Student Spotlight: Kristina Savitskaya

Kristina Savitskaya received the 2026 - 2027 TEX-E Fellowship.   Read further to learn more about her motivation for research and her advice to current graduate students.

What motivates you about your research? My research area lies in process modeling, optimization and control. I have always been drawn to the idea of being able to model systems on a computer and improve them without having to rely on the actual physical system. Process modeling and optimization make this possible by providing a structured way to recreate complex systems, test different scenarios, and identify the best path forward without the time and cost of trial-and-error in the lab. Through my PhD, I have the opportunity to participate in research activities in this area and contribute to advancing the frameworks that make these improvements possible. 

What is your favorite aspect about the PhD experience so far? My favorite aspect is the opportunity to learn deeply and contribute to advancing research within a specific problem area. I also value the collaboration involved, as interacting with people from different backgrounds often leads to new perspectives and ideas that strengthen the work. This combination of independent learning and collaborative effort has been one of the most rewarding parts of the experience.

What advice do you have for current graduate students? My main advice is to prioritize your mental health throughout the program. Research will inevitably come with challenges and periods where progress feels slow, but it is important not to let these difficulties take a toll on your well-being. Maintaining a healthy work-life balance by engaging in activities and hobbies outside of research is essential, and asking for help when needed is a vital part of the process.

What excites you most about TEX-E? What excites me most is the opportunity to participate in a real project and apply the skills I am developing through my PhD to a concrete problem. I am especially interested in seeing how technical solutions are implemented alongside economic and sustainability considerations, since these aspects are critical for moving ideas from concept to actual application. Collaborating with people from different backgrounds would also help me understand how problems are defined, funded, and scaled, while giving me the opportunity to contribute my experience in process modeling, optimization, and control.