Hadas Lupa completed her MSc degree in Electrical Engineering in the electro-optics track at BIU’s Alexander Kofkin Faculty of Engineering in June 2020. Fascinated by the biomedical world, her thesis focused on the use of a non-invasive sensing mechanism on patients with facial paralysis. She now works as an Algorithm Engineer for Newsight Imaging in Nes Ziyyona. The company develops advanced CMOS image sensor chips for various industries.
An Israeli from Kiryat Ono, Hadas, who collaborated with physicians at Sheba Medical Center during her Master’s, spent three months at the University of Valencia in Spain in 2020, where she worked with local scientists as part of the Erasmus+ student mobility program.
Hadas Lupa in Albarracin, Spain
Her thesis, under the supervision of BIU Prof. Zeev Zalevsky, Dean of the Faculty, examined the use of a novel, non-contact mechanism for sensing face muscle activity for two applications: emotion recognition (for example, to help robots read human feelings) and facial degeneration evaluation in people with Bell’s Palsy.
She also explored how such a laser sensor, which detects nano vibrations not usually visible to the naked eye, may be employed to monitor respiration as well as heart rate and sound (the focus of her research in Valencia). Her research findings may ultimately enable medical staff to diagnose disorders more accurately and prescribe effective medications. (Source: https://www.biu.ac.il/en/article/230)
Hadas Lupa Shares her Thoughts about Erasmus+
Bar-Ilan University provides many opportunities when it comes to students’ mobility and suggests flexible programs with a very supportive environment.
From the moment I heard about the Erasmus+ program, I knew that this was something I wanted to do. I love exploring new places and the option of doing this in conjunction with my academic studies immediately attracted me.
Hadas Lupa in Sevilla, Spain
The benefit of having the opportunity to spend three months at the University of Valencia is something that is difficult to quantify. I conducted part of my Master’s thesis research there, and working in a new lab with the help of new people was very enriching.
During my stay, I met new people, local and international students, who were engaged in similar research areas to mine. Observing different people doing similar things enriches your perspective and your way of thinking about how problems can be approached.
Part of my thesis is a direct result of my work in Valencia, and since the group I worked with has similar research fields, I would like to believe that they also benefited from my research conclusions.
Hadas Lupa in Valencia, Spain
Beyond my studies, staying in Europe allowed me to travel a lot and to explore different parts of Spain during vacations. I also think that the awareness of different lives enables me to question my life and ask myself about my current state in various ways. I don’t know if it’s the European way of life or the experience you have as a long-term tourist, but I felt much calmer. There is no “rush-rush” attitude, which I’m trying to embrace here in Israel as much as possible.
Hanging out with the local students was always fun and interesting. Even the popcorn in the cinema was different! I now have many friends in Spain and other parts of the world as I met people from all over, which is really great. Moreover, I think that since it was kind of a dream for me, and I had some personal challenges along the way, I discovered that it was very satisfying to reach the goals that I set for myself.
I would like to thank the BIU International School staff who helped me so much on this journey. I felt their support every step of the way, from the idea to the fulfillment of the dream and right up until the landing back in Israel. Thank you!
