PhD defense of Dr. Victoria He

We are proud to announce that Dr. Victoria He has successfully completed her Ph.D. at the Laboratory for Applied Mechanical Design (LAMD), EPFL. Her research focused on one of the most demanding challenges in clean energy: integrating high-temperature turbomachinery with Solid Oxide Fuel Cell (SOFC) combined heat and power (CHP) systems.

Victoria's interdisciplinary work bridged process engineering, electrochemistry, thermodynamics, and aerodynamics. She developed new SOFC system architectures that make efficient use of high-temperature off-gases and support compatibility with carbon capture technologies. Her carbon formation risk maps offer a novel design and diagnostic tool, improving both safety and reliability. She also introduced a validated methodology for designing gas bearing-supported turbomachinery under extreme thermal and mechanical conditions.

One of her most notable accomplishments is a working prototype of a steam-driven, gas bearing-supported compressor-turbine, designed to withstand real-world variations. These advances pave the way for more efficient, carbon-neutral CHP systems and bring their practical deployment a step closer.

Beyond her technical achievements, Victoria also taught and mentored students, while sharing her award-winning research at top conferences and in leading journals, making a tangible impact on both academia and industry in the race to decarbonize heat and power.

Victoria has been an integral part of our lab, not just for her exceptional technical skills and dedication, but also for her warmth, positivity, and collaborative spirit. It’s been a true pleasure to work alongside her and witness her evolution into a remarkable researcher.

We’re incredibly proud of all she has achieved and can’t wait to see where her journey takes her next. Congratulations, Dr. He, you’ve truly earned it!