Sara Zahedi

I am a professor of Numerical Analysis at the Department of Mathematics, KTH.

My research bridges mathematical theory and practical applications, with the goal of improving numerical algorithms to enhance the accuracy and efficiency of computer simulations. My work focuses on computational methods for solving partial differential equations (PDEs) in evolving domains, particularly in multiphase flow simulations, where interfaces separate immiscible fluids. Finite Element Methods (FEM) are well-known for efficiently solving PDEs in complex geometries. However, traditional FEM require re-meshing to handle large deformations, as conforming meshes are necessary to ensure accuracy and robustness. To address this, we have advanced Cut Finite Element Methods (CutFEM), an alternative that allows evolving geometries to intersect computational meshes arbitrarily while maintaining accuracy. 

I earned my doctorate from KTH, with a dissertation on numerical methods for fluid interface problems, and later held a postdoctoral position at Uppsala University. In 2016, I was awarded the European Mathematical Society Prize for excellent contributions in mathematics by young researchers. In 2019, I received a Wallenberg Fellowship, with an extension granted in 2024. I am currently an Associate Editor for SIAM Journal on Numerical Analysis (SINUM).

I also serve on the SCI Faculty Board, where I work to enhance collaboration and transparency in faculty decision-making.