Posted on April 17, 2026 

We’re excited to welcome Michaela Franke as a visiting scholar to the eLev lab this spring! Michaela joins us from April 1st through October 16th from Johannes Kepler University Linz (JKU Linz), where she is completing her master’s thesis under the supervision of Prof. Gerd Bramerdorfer.

Her thesis, titled “Heavy-Rare-Earth-Free Electric Machines: Topologies, Design, Modeling, and Optimization,” focuses on the development of high-performance electric machines that eliminate the need for heavy rare earth materials. Her work emphasizes achieving high power density and efficiency, while leveraging emerging materials, advanced manufacturing technologies, and topology optimization methods in the electrical machine design process.

During her first week, Michaela had the opportunity to present at the CCEFP Lunch Seminar, where she introduced her thesis topic, outlining the motivation for reducing or removing heavy rare earth elements and highlighting key approaches to topology optimization in electric machines.

We’re looking forward to her contributions and the progress we’ll make together over the coming months!