Dr. Jan Beutel [mail] [web] [lab]
ETH Zurich

My research interests are centered around wireless and embedded systems - with a focus on applied or "hands-on" topics at the intersection of hard- and software systems. Most recently I am very much interested in design, test and validation methodology for wireless networked embedded systems. PermaSense is an optimal project to test drive our technology research on a real and challenging application - and it allows me to bring my knowledge as a certified alpine guide to the team as well.

Prof. Dr. Alain Geiger [mail] [web] [lab]
ETH Zurich

Diploma in Physics in 1979, ETH Zurich, PhD thesis in gravity field determination in 1991. Presently he is professor in satellite geodesy and precise navigation at the geodesy and geodynamics lab. He works on precise Kinematic GPS, airborne Laser technique and GPS based landing approaches, geodynamic interpretation of GPS measurements, and 4-dimensional modelling of atmospheric refractivity. He is a fellow of the International Association of Geodesy and serves as president of the Swiss Geodetic Commission of the Swiss Academy of Sciences.

Dr. Lucas Girard  [mail] [web] [lab]
University of Zurich

My research interest deal with understanding damage and fracturing of geomaterials, such as rocks or ice. In the Permasense project, I'm investigating how freezing can damage rocks in natural conditions, a challenging topic which has so far only be explored from lab and analytical studies.

Dr. Stephan Gruber   [mail] [web] [lab]
University of Zurich 

Much of my research is focused on spatial patterns and changes of the mountain cryosphere - permafrost, snow and glaciers. At diverse scales, this requires a combination of modeling and measurements, either for the investigation of specific processes or for the validation of comprehensive simulation tools. In such difficult environmental conditions, specialized measurement systems are a key to successful research. I greatly enjoy working in a team combining geo-science and engineering.

MSc Tonio Gsell   [mail] [lab]
ETH Zurich

Since early 2009 I have been developing, extending and maintaining a software solution for reliable, loss-less data gathering, remote (automated) controlling and energy saving operation for the backbone of sensor networks. To be able to support preferably different aspects of research interests, the so-called BackLog software has been designed to be as flexible as possible. I greatly enjoy working in an interdisciplinary research team being able to combine my engineering with my alpine skills.

Dipl. Math. Stefanie Gubler    [mail] [web] [lab]
University of Zurich

I joined PermaSense in an attempt to combine my interest in mathematics with the passion for mountains. My PhD research is directed towards the validation of permafrost models. Model validation is an integral part of any computational simulation and helps to improve the interpretation of the respective data. I particularly enjoy the contact and the exchange of ideas with scientists from different fields.

MSc Fabian Neyer [mail]
ETH Zurich

In my PhD project, I deal with different types of datasets describing rock glacier movements. My goal is to combine these measurements in a way such that optimal estimates of surface displacements are obtained. This research topic is embedded in the X-Sense project that I joined in November 2010. Collaborating with people of different research backgrounds but with a common interest in the alpine terrain is a pleasure.

Felix Sutton [mail] [web] [lab]
ETH Zurich 

Prof. Dr. Lothar Thiele    [mail] [web] [lab]
ETH Zurich

The research interests of Lothar Thiele include models, methods and software tools for the design of embedded systems and embedded software. Recently, there has been lots of interest in massively distributed electronic systems such as sensor networks. PermaSense is a great application which allows to test and deploy some of the conceptual and theoretical results that have been developed in the recent years. Besides the hard work that is necessary to build complete systems that are able to function reliably under harsh environmental conditions, we take much pleasure in the cooperation with environmental sciences.

MSc Christoph Walser   [mail] [web] [lab]
ETH Zurich

As an electrical engineer I keep my days busy building a wireless sensor network testbed - FlockLab - which is used for thorough testing of the sensor node software before it is deployed on the mountain.

MSc Vanessa Wirz    [mail] [web] [lab]
University of Zurich

I joined the X-Sense project in May 2010. My Phd topic provides a link between my curiosity for geoscience and my fascination for mountains. I enjoy collaborating with people having different research backgrounds and hope to learn more abount mass movements in alpine terrain and their relevant processes. Additionally, I am interested in the variability of snow cover in rock faces. My research will focus on statistical analysis of DGPS and InSAR data.

Dr. Philippe Limpach [mail]

ETH Zurich

MSc Zhenzhong Su [mail]
ETH Zurich

It is my pleasure to join X-Sense project, a great platform well linking my job and Ph. D research.  I am glad to work with partners from different  professional fields. My focus is on GPS data processing. Low-cost single-frequency GPS instrument is expected to provide high accuracy, near real time positions to serve the project as one of the displacement monitoring tools. It also creates the possibility to built up early warning system for landslide, rock fall and so on.