For Students

Theses and Semester Papers (BSc / MSc)

I enjoy mentoring students and I’m happy to discuss possible projects. I receive many student requests, and I want to treat them as fairly as possible. Please follow the steps below when contacting me; incomplete requests may be redirected to this page.

What I supervise

Subject to availability, I supervise Bachelor theses, Master theses, and semester papers. Depending on the project, I may suggest co-supervision with a researcher currently in my group, which often provides more day-to-day scientific interaction while I remain involved in the overall direction and evaluation. Due to the high volume of requests, I tend to prioritize ETH Zürich Mathematics students. However, I also consider inquiries from other departments (e.g., Physics) and external institutions, provided the relevant background prerequisites are met.

When to contact me

Please contact me at the beginning of the semester preceding the semester in which you would like to start:

• If you want to start in the Spring semester (FS, mid-February), write to me in early Autumn semester (HS, mid-September).
• If you want to start in the Autumn semester (HS, mid-September), write to me in early Spring semester (FS, mid-February).
• ETH semester dates

Reaching out early increases the chances that I can accommodate your request and that we can identify a suitable topic in time.

Background expectations

Bachelor thesis (BSc)

• Required: Analysis I–IV, Functional Analysis I
• Helpful (not required): additional coursework in PDEs

Master thesis (MSc)

• Strongly recommended: Functional Analysis II and/or a PDE course
• Other relevant advanced coursework is a plus

Semester paper

Background requirements depend on the topic. As a guideline, expectations are typically similar to those for a Bachelor thesis. If you are unsure, please still write and include your coursework.

How to contact me (for supervision requests)

When you email me, please include your intended start semester, your program/affiliation, a brief description of your interests, and attach your CV and transcript (or course list with grades).

What happens next

If I have supervision capacity and there is a good match, we will schedule a short meeting to discuss possible topics, expectations, and any administrative steps. Unfortunately, I cannot supervise every request. If my supervision capacity is full for the requested semester, I will let you know as soon as possible.

Recommendation letters

I am happy to support students when I can write a strong and detailed recommendation based on direct academic interaction. These guidelines are meant to keep the process smooth and fair for everyone.

When I can write a letter

I can write a recommendation letter if at least one of the following applies:

• You completed a Bachelor thesis, Master thesis, or semester paper with me, or
• You took a course/exam with me and obtained a grade of at least 5.5

If I do not know your work well enough to write a strong letter, I may decline and suggest alternative referees.

When to ask

Please request a letter at least 6 weeks before the earliest deadline. Earlier is always appreciated, and late requests may not be possible to accommodate.

How to contact me

Please send one email and keep my assistant in CC throughout: Alessandra Naldi

When you write, it helps a lot if you briefly mention where you are applying, the relevant deadline(s), and how the letter is submitted (portal/email). Please also remind me how we worked together (e.g., thesis/semester paper, or course + semester, and your grade if applicable).

Please attach your CV and your transcript (or complete course list with grades). If you have them, you are also welcome to include drafts of your motivation letter / research statement.

If there is anything in particular you would like me to highlight, feel free to add a short note.