PROFILE Karl Nyberg, student representative in the AI council, is a man with drive. When he finishes his medical studies, it is very likely that he will use his AI and VR skills as an engineer. One possibility is to develop tools to help poorer countries.
Karl Nyberg trained as a civil engineer in mechanical engineering in Linköping. He moved back to Stockholm, where he worked for six years with flow simulations and VR development.
Now he is about to build on the number of higher education credits. In 2021, he started the Medical Program at Umeå University.
”I could have chosen Karolinska, but I actually feel better in a slightly smaller city, so I just applied to Umeå. Among other things, I like hiking, and nature is close here.”
Quite soon after arriving in Umeå, Karl Nyberg contacted the Department of Integrative Medical Biology, IMB. He suggested that Virtual Reality, VR, could be for them.
”I have done a project that helps first-semester students with anatomy. It started with digital versions of skeletons and skulls. The technology is cheaper than real copies, and it is easier to control”, says Karl Nyberg.
VR picture created by Karl Nyberg.
ImageKarl NybergDiagnostic instrument
Starting in the summer of 2023, Karl Nyberg is running a research project on using AI to diagnose ear infections. Here, flow technology is used to simulate sound dynamics for the eardrum. Sound is pushed into children's ears, and then how much sound comes back is measured.
”It is faster to develop a product if you do it digitally. When I'm done, there should be a reliable simulation model.”
Extended assignment
In the fall of 2022, Karl Nyberg was assigned as a student representative in the Faculty of Medicine's Council for Artificial Intelligence and Autonomous Systems, MAI. Actually, it should go to a PhD student, but Karl's competence weighed heavily. In fact, to the extent that he is allowed to continue a year longer than is usual.
”I am very grateful for that.”
On behalf of MAI, Karl Nyberg participated in Kaleidoscope, which brought together AI-interested employees and students as well as a networking meeting with other universities in Sweden. He was also invited to the Department of Molecular Biology to speak about AI.
With an upward gaze and still in his chair in the AI council.
ImageClaes BjörnbergAs for Karl's future direction as a doctor, he keeps the doors open.
”I have realized that radiology is good if I am going to continue with AI. Also cardiology, which is largely about flows and pressure, which I worked with as an engineer.”
But general practitioners are also attractive.
“One aspect is to develop relatively cheap tools, which can be helpful in poorer countries and also improve public health in the rest of the world. Maybe technology that allows you to use an ordinary mobile phone instead of expensive instruments that are only available in health centers and hospitals”, says Karl Nyberg.