Faculty Spotlight: Irene Alda

Irene Alda joined IE School of Science and Technology this year as the Academic Director of the new Bachelor in Applied Mathematics. Alda sets a high bar for academic excellence, receiving her doctorate in Photonics (Physics) from ICFO in Barcelona. Her research was on the levitation of nanoparticles with light and near-field optical nanocavities, partially funded through an FPU Scholarship, awarded by Spain’s Ministry of Education to PhD candidates with an outstanding academic record. During this time, Alda co-led teaching activities at the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya and attended the Lindau Nobel Laureate meeting on Physics in 2016, one of the most prestigious STEM meetings in the world for early careers.  

After the PhD, she spent three years at ThePaperMill, editing and supporting researchers in their grant applications and research papers. In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her family and focuses on wellness and movement. She has shared her passion for yoga through numerous classes and events since 2013 and has worked with international brands like Oysho, Abbot, Zalando, and Kayak -- and even has found time to publish a book on yoga for pregnancy and postpartum!

Get to know our Academic Director of the Bachelor in Applied Mathematics.

What brought you to IE? Where were you before? And what keeps you here?

I really like its dynamics and the "cariño" and thoughtfulness for students to have the best academic experience. Before, I was working as a project manager, editor, and grants consultant for ThePaperMill, a company that supports scientists in communicating science. At IE, I really appreciate the great team, the various opportunities, and the attention that is provided to students. 

Have you ever had an a-ha moment while teaching that furthered your research? What was it?

I would say this doesn't apply directly to me since I'm not conducting research at the moment. But regarding teaching, I would say that it is rewarding to see students appreciate the depth at which they are able to understand real-world applications by the end of the semester after understanding more abstract concepts.

What book do you wish your students would read before taking your class and why?

Honestly, any book that motivates them in their studies. For example, Fermat's Last Theorem by Simon Singh is a book that is both educational (it is the story of proving a theorem that remained "unproved" for over 300 years), talks about making mistakes (we learn so much from them), and perseverance.

Whose research of your IE colleagues do you find interesting? Why?

I really like David Gómez-Ullate's project about optimized maritime routes. His work contributes to making transportation more sustainable by exploiting ocean currents and weather patterns.

Tell us one personal thing about yourself that none of your students know. A hobby, sport or talent? Strange fact? Unusual interest?

I wouldn't say it is something that none of my students know, but it is something that I don't typically talk about in the classroom. I used to compete in cross country and track on a national level up until college and I've been practicing (and teaching) yoga since 2012 (and 2013, respectively). Balance in the body-mind is key for our well-being.