‘The Most Important Lesson I've Learned at HSE Is the Power of Collaboration’
Jingtao Xu (called Andy in English) earned a Bachelor’s degree in Applied Mathematics at HSE University–Moscow and is now studying on the Master’s in Math of Machine Learning. In this interview with the HSE News Service, Andy talks about his plans to develop his robotics research into a commercial product, how online shopping in Moscow has improved since he first arrived, and why now is a good time to capitalise on Russian–Chinese cooperation.
Educational Background
I moved from Beijing to Moscow for family reasons, studied in a Russian school in the 10th and 11th grades, and took the Russian national higher education exam here.
In school, I had a very inspiring computer science teacher who introduced me to C and Python. This experience sparked my strong interest in computers and gave me a broad view of the field.
I believe that technology will become as transformative in many areas as machinery once was
Impressions of HSE
HSE’s academic environment is unlike the traditional Russian or Soviet systems. It’s youthful and dynamic, offering endless opportunities for students to explore their talents, and it builds strong connections with the international academic community. I’ve been studying in English since my undergraduate days.
I genuinely appreciate all the subjects and professors. They are knowledgeable and open-minded, with flexible and engaging teaching styles.
I've taken part in several projects, such as working in the computer science lab. These activities have greatly enriched my campus life and helped me meet many like-minded friends
I use AI to help get information I need more efficiently, organising the vast amount of data online. Artificial intelligence is a natural outcome of our times, much like how smartphones have changed our lives. Generative language models can handle specific tasks, which saves a lot of effort.
Skoltech
I am in the joint programme run by the HSE Faculty of Computer Science and Skoltech. I work part-time in the Skoltech robotics laboratory and am in the process of preparing a startup project there focusing on artificial intelligence and robotics.
First, we will complete our research project, which focuses on training AI models to learn and replicate human-specific movements, enabling humanoid robots to achieve independent operational capabilities. Following this, we plan to develop it into a commercial product.
Adapting to Russian Life
Coming to Russia was tough at first because Russian culture is very different from what I was used to in Asia. However, I adapted pretty quickly.
Russians are warm and friendly. Making friends here feels really comforting; they’re not as cold as stereotypes might suggest
Most of the challenges I faced were related to everyday life. Between 2016 and 2018, online shopping and logistics in Russia weren’t as convenient as they are now. I also had trouble finding some of the ingredients I was used to from home. Thankfully, things have improved a lot since then.
I studied Russian in school and have been working to improve it ever since. For me, Russian is really important in daily life and studies—it not only helps me fit into the local culture but also makes communicating with Russian friends and professors much easier.
Networking Opportunities
My degree has given me a great platform, and my classmates and lab colleagues form an incredibly valuable network.
It’s important to talk with your classmates as much as possible and try to blend into the local culture—you’ll really appreciate its unique charm.
Given the current global situation, it’s a good idea to look for companies involved in Chinese–Russian cooperation and use your background to add value
I try to join as many events and academic projects as I can. If you’re interested in a particular group, just reach out and start a conversation.
My Routine
My typical day starts with getting up in the morning, followed by a workout at the gym. After that, I head to class and spend time in the Skoltech lab. After lunch, I return to the lab for more studying, and in the evening, I play tennis or badminton, or hang out with friends.
I live at home. I really enjoy cooking and am skilled in both Chinese and Western cuisine. I love exploring different types of food.
My hobbies include reading, programming, and listening to music. In my free time, I enjoy playing sports with friends—like basketball or golf—and I also love traveling.
I love the narrow alleys of the city centre, the riverside along the Moscow River, and some unique little cafes
If my friends or family visit, I’d definitely take them to those spots so they can experience the city’s unique history and cultural charm.
Life Lessons
My motto is: ‘My memory is all I have in this life—what could be scarier than that?’ This saying continually inspires me to face challenges in my studies and daily life.
My passion for future technology and curiosity about the unknown drive me to keep learning. The perseverance and achievements of my outstanding peers and mentors have also deeply inspired me to always strive for progress.
During my time at HSE, the most important lesson I've learned is the power of openness and collaboration. Whether in academic research or everyday life, sharing knowledge and helping one another is key to success.
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