Ekaterina Didenkulova

NP Nonlinear Processes in Geosciences

The 2020 Division Outstanding Early Career Scientist Award is awarded to Ekaterina Didenkulova for her exceptional contribution in developing the theory of nonlinear waves in geophysics, and in particular for the development of extreme waves, known as rogue waves.

Ekaterina Didenkulova is a very talented young scientist who is a leading expert on the theory of nonlinear waves. Didenkulova obtained a master’s degree in mathematics and informatics in 2012 and a bachelor’s degree in French linguistics in 2013. She graduated in 2015 with a PhD in Mechanics of Fluid, Gas and Plasma from the joint dual-degree program between the Ecole Centrale de Marseille and Nizhny Novgorod State Technical University.

Didenkulova’s scientific work is primarily focused on the study of nonlinear waves in geophysics with application to extreme waves (so-called “freak/rogue waves”). These waves have always been studied in a random field of wind waves (with a narrow spectrum). She was one to show that rogue waves can occur in soliton fields, so-called soliton turbulence, inherent in shallow-water waves, internal waves in the atmosphere and the ocean, and in astrophysical plasmas. She has published more than 30 papers in refereed journals or chapters in books, and 2 monographs, on this topic.

In addition to her strong commitment in the development of basic theories in fluid mechanics, Didenkulova has a strong dedication to the research community. She has actively participated in more than 20 research projects and grants funded by the Russian Science Foundation and the Russian Foundation for Basic Research. Didenkulova is a winner of a Scholarship of the President of the Russian Federation for studying abroad (2013-2014) and has been a member of five conference organising committees, including the 5th International Geosciences Student Conference in 2014, and is currently leading three research projects.

The NP outstanding Early Career Scientist Award is awarded to Ekaterina Didenkulova for both her exceptional work in the field of nonlinear waves in geophysics and her exceptional dedication to the research community on nonlinear waves.