A glimpse into my journey—from building websites and managing servers in my basement to working on high-availability networks and studying physics at EPFL.
Hi, I'm Elie — a physics student at EPFL with a lifelong drive to understand how things work, from the subatomic to the systemic. My journey started at age 10, when I wrote my first lines of Java on a laptop. Since then, that curiosity has evolved into a hands-on passion for computing, systems engineering, and real-world problem-solving. I’ve built websites for clients, maintained my own homelab, and worked on datacenter network infrastructure and cybersecurity during an internship. I also enjoy designing IoT devices and PCBs, blending hardware with software to create innovative solutions.
Today, I split my time between studying physics, writing backend software, managing infrastructure, and contributing to avionics and telemetry systems for student rocketry. I’m always building something—whether it’s to learn, to solve, or to launch.
OCT 2024 - Present
As an intern at EPFL's Bureaux Techniques (BT), I work alongside architects and electrical engineers who oversee the maintenance and development of the campus infrastructure. My responsibilities include updating technical documentation for existing facilities and new construction projects, supporting various IT-related needs within the team, and occasionally developing custom software tools to improve internal workflows. This role allows me to gain hands-on experience in a multidisciplinary environment while earning supplementary income during my studies.
SEP 2024 - Present
I am currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Physics, where I explore both theoretical and applied aspects of the field. With a strong foundation in mathematics and a long-standing passion for computing and technology, I approach my studies with curiosity and a hands-on mindset. Outside of coursework, I continue to develop personal software projects, manage my own server infrastructure, and stay actively engaged in learning new technologies.
JUL 2024 - AUG 2024
During my internship at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH), I worked in a research lab focused on developing advanced imaging techniques for medical and military applications. My role varied from assisting with the construction of an experimental X-ray machine to programming custom firmware to test the machine's capabilities. This experience allowed me to create relationships with leading researchers and proffessors in the field and to see for myself what it is like to work in a world-class research institution.
SEP 2021 - JUL 2024
I completed my secondary education at the Gymnase de Nyon, where I specialized in mathematics and physics. This program provided a strong academic foundation in analytical thinking and scientific reasoning, preparing me for further studies in the physical sciences.
SEP 2020 - JUL 2021
During my internship at DigitalCanion, I worked on the design and maintenance of networking infrastructure across campus environments and data centers, with a strong focus on high-availability systems where zero downtime was critical. I gained hands-on experience in managing and securing complex networks, implementing best practices in cybersecurity, and troubleshooting mission-critical infrastructure. In addition to technical responsibilities, I managed a portfolio of clients with diverse requirements—ranging from small businesses to larger organizations—ensuring tailored solutions and reliable ongoing support.
In the coming years, I aim to launch my own startup—building products that merge engineering depth with real-world impact. I'm especially interested in creating tools at the intersection of software and hardware, and I'm actively exploring ideas that could grow into something meaningful, scalable, and lasting.