The Board of Directors of the Swiss Federal Institutes of Technology has announced the appointment of professors at EPFL.
New appointments at EPFL
dr Ianina Altshuler, currently Postdoctoral Fellow at the Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Norway, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering (Environmental Adaptation) at the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Ianina Altshuler’s research deals with the environmental adaptation strategies of microorganisms in the cryosphere in alpine and polar regions, in particular with regard to global warming and increasing temperature fluctuations. At EPFL, she will continue to develop her research to make an important contribution to understanding ecological adaptation strategies in hostile environments. Her appointment will strengthen the School’s scholarly influence and educational offerings.
dr Aleksandar Antanasijevic, currently a postdoctoral researcher at Scripps Research, La Jolla, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Life Sciences at the School of Life Sciences (SV)
The main research area of Aleksandar Antanasijevic is structural biology with a special focus on vaccines and immunization. He has already made an important contribution to the production of immunogens for the production of polyclonal antisera. His interest and skills in cryo-electron microscopy fit perfectly with the direction of EPFL and the Dubochet Center for Imaging (DCI) to further develop this field. This appointment will allow EPFL to continue its expansion in the key area of virology and infectious diseases.
Professor Pier Vittorio Aureli, currently Professor in Practice at Yale University, USA, Visiting Professor at EPFL and Co-Director of an architectural practice in Brussels, Belgium, as Associate Professor of Architectural and Environmental Theory at the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering ( ENAC)
Pier Vittorio Aureli’s research examines the principles of architectural theory in the light of recent social and political conditions, examining the role of theory and its influence on architectural and environmental design methods. Pier Vittorio Aureli is currently recognized as one of the world’s most influential practitioners in the field of architectural and environmental theory. With this appointment, the university and EPFL seize the unique opportunity to become the undisputed leaders in this important field of research.
dr Sara Bonetti, currently Assistant Professor at Wageningen University, Netherlands, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Environmental Engineering (Watersheds) at the Faculty of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Sara Bonetti investigates processes in soil surfaces, ecology and water on different spatial and temporal scales. In particular, her work combines hydrological and geomorphological processes and enables her to quantitatively understand soil erosion and land surface development. The appointment of the innovative researcher promotes collaboration with various institutions, including the WSL, and thus strengthens the influence of the department in this important field of research.
dr Gabriele Manoli, currently Lecturer at University College London, UK, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Architecture (Sustainable Urban Systems and Climate Protection Strategies) at the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Gabriele Manoli studies water supply, energy exchange and the carbon cycle in urban and suburban systems. His interdisciplinary approach combines environmental technology, infrastructure and urban planning. At the EPFL, he will primarily investigate the current global trend towards urban densification and the effects of changes in the urban climate (e.g. through greening measures). His appointment will strengthen the role of the university and EPFL in a research area of vital importance to society.
dr Clément Pit-Claudel, currently a postdoctoral researcher at Amazon in Seattle, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Computer Science and Communication Systems at the School of Computer and Communication Sciences (IC)
Clément Pit-Claudel’s research focuses on programming languages, compilers, formal verification and systems engineering to build trustworthy software and hardware systems and permanently eradicate large classes of malfunctions and vulnerabilities. Although still at the beginning of his career, he has collaborated with research institutes and industry and has already won numerous awards for his innovative research. His appointment will create important synergies in this forward-looking field of research.
Prof. Dr. Guillermina Ramirez-San Juan, currently Assistant Professor at Brandeis University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Physics at the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Guillermina Ramirez-San Juan addresses questions about the fundamental mechanisms that influence cilia function, an area where little research has been done. In her unique skills, she is able to combine aspects of cell biomechanics and the use of model organisms with expertise in chemical biology and whole-tissue imaging. Her research interests therefore go beyond classical biophysics and include the fields of materials science, mechanics and robotics. Guillermina Ramirez-San Juan will forge close links between the EPFL Center for Imaging and the Dubochet Center for Imaging (DCI).
dr David Ruggiero, currently Design Engineer at Read Jones Christoffersen Ltd. in Toronto, Canada, to Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Structural Design and Engineering at the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
David Ruggiero’s research aims to better understand the behavior of reinforced concrete structures and components made of cementitious materials. His achievements include the development of a new theoretical model, known as the general crack component model, which can be applied to a wide range of cementitious materials. He now intends to focus his efforts on sustainable materials and extending the lifespan of infrastructure while contributing to multidisciplinary projects at EPFL.
dr Alfredo Thiermann, currently Lecturer at Harvard University, USA, as Tenure Track Assistant Professor of Architectural History and Theory at the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Alfredo Thiermann’s research takes place at the interface between architecture and different media, from sound installations and film scenography to private houses, public buildings and large-scale infrastructures. Another special research interest is the transition from the industrial to the digital age. Thanks to his cross-industry vision of architecture, the innovative researcher will make a significant contribution to the faculty’s strategic clusters in the fields of digital infrastructures and cities as well as sustainable territories.
Doctorates at EPFL
Professor Rizlan Bernier-Latmani, currently Associate Professor at EPFL, as Full Professor of Environmental Microbiology at the School of Architecture, Civil and Environmental Engineering (ENAC)
Rizlan Bernier-Latmani’s research explores the biodegradation of toxic metals and radionuclides by microorganisms. In her field experiments she uses concepts and techniques from a variety of disciplines such as microbiology, molecular biology, analytical chemistry (including X-ray spectroscopy) and geochemistry. In 2017 she was awarded an ERC Consolidator Grant for her research. Rizlan Bernier-Latmani is a role model for women in science and is committed to promoting women at EPFL, among other things.
Professor Raffaella Buonsanti, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Raffaella Buonsanti conducts research in the field of colloid chemistry. At EPFL, she founded the Laboratory of Nanochemistry for Energy and leads a research program aimed at finding innovative approaches for the controlled synthesis of nanomaterials with novel properties. Her research takes place at the interface of materials chemistry and catalysis and follows a sustainability approach. Raffaella Buonsanti is considered an ambitious and future-oriented researcher. She has already received several awards, including an ERC Starting Grant in 2017.
Professor Gaétan de Rassenfosse, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Science and Technology Policy at the College of Management of Technology (CDM)
Gaétan de Rassenfosse conducts research in the field of innovation economics, which he combines with legal and political perspectives. His areas of interest include intellectual property rights, measurement of intangible capital and economic tools to promote the knowledge-based economy. His results have set new standards in the measurement of innovation and have contributed to incorporating economic insights into patent policy. Gaétan de Rassenfosse is also a highly esteemed university lecturer and supervisor, is involved in public relations and takes on numerous commitments on behalf of the EPFL.
Professor Wendy Queen, currently Tenure Track Assistant Professor at EPFL, as Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at the School of Basic Sciences (SB)
Wendy Queen’s research focuses on the development of metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) for environmental applications. It takes a collaborative approach that aims to help solve some of society’s major problems. Wendy Queen has proven to be an emerging researcher in this highly competitive field of research and has made important contributions to a fast-growing field of study with her research. Her work at EPFL has already resulted in six patents. In addition, she is a sought-after university lecturer who actively seeks to communicate her research results to a wider audience.
