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Student Spotlight: Kaya Unalmis

Meet Kaya Unalmis, an incoming PhD student in ICME

Meet Kaya Unalmis, an incoming PhD student in ICME.

ALMA MATER

Princeton University

DEGREES & MAJORS

B.S.E. Electrical and Computer Engineering

Academic and work experience

In my undergraduate years, I studied a combination of engineering and mathematics. Alongside my studies, I worked as a researcher in computational plasma physics focusing on optimization of stellarators for nuclear fusion. (Stellarators are devices that confine a fusion plasma with magnetic fields).

Inspiration for pursuing graduate degree in CME

I enjoy applying myself to improve our understanding of mathematics and ability to solve computationally difficult problems. Research in computational mathematics is attractive because the work tends to have useful potential to many application areas.

Specific research areas of interest

Broadly, I am interested in partial differential equations, algorithms, and optimization.

Impact I hope to have in my field and the world

I am excited at the prospect of developing faster algorithms in computational mathematics. I would find it especially rewarding if my research can benefit areas related to energy or the climate. In the future, I hope to continue in the academic community where I can mentor younger students and developing researchers.

Interests and hobbies

I enjoy anything outdoors, swimming, and reading. In my free time, I like to cook or watch movies.

Meet the 2025 cohort of incoming PhD students

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