Oulfa Chellai, postdoctoral researcher
I graduated from the Swiss Plasma Center, where I focused my thesis on microwave scattering by plasma turbulence in tokamaks. These days, I’m diving into soft X-ray diagnostics to study impurity transport. In general and since my early studies, my work has revolved around the fascinating world of electromagnetic wave propagation and detection.
Outside the lab, you’ll find me freediving, soaking up nature, diving into ethology, or enjoying the ocean. I also have a love for art, crafts and getting lost in a good book.
Planem Ivanov, postdoctoral researcher
I have just started a postdoc at the SPC. I will be working with Joan Decker and the runaway-electron team on various issues concerning the physics of runaways in tokamaks. My background is primarily in the field of instabilities and turbulence in magnetised plasmas.
Amélie Renggli, PhD student
I recently obtained my master’s degree in Physics at EPFL. During it, I did my master project at the SPC, which was about internal kink instabilities in a certain geometry. My PhD, on the other hand, will focus on the collisional rates in the RAID, under the supervisions of Christine and Ivo.
In my free time, I enjoy painting, reading and learning to play guitar. Sports-wise, I’m also a big fan of skiing and recently started climbing. I also do some beekeeping with my dad.
Christos Paraskevopoulos, postdoctoral researcher
I was born in Tripolis, a city in the heart of the Peloponnese region in Greece. From an early age, a deep curiosity and interest in Physics emerged, leading to my enrollment in the Physics department at the University of Athens. This was followed by an MSc in Applied Physics and its Technological Applications at NTU Athens and NCSR Demokritos. The MSc thesis focused on studying the performance of MicroMegas detectors with a novel readout system for the New Small Wheel Upgrade in the ATLAS experiment at CERN.
This naturally progressed into pursuing a PhD in Experimental High Energy Physics at CERN. The research centered on the Higgs boson self-coupling measurement. During this time, significant involvement in Industrial Control Systems began, particularly through participation in the ATLAS MUON Detector Control Systems team. Contributions included the development of a substantial portion of the MUON Collaboration Control Systems, as the responsible for the New Small Wheel Control Systems, and later, coordination of the MUON Spectrometer Control Systems as a Senior Researcher.
As of October, joining the SPC IT group at EPFL marks a new chapter, with great enthusiasm for the opportunities ahead.
Outside of professional work, various fitness activities are a part of my life. Formerly a young national champion in judo, my hobbies nowadays include skiing and CrossFit. Will not say no though to relaxing moments with family and friends, sometimes along with a Formula 1 race or a basketball game.
Ursule Schaller, planner-electrician
I live in Gumefens on the shores of Lac de Gruyère. I grew up in the Canton of Jura, where I did my schooling, including an apprenticeship as a polymechanic, completed with a technical school in automation and maintenance.
Following my studies, I worked in a small company near Fribourg (Rossens). I worked there for 14 years, where I acquired knowledge in the fields of electronics and schematics. My career path has enabled me to collaborate with various teams and to carry out several innovative projects.
Aside my work, my interests include travelling, sport (swimming, diving, hiking, etc.), soccer, volunteering at events and spending time with friends and family.
I am looking forward to work and learn more with you.