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Walterio Mayol-Cuevas

Principal Research Scientist, University of Bristol

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Walterio joined Amazon in August 2017 on leave of absence from his academic post at the University of Bristol in the UK where he is a professor of robotics, computer vision and mobile systems. His work at Amazon involves developing new ideas for the business and diving deep on real-time computer vision and intelligence systems.

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“As an academic joining Amazon, there was a natural thrill to work closer to the lighting speed progress of modern industry. I believe any researcher is naturally attracted to the chance to test theories and methods in the real world. This is key for guiding better products that delight people, but also crucial to finding new research directions.”

While Walterio brings new ideas to his work at Amazon, he also stays connected to open-ended research with his team in Bristol. “It brings challenges no question, but Amazon has been amazingly conductive to allow me to keep working with my group of students and colleagues at the University. One extra benefit of being in Seattle is that it is 8 hours behind the UK, so I can energize myself talking to my students at the end of their day before coming to work on super exciting things at Amazon.”

Every day is like Day 1 for Walterio. “Working from inside Amazon has taught me to be a better researcher and be more efficient as a person. Every day I learn new things. Who would have thought I needed to step inside industry to learn things like that? But it is true!”

Working from inside Amazon has taught me to be a better researcher and be more efficient as a person. Every day I learn new things.
Walterio Mayol-Cuevas, Amazon Scholar

At Amazon, we take pride in our unique work culture and our leadership principles. “It is amazing that the culture here encourages and supports peculiar ways of doing things. No one here is afraid of trying things out or perhaps being misunderstood at first. And everyone is enticed to Think Big!”

In addition to our unique work culture, Amazon launched the Scholars program to support the unique needs and aspirations of academics worldwide. Walterio has some advice for fellow academics: “Most definitely try it out! It’s about learning lots and helping to build the future.”

Outside of Amazon, Walterio enjoys spending quality time with his family. “My wife and I are originally from Mexico. After moving from Europe to Seattle we have found paradise in terms of authentic Mexican food, and importantly, many lovely people to share it with. There is also so much to do in the city.”

Learn more about our Amazon Scholars program.

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