Thomas Kerst

Thomas Kerst has a diverse work experience spanning various roles and industries.

Thomas started their career as a Conscript in the Bundeswehr, serving as a Gebirgsjäger in the 1st and 6th/Gebirgsjägerbataillon 233 Mittenwald from July 2010 to March 2011.

Following their military service, they worked as a Research Assistant at Ulm University from August 2011 to July 2012, where they performed lab work and engaged in programming and writing tasks.

Thomas then moved on to Heidelberg University, where they served as a Research Assistant from August 2012 to July 2013. During this time, they analyzed images of ice drill cores and implemented basic computer vision and AI algorithms to interpret the data.

In 2015, Thomas joined Tampere University as a Doctoral Student. Thomas worked in this role from March 2015 to August 2019. Additionally, they served as a Teaching Assistant from August 2016 to May 2019, showcasing their ability to excel in both academic and support roles.

Thomas gained industry experience at Recon AI, starting as a Chief Technology Officer from April 2017 to August 2018 and later transitioning to an Advisor to the Board from September 2018 to January 2020.

In 2020, they joined TRIOPTICS as a Senior Optical Engineer, where they developed AR/VR metrology systems and led the development and delivery of customized solutions to clients. Their tenure at TRIOPTICS lasted from July 2020 to July 2021.

Currently, Thomas is working at OPTOFIDELITY, where they hold multiple roles. Thomas started as a Senior Optical Engineer in August 2021. In April 2022, they briefly served as a Lead Optical Designer before transitioning to their current position as a Product Manager from June 2022 onwards.

Thomas Kerst's education history begins in 1998 when they attended GHWRS Nellingen for their secondary education, where they studied general studies. Thomas continued their secondary education at GHWRS Laichingen from 2003 to 2004, also focusing on general studies. In 2004, Thomas briefly studied banking and financial support services at Sparkasse Ulm, but discontinued their studies without obtaining a degree. From 2005 to 2007, they attended Fachhochschule Neu-Ulm, earning a limited high school diploma in natural sciences. In 2007, Thomas obtained their high school diploma from FOS Augsburg, with a field of study in natural sciences. Thomas then pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in physics from Ulm University from 2008 to 2012. Thomas furthered their education by completing a Master of Science degree in physics from Heidelberg University from 2012 to 2014. Their education journey culminated at Tampere University, where they obtained a Doctor of Philosophy degree in nuclear physics & optics from 2015 to 2019.