Nominations of EPFL women professors

Professor Michaela Hirschmann, currently Assistant Professor at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Michaela Hirschmann’s research investigates the cosmic development of black holes and galaxies, making it possible to model the formation of galaxies with great precision. She is one of the world’s leading theoreticians in this field, and her findings are all the more important now that new terrestrial and space telescopes will be able to observe the first moments of the universe in the coming years. Through her appointment, the school is boosting synergies and partnerships at EPFL in the field of astrophysics and other areas.

Dr Zoë Holmes, currently a post-doctoral student at Los Alamos National Laboratory, New Mexico, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physics in the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Zoë Holmes’ research focuses on different areas of quantum computing. She has already made important contributions to quantum thermodynamics and fluctuation theory. Furthermore, she is the lead author of numerous academic articles, which not only demonstrate her originality but also show that she can turn her ideas into reality. This well-known researcher will solve pressing scientific problems and strenghten cooperation with other schools at EPFL, including the School of Computer Sciences, in order to develop quantum machine learning algorithms.

Dr Kenan Zhang, currently Research Assistant at Northwestern University, Illinois, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering in the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Kenan Zhang’s research looks at transport management, with particular reference to newly emerging mobility services, autonomous vehicles and machine learning in transport. In her work, she combines her specialist knowledge of engineering and transport with her statistical skills. Her research interests are a match with the school’s interdisciplinary approach and its emphasis on the digitalisation of urban infrastructures. This up-and-coming researcher also contributes to quantifying the potential of innovations for improving urban mobility, efficiency and sustainability.