ICE welcomes Uelun-Ujin Purev, a Swiss Government Scholarship holder

She shares her initial thoughts upon arriving in Switzerland and joining both EPFL and the SLL community.

1. What is your background, and how did you join the ICE lab?

I joined ICE in September 2023 as a Postdoctoral fellow funded by the Swiss Government Excellence Scholarship. I completed my PhD at Kyushu University, Japan in 2022. Before joining ICE, I held the position of Senior Lecturer at the Mongolian University of Science and Technology. My doctoral research focused on investigating the thermal indoor environment and occupants' behaviors within urban yurts in Mongolia. This experience not only enriched my academic background but also fueled my interest in the ICE study concerning the resiliency of Tuva yurts and I reached out to Professor Dolaana Khovalyg and requested her collaboration to further elaborate on our research together.

2. What is the focus of your research, and how does your prior research experience fit the project?

In my current research at ICE, my primary focus is on the development of bioclimatic strategies for residential buildings in Switzerland. This involves drawing inspiration from vernacular building strategies tailored to the local climate. Building on the insights gained from my previous research and the ICE study on the resiliency of Tuva yurts, I am extending my investigations to include Swiss vernacular architecture, with a specific emphasis on the iconic Swiss Chalet and other vernacular buildings adapted to cold climates. By leveraging the knowledge gained from diverse cultural contexts, I aim to contribute to the development of sustainable and resilient residential building strategies that are well-suited to the unique environmental challenges presented by the Swiss climate.

3. What is your impression of living in Switzerland?

Having grown up and received my education primarily within Asian culture, my experience in Switzerland has been both new and enriching. My initial impression of the country was marked by its remarkable diversity, fostering an environment where various societies and cultures naturally encourage communication and interaction among people. One notable aspect that stood out to me is the emphasis on maintaining a balanced work-life dynamic. In Switzerland, individuals are dedicated and hardworking during their official working hours, and beyond that, they prioritize spending quality time with their families or for personal pursuits. This cultural aspect has left a positive impact on my perspective, highlighting the value placed on both professional and personal well-being in Swiss society.

4. What are your impressions of the EPFL and Smart Living Lab?

I find that EPFL provides an incredibly diverse and international environment, coupled with excellent facilities. One notable feature is the availability of numerous important internal courses conducted in English, making it highly accessible for international individuals. I am particularly grateful for the warm welcome and support extended to me by Professor Dolaana Khovalyg, who not only hosts me in her team for research but has also been instrumental in aiding my settlement in Switzerland.

Moreover, the support from fellow Smart Living Lab members has been invaluable. Their friendliness and willingness to assist extend beyond the realm of research, contributing significantly to both my professional and personal integration into the EPFL community.