Four New ETH4D Team Members
Introducing Vanessa, Salome, Frank, and Francis
Vanessa Rüegg
Vanessa is joining the ETH4D Team as an Intern for the upcoming six months. She recently graduated from the University of Zürich with a degree in Political Science and modern History where she set a thematic focus on the rise of populism in Europe, democratization theories and European history. Previously she interned at Caritas Zürich where she gained experience in project management. For the future she plans to continue her studies at the University of Basel in European global studies.
Salome Räuschel
With a background in life sciences, specifically focusing on infectious disease and epidemiology, Salome brings an interdisciplinary approach to the ETH4D team. Her great interest in public health, particularly within the global south, fuelled her enthusiasm for joining our team.
As the manager of the Engineering for Humanitarian Action (EHA) initiative, a collaborative program between EPFL, the ICRC, and ETHZ, Salome will spearhead efforts to foster research and innovation, addressing humanitarian challenges in low and middle income countries. Notably, one of the key focus areas of EHA is digital health and medical technologies, aligning perfectly with Salome's passion for advancing public health.
Before joining ETH4D, Salome gained experience in biological research, communications/marketing, and within the startup ecosystem. Her intercultural background and international experiences have also instilled a strong enthusiasm in her for bolstering collaborations between ETH4D and organizations like the African Student Association (ASAZ), thus promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion within ETH.
Frank Odhiambo
Frank Odhiambo is a doctoral candidate at the Chair of Development Economics. At ETH4D, he supports as a Learning and partnerships Programme Manager for the joint Ashesi-ETH Zurich Masters in Mechatronics Engineering Programme, where he supports engagement between ETH Zurich, Ashesi University and industry partners.
Francis Baranyk
Francis will be coordinating the grants and exchange programs. Francis previously held a Global Writing and Speaking Fellowship at New York University Shanghai, where they coordinated the interdisciplinary Zaanheh Project research initiative. Most recently, Francis has been assisting research and curriculum design on corporate colonialism at the University of Basel, where they were also part of a collaborative effort to establish the department’s commitment to racial justice.