Meet the #CORENETresearchers: Adrianna Frackowiak

Adrianna Frackowiak is a Predoctoral Researcher at IBM Research Zurich, where she specializes in the design and fabrication of microfluidic flow reactors for chemical computing. Her work combines advanced microfabrication techniques with interdisciplinary research to develop innovative solutions..
Prior to this, she worked as a Nanofabrication Engineer at Microsoft in Copenhagen, focusing on the fabrication of quantum devices.
She holds an MSc in Physics and Nanotechnology from the Technical University of Denmark where her research was dedicated to FIB-assisted epitaxial growth of III-V nanostructures on Silicon. Her work integrated advanced fabrication and characterization techniques to push the boundaries of semiconductor technology.
She also earned a BSc in Applied Physics – Nanoengineering from Wroclaw University where she specialized in MOVPE epitaxial growth of III-V quantum dots, gaining hands-on experience in semiconductor processing and material characterization.

How did you get into this field of research?

I became interested in this field through my background in physics, silicon processing, and microfabrication, which provided me with the skills to design and fabricate complex microscale devices. The CORENET project envisions brain-mimicking computing devices that harness chemical reactions for information processing, offering a novel approach to computation.

Why did you apply for a researcher position with CORENET?

I applied for a researcher position with CORENET because the interdisciplinary nature of the project aligns perfectly with my interest in exploring complex and innovative topics. Thanks to this collaborative environment, I’ve had the unique opportunity to work on a topic that, without the combined expertise of fields like systems chemistry or AI, I would not have been able to tackle on my own. It has been an exciting chance to expand my understanding and learn from others in related disciplines. I really appreciate the opportunity to build bridges between them, bringing my background into a broader context and contributing to cutting-edge research.

What are your aspirations for your research?

My aspiration for my research is to advance the fabrication of microfluidic flow chemical reactors, leveraging my background in nanofabrication. I aim to design and develop systems that allow precise control over chemical reactions and processes on a microscale. By combining my expertise with interdisciplinary approaches, I hope to contribute to both fundamental understanding and practical solutions. Ultimately, I want to foster collaborations that bring together diverse fields to make meaningful advances in research and real-world applications.

What is the most important quality you consider a researcher should have?

Curiosity – A researcher needs an insatiable drive to question, explore, and uncover the unknown. It fuels creativity, persistence, and the ability to challenge assumptions, leading to meaningful discoveries.

What are the soft/hard skills which make you good at CORENET tasks?

My background in physics gives me strong analytical and problem-solving skills, along with expertise in surface analysis and materials characterization—key assets for CORENET. I have experience with microfluidics and analytical techniques, which are essential for developing molecular computing systems. I thrive in multidisciplinary teams, bringing adaptability, collaboration, and excellent communication skills to the table. My ability to tackle complex challenges and integrate diverse scientific approaches makes me well-suited for CORENET tasks.

Let’s leave science aside, what other hobbies do you have?

My hobbies are fencing- it was a big part of my life for over 15 years, spending time outside with my dog and friends, water sports, exploring new music, reading.

BSc. Applied Physics at the University of Science and Technology, Wroclaw, Poland
MsC. Physics and Nanotechnology at DTU, Copenhagen, Denmark

Micro-Nanodevices, Micro-Nanofabrication, Quantum Physics, Microfluidics

“As part of CORENET, my research focuses on developing microreactors for chemical computing. By designing and fabricating microfluidic chips that enable precise control over reaction conditions, I aim to advance this emerging field and contribute to the development of efficient, scalable, and robust chemical computing platforms.”
CORE - PostDoc & Phd students - NET