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Hello & Welcome to my website!

About Me

I’m Laura Harbach, a computational researcher with a broad and diverse skill set, spanning everything from computational fluid dynamics (CFD) to agent-based models for human migration. My academic journey began during my master’s, where I focused on astrophysical simulations, including magneto-hydrodynamic (MHD) models, of how a planet interacts with its host star at the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics in Boston, USA. I then earned a PhD in Astrophysics from Imperial College London, where I further honed my skills in developing and simulating complex, dynamic systems, including developing a hydrodynamic (HD) model of a planet losing its atmosphere. As part of my PhD, I completed a Dirac Innovation placement, modelling how people migrate in response to flooding to better understand climate resilience in Bangladesh and other regions on behalf of Save the Children.

My diverse experience allows me to bridge the gap between theoretical/physical problems and real-world challenges by applying my computational and technical skills. I currently apply my expertise to important subjects, including climate and conflict-driven migration and forced displacement. In collaboration with organisations like Save the Children and UNHCR, I use quantitative and computational methods, such as Agent-Based Modelling (ABM), High Performance Computing (HPC), Uncertainty Quantification (UQ) and Sensitivity Analysis (SA), to explore complex human migration patterns.

My previous work also includes involvement with the UK Exascale computing consortium (ExCALIBUR), where I developed and applied computational software for UQ to a wide range of applications, including Generative AI models for drug discovery. More recently, my work with UNHCR has involved conducting SA on our ABM of Ukrainian returnees to assess its reliability. I am passionate about applying my diverse experience to build sophisticated models that can inform decision-making and provide deeper insights into how people respond to global challenges.

This website provides an overview of my research interests, academic background, publications, and collaborations. Please explore the pages to learn more about my work in simulation and modelling. You can find details about specific research initiatives on the Projects page, or learn more about the methods I employ on the Methodology page.