Meet Philip Lau – research assistant

A short intro: Who are you and what’s your professional background?
I am Philip Søren Peder Østerdahl Overgaard Lau – though most people just call me Lau. I am a research assistant with an MSc in Technology Based Business Development (graduated in January 2026). My background is built on a hands-on engineering mindset, ranging from shop floor management in concrete production at the age of 20 to several years of digitalisation and AI development within the LEGO Group as a student worker. I thrive on bridging the gap between high-level strategic management and technical execution.

What is your area of work?
Currently, I’m working with Mirko and Eva on the IT Vest project, focusing on architecting digital tools and curricula that help both students and teachers become more experienced in digital domains.

My daily work (for now) involves building LLM sandboxes for RAG-based chatbots, facilitating AI workshops using the 33A AI Cards® methodology, and developing technical modules on cybersecurity threat modelling. Essentially, I ensure that our students are not just learning theory but are also equipped with industry-standard IT practices (at least, that’s the hope).

Why did you choose to work at the Department of Business Development and Technology?
I was asked if I was interested, and I liked the tasks that were pitched to me. (I’m not planning to pursue a PhD afterwards.)

Would you like to share a bit about yourself, your family and your hobbies?
I live in Herning with my girlfriend; we have been together for eight years. When I’m not deep in a code repository or rewatching Infinity War (I’m a massive Marvel fan), you’ll find me at the gym. I bring the same focus to a classic weightlifting snatch session as I do to my engineering projects. I’m also a bit of a tinkerer at home – I’m currently building my own voice assistant (think J.A.R.V.I.S. or F.R.I.D.A.Y.) and a yoga streaming platform for my girlfriend, who is a certified yin instructor.