My name is Yan Furtado Coutinho, and I am a PhD student in Electrical Engineering at the Federal University of Juiz de Fora (UFJF), Brazil, where I am a member of the research group led by Professor Moisés Vidal Ribeiro. As part of my doctoral studies, I had the opportunity to spend one year in Klagenfurt, Austria, working with Professor Andrea Tonello, who also serves as a co-supervisor of my PhD. This experience became one of the most memorable and rewarding periods of my academic journey.

My research focuses on in-band full-duplex for power line communication systems. In simple terms, power line communication uses existing electrical wiring not only to deliver electricity but also to transmit data. My work investigates ways to improve the spectral efficiency of these systems. This research combines areas such as digital communication and signal processing.

One of the main reasons for choosing Klagenfurt for my research stay was the opportunity to work closely with Professor Tonello. His contributions to the fields of communications, signal processing, and power line communications are internationally recognized, and it was a great privilege to learn from his expertise and collaborate with him on topics directly related to my doctoral research.

While my stay was initially motivated by the opportunity to work with Professor Tonello, I quickly discovered that the experience would be much broader than I had imagined. Through my work with him, I became part of the daily life of the Institute of Networked and Embedded Systems (NES), where I found an excellent research environment, outstanding infrastructure, and a welcoming academic community.

The stay also had a significant impact on my research. Working closely with Professor Tonello and the researchers at NES allowed me to exchange ideas on a daily basis, gain new perspectives on challenging problems, and further develop the work that forms the basis of my doctoral research. The collaborative environment at NES played an important role in my scientific and professional growth.

What I remember most fondly, however, are the people I met. From the administrative staff to the researchers and PhD students, everyone was exceptionally kind, approachable, and willing to help. Moving to another country can be challenging, but the warmth and friendliness of the people at NES made me feel at home very quickly. I made friendships and memories that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

One particularly memorable experience was being invited to participate in the NES Retreat. It was a wonderful opportunity not only to present my research and receive valuable feedback, but also to get to know my colleagues better in a more relaxed environment. The retreat perfectly reflected the spirit of the institute: a combination of scientific excellence, collaboration, and genuine human connection.

Outside the university, I gradually discovered how enjoyable it was to live in Klagenfurt. As I became more familiar with the city, I appreciated its quality of life, its welcoming atmosphere, and the many opportunities for leisure and outdoor activities. One place that became especially memorable was the Wörthersee. Its beauty is truly remarkable, and some of my favorite memories from Austria are the summer days spent there with friends from NES. Those moments combined the stunning scenery of Carinthia with the friendships that made my stay so special.

I was also fortunate to explore some parts of Carinthia during my stay. Although there is still much of the region that I have not seen, every place I visited was impressive. Through the NES Retreat, I had the opportunity to discover Ossiach and the beautiful Ossiacher See. I also visited the Kölnbreinsperre, whose scale and scenery are simply breathtaking, and the Klopeiner See, another wonderful destination with a vibrant atmosphere. These experiences allowed me to appreciate the extraordinary natural beauty of the region.

Looking back, my year in Klagenfurt was much more than a research stay. It was a period of professional growth, cultural exchange, friendship, and unforgettable experiences. I am deeply grateful to Professor Tonello, to everyone at NES, and to the University of Klagenfurt for making me feel so welcome. Klagenfurt, NES, and Carinthia will always hold a special place in my memories.