Clara Bourgeais, our new CTSYS PhD student!

Can you introduce yourself in a few words?

My name is Clara Bourgeais. I'm freshly graduated with a Master's degree in Computer Science specialized in Software for Embedded Systems. I joined the CTSYS team to pursue my Ph.D. thesis, titled: Secure compiler back-end and hardware codesign.

What is your background (education, experience...)?

I hold a scientific baccalaureate from Quimper, Lycée de Cornouaille. I then decided to specialize in computer science. I chose the Computer Science license at UBO. I wanted to continue with a Master's degree in Computer Science specialized in Software for Embedded Systems to develop my skills. Finally, I'm pursuing this Ph.D. at Grenoble INP to deepen my knowledge, become an expert in a particular field, and satisfy my curiosity.

Can you briefly explain your thesis topic?

Let's take the example of C code. To make it usable by a computer, we need a compiler that will translate this code into machine language. A compiler offers optimization options to reduce execution times or calculation resources. However, if we use these options with secure code, the optimization breaks those securities, posing serious security problems. The goal is therefore to make compatible the optimization of code and its security. In this context, my thesis focuses on compilers for Risk V architectures.

What skills can you share?

I've worked on software engineering based on various methods, such as model-driven engineering or test-driven engineering. I also enjoy real-time systems scheduling problems.

Would you like to share something personal (an experience you'd like to share, a passion, something about yourself...)?

I'm from Brittany and am very attached to this region. However, I'm very happy to discover what they call the sun and feel temperatures above 20°C.