PhD Student Sarah Meir wins the Rector's Prize

PhD student Sarah Meir has won the Rector's Prize for outstanding doctoral students for the 2027 academic year. The prize was awarded to her at a ceremony held in Mintz Hall.

"My research focuses on quantum optics and temporal optics, on how light can be controlled not only in space but also in time," explains Meir. "As part of the research, we use systems called time lenses, which allow us to study rapid optical phenomena in the time domain. By using a temporal quantum interferometer, we show how quantum phenomena that were previously studied in spatial systems can also manifest in the time dimension, such as the Aharonov-Bohm effect."

Who would you like to thank?

"I would especially like to thank my supervisor, Prof. Moti Fridman, who has been accompanying me since my undergraduate degree, when I first joined his research group. Over the years he believed in me, supported me, challenged me and pushed me to evolve as a researcher. His supervision is a significant part of my journey and my ability to achieve these goals. I also wish to thank the members of our research group, as the collaborative work with them is an important part of the process and of the research experience."

What is your opinion of the Faculty of Engineering at Bar-Ilan?

"The Faculty of Engineering is a place that successfully combines top-tier research with a personal and supportive atmosphere. From my experience, both as a researcher and as a teaching assistant, the environment here encourages curiosity, independence, and creative thinking. It is a place that gives students and researchers real tools to develop, ask big questions, and lead meaningful research."