About

I am a scientist who enjoys fiddling with particle detectors, playing with data, and sharing the beauty of physics, algorithms, and my latest adventures in nature.

Initially trained as an engineer, I got intrigued by data analysis, so switched to fundamental science and realized a dream: working on one of the largest detectors at CERN.

In 2023, while in my third year as assistant professor, I made a bold move. I asked for a leave of absence to pursue two interests at once: learning the math behind machine learning and teaching in Africa. I eventually resigned my tenure-track position in Canada to relocate to Cape Town and help launch a new master’s in AI for science.

There I found a new passion: mentoring. After colliding particles, I can’t resist colliding talented students with scholars.

Curious about my research, teaching, talks, or my recent cycling journey across Canada? Reach out here. I’m open to teaching missions, a physics-ML project, a field trip to help climate scientists, or any adventure I haven’t thought of, with or without a bike.

In Time and Space

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This interactive map traces my missions and the places I’ve lived. Click a year-button, then the pins for more details.

Teaching Philosophy

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How do I teach? I start with a question.

From basic definitions to the very concept I’m about to explain, I ask first. I let students think, alone and in groups, and collect their first intuitions. Only then do I start the lecture: knowledge arrives as an answer, never as “What is this for?” A tree is better planted if a hole has been dug beforehand. And by asking guiding questions, students learn how to learn, to think on their own, as future autonomous researchers, or whatever they choose to become.

“Don’t forget to have fun.”

Science can be frustrating as well as exhilarating. Pushing oneself can be thrilling, but competition brings stressful deadlines and insane workload. I remind my students to cherish the joy of learning before everything else. It’s not innocent. The more they enjoy it, the more they do it. They gain skills, they get noticed. And most importantly, they gain clarity on what they really want to do, what they don’t, and which opportunities fit their technical curiosity as well as their human values.

In Pictures

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In Motion and Arts

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I’ve been lucky to train, perform, and compete in various activities alongside my studies and work missions:

• Trained as a kid in circus arts at Le Lido, Toulouse (1993–1999)
• Theatre in high school (1999–2003), stand-up in engineering school (2006–2009)
• Partner dance: boogie, Lindy Hop, salsa, bachata, kizomba (since 2004)
• Triathlon in Hamburg with team VAF Mädels (2016–2019). Landesliga winners (2017)
• Qualified for the gravel (2024, 2026) and road (2026) cycling world championships, age-group category.¹
• Climbed Mount Cameroon, 4,095 m (2025)