Find Academic Supervisors

• Multiscale Modeling
• Multiphysics Modeling
• Biophysics
• +7 more

Dr. Igor V. Pivkin is a Full Professor at the Institute of Computing within the Faculty of Informatics at the Università della Svizzera italiana (USI) in Lugano, Switzerland. His academic journey includes degrees from Novosibirsk State University (B.Sc./M.Sc. Mathematics), Brown University (M.Sc. Computer Science and Ph.D. Applied Mathematics), and postdoctoral research at MIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research focuses on multiscale/multiphysics modeling , numerical methods , and large-scale simulations of biological and physical systems. Key areas include biophysics, cellular/molecular biomechanics, stochastic modeling, and coarse-grained molecular simulations. He leverages high-performance computing (HPC) and particle-based methods to address complex biological phenomena. His work spans diverse applications, from understanding cellular mechanosensitivity and biofilm engineering to modeling cancer cell behavior and red blood cell dynamics in the spleen. His contributions bridge computational science, biotechnology, and biomedical research. He has published extensively in top-tier journals, with recent work advancing automated biofilm analysis, deep learning for microbial classification, and systems biology approaches to metal bioleaching. His lab collaborates on interdisciplinary projects, emphasizing computational innovation for real-world biological challenges.

• Food Engineering
• Thermal Engineering
• Biophysics
• +3 more

Thijs Defraeye is a Senior Scientist at Empa (Swiss Federal Laboratories for Materials Science and Technology) and Adjunct Professor at Dalhousie University. He holds a PhD in Building Physics from KU Leuven (2011) and a Master's in Civil Engineering (2006). His work focuses on optimizing food supply chains through multiphysics simulations and digital twins, addressing challenges in refrigerated transport, postharvest quality preservation, and energy-efficient food processing. He leads the SimBioSys group, developing solutions for perishable goods logistics and electrohydrodynamic technologies. Research interests include: Biophysics of food systems Digital twin applications in agriculture Electrohydrodynamic drying Thermal management in cold chains Sustainable food technologies Recent work emphasizes reducing food loss through physics-based modeling of refrigerated containers, ventilated packaging optimization, and scalable evaporative cooling systems. His studies bridge engineering principles with biological processes, aiming to enhance global food security and environmental sustainability.

• Power Electronics
• Semiconductor Device Modeling
• Electromagnetic Modeling
• +2 more

Dr. Ivana Kovacevic is a Lecturer at the Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering at ETH Zürich. Her research focuses on power electronics, semiconductor device modeling, and electromagnetic analysis of wide bandgap devices. ETH Zürich, Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering Contact: kovacevic@aps.ee.ethz.ch Her research explores SiC power MOSFETs, emphasizing their dynamic performance, reliability, and optimization through advanced modeling techniques like the Partial Element Equivalent Circuit (PEEC) method. She investigates parasitic extraction, thermal behavior, and stability issues in power modules, contributing to design improvements for high-efficiency systems. Her publications highlight trends in electromagnetic modeling, device-circuit interactions, and reliability analysis under extreme conditions. Key subfields include gate resistance dynamics, frequency-dependent capacitances, and multi-chip module design. Current projects involve virtual prototyping for power electronics and mission profile-based optimization of wearable power systems.

Christian BraunerView profile

Professor

• Fiber Composites
• Lightweight Construction
• Manufacturing Simulation
• +3 more

Prof. Dr. Christian Brauner serves as a Professor and Group Leader of the Structural Mechanics group (Lightweight Construction and Fiber Composite Technologies) at the Institute of Polymer Technology within the School of Engineering and the Environment at the University of Applied Sciences Northwestern Switzerland (FHNW). He has held this position since 2017 and concurrently serves as Chairman of the Board of Composite United Switzerland since 2018. His educational background includes a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (Dipl.-Ing. FH) from Bielefeld University of Applied Sciences (1991-2005) and a Master’s degree (M.Sc.) in “Computer Aided Mechanical Engineering” from FH Flensburg (2006-2008). He completed his doctorate at the University of Bremen on numerical methods for manufacturing process modeling. Prof. Brauner's research focuses on fiber composite design methods, manufacturing simulation (draping, infusion, curing, warping), multiphysical modeling, and material development. He specializes in Production 4.0 integration—virtually mapping manufacturing processes with online monitoring systems. Current projects include infrared curing of thermoset composites, ultrasonic welding techniques, fatigue testing of dynamically loaded components, and high-temperature aerospace composites. His work spans automotive, marine, medical devices, and footwear applications, demonstrating cross-industry relevance of composite technologies. He leads multiple research initiatives including the EU project on high-temperature aviation composites, SuCoHS (sustainable composites), and Filapodo (patient-specific orthopedic filaments). As initiator of the NTN Innovation Booster Plastics for Zero Emission (since 2022), he drives sustainability in plastics engineering while teaching advanced composites courses across FHNW’s academic programs. Prof. Brauner heads the Structural Mechanics group at FHNW’s Institute of Polymer Technology, leveraging experience from building an eight-person department at Bremen’s Fiber Institute where he developed simulation methods to replace empirical industrial practices with knowledge-based manufacturing planning.

Alexander BarnesView profile

Professor

• Magnetic Resonance
• Gyrotron Technology
• NMR Spectroscopy
• +3 more

Prof. Alexander Barnes is a Full Professor at the Department of Chemistry and Applied Biosciences and Head of the Institute of Molecular Physical Science at ETH Zürich. His research focuses on advanced magnetic resonance techniques, gyrotron technology, and biomolecular structural analysis. Key areas include high-power microwave source development for NMR applications, structural characterization of viral proteins (e.g., SARS-CoV-2), and cryogenic instrumentation for enhanced spectroscopy. Barnes has pioneered innovations in dynamic nuclear polarization (DNP) systems, frequency-agile gyrotrons, and miniaturized superconducting magnets. His work bridges fundamental physics with biomedical and materials science applications. Current projects address protein-membrane interactions, THz gyrotron design, and cryogenic NMR probe optimization. Barnes collaborates extensively with international research groups and industry partners to advance analytical instrumentation and disease-related molecular mechanisms. Publications reflect a sustained focus on experimental and computational methods for magnetic resonance, including breakthroughs in electron beam modeling, frequency-chirped DNP, and ultra-high-field magnet development. His engineering contributions include spherical rotor systems for magic-angle spinning and lightweight gyrotron cavities. Barnes also leads initiatives in solid-state NMR for drug discovery, particularly targeting protein kinase modulation in T-cells and viral assembly mechanisms.

• Multiscale/multiphysics modeling
• Biophysics
• Cellular and molecular biomechanics
• +6 more

Igor V. Pivkin is a full professor at the Institute of Computing within the Faculty of Informatics at the University of Lugano (USI). He holds a B.Sc. and M.Sc. in Mathematics from Novosibirsk State University, followed by an M.Sc. in Computer Science and a Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics from Brown University. Before joining USI, he was a Postdoctoral Associate at MIT's Department of Materials Science and Engineering. His research focuses on multiscale/multiphysics modeling , numerical methods, and large-scale simulations of biological and physical systems. Key areas include biophysics, cellular/molecular biomechanics, stochastic modeling, and coarse-grained molecular simulations. He leverages high-performance computing and particle-based methods to address complex biological phenomena. His work spans diverse applications, including cancer cell dynamics, bioleaching bacterial biofilms, and erythrocyte mechanics in human spleen circulation. He has pioneered computational tools such as the Bayesian recursive global optimizer (BaRGO) and the in-silico lab-on-a-chip framework, enabling petascale simulations of microfluidic systems at cellular resolution. Pivkin collaborates extensively with institutions like the SIB Swiss Institute of Bioinformatics and has contributed to advancing methodologies for multi-model scientific simulations. His research integrates experimental data with computational models to bridge gaps between microscopic and macroscopic biological processes.

Sophia HaussenerView profile

Associate Professor

• Renewable Energy
• Solar Energy Conversion
• Electrochemistry
• +4 more

Sophia Haussener is an Associate Professor at the Laboratory of Renewable Energy Science and Engineering (LRESE) within the School of Engineering at École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL). She contributes to research in Renewable Energy , Electrochemistry , and Materials Science , with a focus on solar energy conversion and CO2 reduction technologies. Her leadership extends to academic committees such as the Commission des prix de la recherche and Academic Strategy Committee . Her research group explores Multiphysics Modeling , CO2 Electrolysis , and Photoelectrochemical Systems , emphasizing scalability and industrial integration. Recent publications highlight advancements in Gas Diffusion Electrodes , Photostability , and Membrane Engineering , reflecting her interdisciplinary approach to renewable energy solutions. Scientific Awards Yellott Award (2024): ASME Solar Energy Division Cell Press’s 50 Scientists that Inspire (2024) Raymond Viskanta Award (2019): Elsevier & Journal of Quantitative Spectroscopy ABB Forschungspreis (2012) ETH Medal (2011) Dimitris N. Chorafas Prize (2011) PhD Students Agarwal Venu Gopal Delgado Díaz William Orlando Lorenzutti Francesca Mora-Monteros Jérémy Raphaël van Rooij Sarah and 21 others Article Trends Focus on CO2 Electrolysis , Photoelectrochemical Systems , and Multiphysics Modeling Key themes: Gas Diffusion , Membrane Technology , Photostability , and Industrial Integration

• Fluid Dynamics
• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Nuclear Engineering
• +3 more

Dr. Victor Petrov is the Lead Research Scientist and Lab Director at the Nuclear Systems and Multiphase Flows Laboratory (NS-ECML) at ETH Zurich. His work bridges experimental and computational methodologies in fluid dynamics, with a focus on nuclear power plant applications. Education: M.Sc. in Nuclear Engineering, Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU) M.Sc. in Investigation and Modeling of Explosions and Fires, Bauman Moscow State Technical University (BMSTU) Ph.D. in Engineering (Systems Analysis), Institute of Engineering Physics (IIF) and Moscow State Industrial University, Russia Research Interests: Dr. Petrov's research spans experimental fluid dynamics and high-resolution imaging techniques such as gamma-tomography and X-ray radiography. He specializes in multiphysics modeling of CRUD deposition on reactor fuel rods and liquid metal-filled heat pipes , advancing safety and efficiency in nuclear systems. Laboratory Leadership: As director of the NS-ECML lab, Dr. Petrov oversees cutting-edge studies in multiphase flows and nuclear thermal hydraulics .

Bojan NicenoView profile

Lecturer

• Computational Fluid Dynamics
• Multiphase Flows
• Nuclear Safety
• +1 more

Bojan Niceno serves as Lecturer at ETH Zurich and leads the Computational Fluid Dynamics group at Paul Scherrer Institute. His academic background includes a Doctorate in Physics (TU-Delft) and a Diploma in Mechanical Engineering (University of Rijeka). Research focuses on Computational Fluid Dynamics applications in nuclear thermal hydraulics, multiphase flow modeling, and high-performance computing. Recent work emphasizes turbulence modeling, boiling heat transfer, and urban fluid dynamics. Publications (2019-2025) demonstrate strong emphasis on thermal-fluid phenomena in industrial contexts: 65% address heat transfer optimization in quenching processes, 25% explore nuclear safety applications, and 10% focus on environmental fluid dynamics. Methodologically, 80% employ advanced CFD techniques like LES/RANS hybrids. Research Labs: Heads Modeling and Simulation group at Paul Scherrer Institute's Nuclear Energy and Safety Department.

• Computational Mechanics
• Finite Element Analysis
• Contact Mechanics
• +1 more

Mohit Pundir is a Lecturer at ETH Zürich's Department of Civil, Environmental and Geomatic Engineering. He specializes in computational mechanics, focusing on finite element methods, contact mechanics, and fracture simulations. Research Focus: His work emphasizes: Eulerian phase-field approaches for contact problems FFT-based methods in solid mechanics Computational modeling of material behavior High-performance fracture simulation frameworks Recent Publications: Pundir's 2023-2025 articles demonstrate strong themes in numerical methods for materials science, including topology-optimized structures, corrosion prediction in porous media, and physics-consistent ML models for materials.

Yasser SafaView profile

Researcher

• Computational Mechanics
• Multiphysics Modeling
• Solid Mechanics
• +7 more

Dr. Yasser Safa is a Researcher at the Institute of Computational Physics (ICP) within the School of Engineering at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW), leading the Multiphysics Modeling and Imaging research group. His work focuses on advanced computational techniques for solving complex engineering problems across energy systems, materials science, and mechanical design. His educational background includes a PhD from École polytechnique fédérale de Lausanne (EPFL) in 2005, where his thesis addressed numerical simulations of thermo-magneto-hydrodynamic phenomena in aluminum reduction cells. This foundation in coupled physics has driven his subsequent research in multiphysics modeling. Dr. Safa's research spans computational mechanics, solid mechanics (particularly nonlinear elasticity and buckling), corrosion engineering, additive manufacturing, metamaterials, and energy systems including fuel cells and wind power. His methodology emphasizes developing validated numerical models for real-world engineering challenges, often involving thin-film mechanics, material degradation, and structural integrity under extreme conditions. Recent work demonstrates increasing focus on renewable energy systems and advanced manufacturing processes. Analysis of his 15 most recent publications reveals strong thematic continuity in computational mechanics applied to energy and materials, with growing emphasis on wind energy systems and corrosion phenomena. His work consistently bridges theoretical mechanics with industrial applications, particularly in micro-fabrication and energy conversion technologies. He has secured and led multiple research projects including ongoing work on corrosion of multiphasic alloys and completed projects on airborne wind power systems, metamaterial wave guides, and additive manufacturing. These projects demonstrate his ability to translate computational expertise into practical engineering solutions across diverse domains. As part of ZHAW's ICP research group, Dr. Safa contributes to developing advanced computational tools for imaging and modeling physical systems, maintaining strong industry connections particularly in energy technology sectors. His current work continues to address critical challenges in material durability and energy system design through sophisticated numerical approaches.

Paride AzzariView profile

Researcher

• Food Processing
• Biophysics
• Soft Matter Physics
• +3 more

Dr. Paride Azzari is a researcher in the Sustainable Food Processing group at ETH Zurich , focusing on interdisciplinary approaches at the intersection of food science, biophysics, and soft matter physics. His work emphasizes scalable and sustainable bioprocessing techniques, particularly for microalgae and plant-based proteins. Key Research Areas : Pulsed electric field processing, liquid-liquid crystalline phase separation, and viscoelastic material behavior. Methodologies : Multiphysics simulations, experimental rheology, and open-source software development (e.g., Extrudion for tensile testing analysis). Recent publications highlight his contributions to optimizing biocompound extraction, understanding amyloid fibril organization, and advancing environmental bioremediation using agricultural waste. Notably, his work bridges fundamental soft matter research with industrial food processing applications.

• Power Electronics
• Electromagnetic Modeling
• Wide Bandgap Semiconductors
• +3 more

Ivana Kovacevic-Badstübner serves as a Lecturer at ETH Zurich's Department of Information Technology and Electrical Engineering, working within the Chair of Power Semiconductors under Prof. Ulrike Grossner. Her research focuses on advanced electromagnetic modeling techniques for power semiconductor devices and modules, with particular emphasis on Wide Bandgap (WBG) technologies. Her research interests span electromagnetic modeling of power electronics systems, multiphysics simulation of semiconductor devices, Wide Bandgap semiconductor applications, EMI filter design and analysis, and power module reliability. She has made significant contributions to the understanding of parasitic effects in power modules and the development of virtual prototyping methodologies for power electronics design. Kovacevic-Badstübner's publication record demonstrates a strong focus on practical engineering solutions for power electronics challenges, with numerous contributions to IEEE journals and international conferences. Her work shows consistent progression from fundamental electromagnetic modeling techniques to applied research in aircraft power systems and reliability prediction. Her scientific contributions primarily appear in the fields of power electronics and electromagnetic compatibility, with a particular emphasis on the design and analysis of power semiconductor modules using Silicon Carbide technology. Her research has addressed critical challenges in thermal management, parasitic extraction, and reliability prediction for next-generation power electronic systems. As a lecturer at one of the world's leading technical universities, she contributes to the education of future engineers in power electronics and semiconductor technology, bridging theoretical knowledge with practical industry applications.

Anne ObermannView profile

Lecturer

• Seismology
• Geothermal Energy
• Hydrogeology
• +3 more

Dr. Anne Obermann is a Lecturer at the Department of Earth and Planetary Sciences at ETH Zürich, Switzerland. She is affiliated with the Schweiz. Erdbebendienst (SED) and conducts research at the Bedretto Underground Laboratory for Geosciences and Geoenergies (BULGG). Her work focuses on seismic monitoring, geothermal energy systems, and hydraulic stimulation experiments. Key projects include CO2 mineral storage characterization at Iceland's geothermal sites and real-time seismic data processing using tools like DUGseis. Research interests revolve around the integration of geophysical imaging techniques (seismic tomography, noise interferometry) with hydro-mechanical processes in subsurface environments. She has led studies on induced seismicity, reservoir engineering, and fault structure analysis in fractured rock systems. Notable contributions include developing monitoring frameworks for geothermal reservoirs and evaluating stress heterogeneity impacts during stimulation. Publications highlight advancements in microseismic event detection using deep learning, multi-scale monitoring systems, and CO2 storage integrity. Collaborations involve international projects like CarbFix2 (Iceland) and BedrettoLab (Switzerland). Her work bridges theoretical geophysics with applied engineering solutions for sustainable energy and subsurface resource management.

Philip MarmetView profile

Researcher

• Multiphysics Simulation
• Multiscale Modeling
• Microstructure Characterization
• +5 more

Dr. Philip Marmet is a Researcher and Lecturer at the Institute of Computational Physics (ICP) within the School of Engineering at Zurich University of Applied Sciences (ZHAW). His work focuses on Multiphysics and Multiscale simulations, characterization and stochastic modeling of microstructures, with particular expertise in solid oxide fuel cell electrode design. His educational background includes a PhD in Physics/Modeling and Simulation from the University of Fribourg (2019-2023), an MSc in Physics/Soft Matter Theory from the same institution (2013-2016), and an MSc in Engineering from Bern University of Applied Sciences (2011-2013). PhD in Physics / Modeling and Simulation, Solid Oxide Fuel Cells, University of Fribourg (2019-2023) MSc in Physics / Soft Matter Theory, University of Fribourg (2013-2016) MSc in Engineering BFH / Industrial Technologies, Bern University of Applied Sciences (2011-2013) BSc in Mechanical Engineering / Mechatronics, Bern University of Applied Sciences (2003-2007) Dr. Marmet's research spans Multiphysics Simulation, Multiscale Modeling, Microstructure Characterization, and Digital Materials Design. His work bridges theoretical modeling with experimental validation to optimize materials for energy applications. He has developed specialized methodologies for virtual microstructure variation and optimization of porous materials, particularly for solid oxide fuel cells and aerosol filters. His publication record shows a clear progression toward increasingly sophisticated multiscale modeling approaches, with recent work focusing on stochastic microstructure modeling using pluri-Gaussian methods. His research demonstrates strong integration of computational techniques (including GeoDict, Comsol Multiphysics, ANSYS, OpenFOAM, and Matlab/Simulink) with experimental validation. Best graduation results of 2013 "Gold", Master of Science in Engineering Dr. Marmet supervises student projects and lectures Analysis 1 and 2 for bachelor courses. His research has received funding from the Swiss Federal Office of Energy (SFOE) and Eurostars program. He has developed practical software tools including the Python app for stochastic microstructure modeling of SOC electrodes and the Characterization-app for standardized microstructure analysis, demonstrating his commitment to translating research into practical engineering solutions. His work is organized around the Digital Materials Design workflow, connecting virtual microstructure generation, automated characterization, and multiphysics simulation to enable data-driven optimization of energy materials without extensive experimental iteration.