Hannah Pinson

Hannah Pinson is a part-time professor at Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) conducting interdisciplinary research at the intersection of artificial and biological neural networks. Her work integrates experimental, computational, and mathematical methodologies to investigate fundamental neural network principles within the Brussels Humanities, Sciences & Engineering Campus environment.

Academic background includes:

• Master's studies in Physics and Computer Science at VUB with research at MIT's Tegmark group (2017)
• PhD research commenced 2018 under Prof. Ginis as an FWO fellow, featuring experimental work at Tufts University (Levin lab) and Harvard Medical School (Sahin lab)

Her research centers on form-function relationships in neural systems, examining how structural properties determine computational capabilities across artificial and biological networks. Current investigations analyze complexity development in deep neural architectures, dataset-network interactions, and physics-inspired solutions for optical design challenges. This multidisciplinary approach bridges theoretical computer science with experimental neuroscience.

Publication analysis (2019-2024) reveals dual research trajectories: theoretical neural network science addressing complexity and optimization landscapes, and biomedical engineering innovations for mechanical ventilation systems developed during pandemic conditions. Her work consistently demonstrates cross-domain applicability from optical component design to critical care medicine.

Recognized achievements include:

• FWO fellowship for doctoral research

Funding for doctoral work came through the competitive FWO fellowship, enabling international laboratory collaborations. Current academic mentoring activities are not explicitly documented but align with her part-time professorial role. Experimental capabilities were developed through partnerships with leading neuroscience laboratories at Tufts and Harvard institutions.

Her research ecosystem combines VUB's computational resources with experimental facilities from the Levin lab (Tufts) and Sahin lab (Harvard Medical School), creating a unique infrastructure for testing neural network theories against biological systems while advancing medical device engineering.