technical aspect where the mathematical theory, simulation work, or the understanding of the intuition behind results needs to be solid before internal acceptance, but other aspects like presentations (slides, storyline, oral expression, ...), or general behaviour, which always needs to be irreproachable.
Experiencing an environment where high quality is constantly required is intense for sure. It requires a certain mindset to withstand but also enjoy vivid discussions, accepting harsh but fair feedback, the high workload, and the recurrent need of getting out of one's comfort zone and learning completely new things. David will always go the extra mile and dedicate time to his colleagues whenever needed. I'd say that all of these are required if you are to collaborate with other top researchers and deliver high-caliber work. David, by all means, has demonstrated having the best and most difficult quality of a real mentor: Being capable of providing sufficient space to grow, augmenting trust as time passes by, and smoothly transitioning from a mentor to a collaborator and friend.
I hope these words encourage those that feel identified with this way of thinking to join David in a journey that is nothing less than life changing and rewarding.
Dr. Adrian Garcia Rodriguez - Master researcher and Team Leader, Ericsson Research
