[Portrait] Anna Melnykova, teacher-researcher in applied mathematics (UPR LMA)

What are your current scientific activities?

I am currently working on simulation of the stochastic Hodgkin-Huxley model. This model gives a very precise description of the dynamics of a neuron's membrane. Precise' also means 'complicated' (at least from the mathematicians' point of view). With my colleague, we found (in less than a week!) a very efficient method for simulating these dynamics... and we've now been trying for two years to prove (mathematically) that it works.

Why did you choose to work in academic research?

In research, you choose your subject and your colleagues, and it's up to you to manage your time and your priorities. Basically, you're paid to solve puzzles with your colleagues - it's a privilege! And, as is often the case with riddles, there's that intellectual pleasure that ranges from "Oh, that's hard, I don't understand a thing" to "Oh, but it's actually easy" (sometimes after several months' work...). In short, research is never easy, but it's a lot of fun!

What advice would you give to students who want to do research?

In my opinion, there are three essential qualities to be a good researcher: curiosity, autonomy and intellectual humility. Everyone has gaps in their knowledge! But if you're aware of your gaps, if you want to fill them and if you're capable of trying to understand things yourself (sometimes to no avail!), without waiting for someone else to do it for you, then you have the potential to do research. For the rest, you need to work hard... and write hard!

What object or image from your business best illustrates you?

Research in applied maths is often a lot of formulas, a lot of time on the computer... and a lot of coffee! I've done my best to illustrate this.

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