During her PhD, starting in November 2023, Fatima Basbous, 24, will develop the machine learning algorithms needed to detect anomalies affecting the Arronax cyclotron, so as to optimize the accelerator settings.
Fatima has just arrived in Nantes. “I’m Lebanese, I did a bachelor’s degree in general physics at the Faculty of Sciences of the Lebanese University,” she explains shyly. After starting a master’s degree in Medical Physics and Life Imaging at the Lebanese University, I came to France to do an internship at the Université de Technologie de Troyes. There, as part of my Master 2 internship, I was introduced to the world of computer science, artificial intelligence and neuronal networks”. When a PhD student friend at Nantes University referred her to the offer of a PhD in data mining for the detection of anomalies on the Arronax particle accelerator, the student seized the opportunity to continue working towards the development of medical treatments. ” If my algorithmic skills can be useful in the fight against cancer, even just a little bit, I’m happy.”
A few months later, she also became a PhD student. She is a little impressed but glad to discover the peculiar working environment of GIP ARRONAX, where she has her own office. Fatima’s initial work focuses on the statistical analysis of computer algorithms of various kinds, under the supervision of Freddy Poirier (R&D accelerator manager at GIP ARRONAX) and Diana Mateus (teacher-researcher at LS2N). “The challenge is to successfully translate data from the accelerator into useful information to help make decisions about machine settings, she says. Anomaly detection and data synchronization are the key issues in this work.”
Fatima’s PhD is co-financed by GIP ARRONAX and the Région Pays de la Loire.
Contact : Fatima Basbous