Saskia
Demulder

Dr. Saskia Demulder is an Azrieli International Postdoctoral Fellow in the Physics Department at Ben-Gurion University of the Negev under the supervision of Dr. Shira Chapman.

Saskia’s current research combines her knowledge of mathematics and physics to investigate string theory and one of its key properties: T-duality.

String theory aims to unite the patchwork of different theories, such as Einstein’s theory of gravity, and the strange world of quantum mechanics within a single framework to describe our world. Using the remarkable property of T-duality in string theory, Saskia explores the potential geometries in which strings can propagate. She also aims to comprehend the late-time evolution of black holes, utilizing a concept derived from computer science called quantum computational complexity.

Saskia was born and raised in Brussels. She obtained a BSc in physics and mathematics and an MSc in physics at the Free University of Brussels (VUB). She completed her PhD in a joint program between VUB and Swansea University under the guidance of Prof. Alexander Sevrin (VUB) and Prof. Daniel Thompson (Swansea University). She studied a class of systems that are exactly solvable, tackling a wide range of topics including non-perturbative phenomena and the interplay between T-duality and integrability. Saskia then pursued postdoctoral research at the Max Planck Institute for Physics in Munich, where she focused on examining problems ranging from defects or impurities in string theory to a fundamental issue in black hole physics known as the information paradox. In recent years, she has organized multiple workshops and conferences while actively participating in outreach events to promote science among the general public. In her free time, Saskia enjoys reading, running, and swimming.