New Physics-Inspired Proof Probes the Borders of Disorder | Quanta Magazine

For decades, mathematicians have struggled to understand matrices that reflect both order and randomness, like those that model semiconductors. A new method could change that.

Alexandra Edletzberger

Born in Vienna, Austria • Birth year 1995 • Studied Mathematics at University Vienna, Austria and Journalism at University of Salzburg, Austria • PhD in Mathematics from University of Vienna, Austria • Lives in Vienna, Austria • Innovation Manager at UBIMET Group When I handed in my bachelor’s thesis in 2017, I couldn’t believe it – I thought to myself, Well, here is my math degree. I’m finally done studying. Little did I know that seven years later, I would be celebrating the completion of my PhD in mathematics and embarking on new research endeavors. Since I had always been good at math in school, and since a math degree typically opens doors in finance, insurance, or consulting, I made my decision: I would become a mathematician as well. My original career plan was set. Ever since my teenage years, I knew that I would become a sports journalist, most likely for a major newspaper or magazine. So after high school, I enrolled in a specialized program at the University of Salzburg to become an Academic Sports Journalist in two years. And so I did. But at the same time, I was aware that the writing business could be tough. As a Viennese girl, I knew it would be challenging to find my place in Austria’s ski-obsessed and male-dominated sports scene. So, I decided to be strategic and enroll in a second study program – one with secure and stable job prospects – just to be on the safe side. Since I had always been good at math in school, and since a math degree typically opens doors in finance, insurance, or consulting, I made my decision: I would become a mathematician as well. There had already been very few women in my bachelor’s program, and I wondered if I would fit into the master’s program at all. Everything went as planned. I completed my sports journalism degree, found a job at a newspaper in Vienna, and finished my math degree on the side. But then, with a very heavy heart, I realized that I am not supposed to attend math lectures any more. At the same time, I wasn’t sure whether I even had what it takes to continue with a higher degree in math – especially as a woman. There had already been very few women in my bachelor’s program, and I wondered if I would fit into the master’s program at all. A sneaky look at the master’s program curriculum got me excited – there was a specialization in algebra, my absolute favorite area of math. So I decided to enroll – just for fun. I am very thankful for the Austrian education system, where there are no entry exams and studying comes at no cost. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have been able to take this opportunity. The more courses I took, the more I enjoyed studying. And when I realized that this could also be my chance to move abroad for half a year through an exchange program, I took a leap of faith. I quit my job as a journalist, went to Sweden, and decided to try my luck as a mathematician. Once again, I didn’t feel ready to end my math journey just yet. When I was completing my master’s degree, a familiar feeling crept in. Once again, I didn’t feel ready to end my math journey just yet. I was fortunate enough to be offered a PhD position by my master’s thesis supervisor, and I accepted with excitement. My math journey that had started as a practical decision, continued out of passion. While I enjoyed doing research and the freedom of an academic position, I realized very early in my PhD studies that I did not fit – and did not want to fit – into the academic system. The structural discrimination of women, the exploitation of early-career researchers, and the lack of opportunities to make meaningful change wore me down. I felt like a flower expected to bloom with far too little water and sunlight. But when I was done, for the first time, I felt truly content with my math chapter coming to an end. And I found a new way to use many of the skills I gained during my PhD. Don’t get me wrong – I am very grateful that I had the opportunity to complete my PhD, meet incredible people, do exciting research, and contribute to diversity and inclusion in STEM. But when I was done, for the first time, I felt truly content with my math chapter coming to an end. And I found a new way to use many of the skills I gained during my PhD. As an innovation manager at an Austrian medium-sized company with a focus on natural sciences and its own Research and Development department, I design and develop research projects, find project partners, write proposals, and manage ongoing projects. My fundamental knowledge about mathematical modelling is a key asset.  Plus, this role combines my interest in storytelling, investigating new leads and juggling several projects - talents that once led me to journalism - with the skills that steered me to mathematics. In the end, the two plotlines of my career have merged into one in an unexpected yet fulfilling way. Published on May 7, 2025.Photo credit: Nora Kramml

Academic Europe - Research Scientist, postdoc, LCA based sustainability assessment