Meet Felix Hensel applying mathematics on Alzheimer’s disease
Transitioning from pure mathematics to the field of machine learning and applied topology, the Swiss national will analyse changes of brain connectivity over time to improve the detection of Alzheimer's disease. He started on 1 April 2020 during COVID-19 times as a postdoctoral researcher in the Machine Learning and Computational Biology group of Professor Karsten Borgwardt.
What did you know about D-BSSE before you came here, and what was your motivation to come to ETH Zurich?
While pursuing my PhD in mathematics at ETH Zürich I had my first contact with the D-BSSE and learned about its cutting-edge research programmes at the interface of biology, healthcare, mathematics and computational sciences. In my new position at D-BSSE my motivation is to translate my background in mathematics towards applications in machine learning and computational biology.
What were your expectations, and were your expectations met since you arrived in Basel?
I was looking forward to joining a team of interdisciplinary researchers where everyone contributes their own unique expertise and perspectives. Such an environment is very stimulating for the development of new approaches to complex problems. My expectations have absolutely been met thus far.
What were your first impressions?
Professor Borgwardt and all the members of the Machine Learning and Computational Biology Lab have welcomed me very warmly to their group. I'm very grateful for the support and help I'm receiving from the group members to ensure a smooth start despite the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic that everyone is currently facing. Even though physical meetings are not possible during these times, there is a regular online group meeting and many opportunities for sharing ideas in stimulating online discussions with group members.
Which research will you pursue at D-BSSE?
I will be working on a project on Alzheimer's disease, funded by the SNF Spark grant of Catherine Jutzeler and Bastian Rieck. My particular research will be focused on the development of topological methods in fMRI data analysis and their applications towards analysing changes of brain connectivity over time and the detection of Alzheimer's disease. I'm looking forward to collaborating with Catherine Jutzeler, Bastian Rieck and Sarah Brüningk on this exciting line of research.
Which hobby or private interests do you hope to pursue in Switzerland?
I enjoy spending time in nature, for example going on a hike in the mountains or for a walk in the forest. Additionally, I'm passionate about bouldering and rock-climbing, especially outdoors.
Thank you, Felix, and good luck with your research!
Felix Hensel was born in Switzerland and studied mathematics at ETH Zürich. Upon completion of his Master’s degree he started his PhD under the supervision of Professor Paul Biran at ETH Zürich. Combining aspects of topology, geometry and category theory, his PhD research in the field of symplectic topology focused on Lagrangian cobordisms and their relation to the Fukaya category. Transitioning from pure mathematics to the field of machine learning and applied topology, Felix Hensel started on 1 April 2020 as a postdoctoral researcher in the Machine Learning and Computational Biology group of Professor Karsten Borgwardt.