About
Using optics and computation to solve problems in medicine.
I'm a PhD candidate at the Laboratory of Physics of Interfaces and Thin Films (LPICM), École Polytechnique, where my work centres on building real-time polarimetric imaging systems for biomedical applications. My research spans polarimetry, optics, physics-informed machine learning, and clinical translation — with a current focus on intraoperative tumour delineation during brain surgery.
Before my PhD, I completed a Master's in Artificial Intelligence focused on biomedical applications, and a Master's in Economics specialising in Health Economics. I also spent time at EY. I work well at the edges between disciplines — translating between physics, computation, economics and clinical practice is where I find my most interesting problems.
Experience
Sep 2024 – Sep 2027
Palaiseau, France
PhD Candidate
École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- –Developing physics-informed ML methods for real-time Mueller polarimetric image reconstruction.
- –Polarisation-sensitive Monte Carlo simulation of biological tissue for synthetic data generation.
- –Clinical translation work within HORAO, an SNF Sinergia project.
Aug 2026 – Sep 2026
London, UK
Research Exchange
Hamlyn Centre for Robotic Surgery, Imperial College London
- –Research in surgical imaging and biophotonics under Professor Daniel Elson. (Scheduled)
Sep 2025 – Dec 2025
Miami, USA
Research Exchange
Medical Photonics Laboratory, Florida International University
- –ML models for collagen characterisation using Mueller matrix–SHG prediction.
- –Gestational stage prediction in cervical tissue for preterm birth risk assessment.
- –Built native software (PRIMM) for a portable real-time polarimetric colposcope.
Mar 2024 – Jul 2024
Palaiseau, France
Research Internship
École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris
- –Deep learning pipeline for Mueller matrix analysis across brain, skin, colon, and cervical tissue.
- –Supervised by Dr. Tatiana Novikova.
Mar 2021 – Apr 2022
Dunedin, New Zealand
Research & Teaching
University of Otago
- –ML on continuous glucose monitoring time-series data with Prof. Trenton G. Smith.
- –Research assistant to Prof. Stephen Knowles (experimental economics).
- –Tutor for Economics and Business Statistics (SPSS, Excel).
Education
Sep 2024 – Sep 2027
Palaiseau, France
Doctor of Philosophy, Physics
École Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris
Real-time Mueller polarimetric imaging for neurosurgery. Supervised by Dr. Tatiana Novikova. Funded by École Polytechnique doctoral scholarship.
Completed
Wellington, New Zealand
Master of Artificial Intelligence
Victoria University of Wellington
Non-invasive glucose prediction via hyperspectral imaging and Monte Carlo skin simulation. Supervisor: Dr. Alex Doronin.
Completed
Dunedin, New Zealand
Master of Economics
University of Otago
Behavioural and health economics. Supervisor: Prof. Trenton G. Smith.
Completed
Dunedin, New Zealand
Bachelor of Science, Economics
University of Otago
Skills & Expertise
My work sits at the intersection of biomedical optics, physics-informed machine learning, and medical imaging — building systems that translate light physics into clinical tools.
Awards & Honours
SPIE Best Student Paper Presentation Award
Hi! PARIS Collaborative Project Funding
COST Short-Term Scientific Mission Grant
SPIE Conference Fellowship
Optica Best Student Poster Award
3MT® Competition Winner
BME Research Exchange Award
École Polytechnique Doctoral Scholarship
Outside the Lab
When I'm not in the lab, I enjoy running. I've completed a 100-mile ultramarathon and a 140 km backyard ultra (track format), and I aim for at least one marathon and one ultramarathon per year.
I sometimes post running things and personal updates on Instagram @chaetries.
Curriculum Vitae
Condensed CV available to download. Contact me for the full academic CV.
Affiliations & Experience
