Student Spotlight: Celeste Groux
October 27, 2025
Celeste Groux is a doctoral student in operations research and information engineering from Châteauguay, a suburb of Montreal, Quebec, Canada. She earned her bachelor’s degree at McGill University and now studies the design of battery swapping networks for electric bicycles at Cornell under the guidance of Shane Henderson, David Shmoys, and Andrea Lodi.
What is your area of research and why is it important?
I study how to design battery swapping networks for electric bicycles, in collaboration with the NYC startup PopWheels. These systems are especially valuable for delivery cyclists, who often need multiple batteries in a day but cannot safely or conveniently carry and recharge them on their own. I use mathematical modeling, simulation, and optimization to study how to make such networks reliable and efficient. This involves problems such as determining how many batteries and chargers are needed, where to place and size stations, and how to manage charging as demand fluctuates. This work supports safer charging, more practical use of e-bikes, and the broader transition to clean urban transportation.
What are the larger implications of this research?
My research can help accelerate the shift to cleaner, more sustainable urban transportation. By improving how battery swapping networks are designed and managed, it can support the growing number of delivery cyclists who rely on e-bikes by providing faster, safer, and more reliable access to charged batteries. This same infrastructure could also enable broader e-bike adoption, create safer charging options in dense urban areas, and power small businesses like food stalls without fuel-based generators. More broadly, my methods can inform other shared resource networks, such as scooter or EV battery sharing, helping them operate more efficiently, sustainably, and at scale.
What does it mean to you to be a Dean’s Scholar?
To me, being a Dean’s Scholar means being recognized as someone with the potential to make a meaningful impact and to be a leader in my community. It represents both a vote of confidence and a responsibility to strive for excellence in my work while uplifting those around me. It also means being part of a community of peers who are ambitious, creative, and driven and who inspire me to aim higher and think bigger about the contributions I can make.
What do you most appreciate about being a Dean’s Scholar?
What I appreciate most is the sense of community it provides. Even when I’m not deeply involved, knowing this supportive network is there makes me feel less alone. As a first-generation student, it can sometimes feel isolating to be surrounded by peers from backgrounds where higher education is expected, and being part of this community helps me feel included and supported. I’m grateful to be part of such a vibrant and encouraging group, and I feel inspired by the leadership, involvement, and contributions of my fellow Dean’s Scholars.
What are your hobbies or interests outside of your research or scholarship?
Outside of research, I enjoy figure skating. I often skated casually before, but only started figure skating last year through Cornell PE classes and just recently joined the Cornell Figure Skating Club. I also enjoy hands-on creative hobbies like knitting, crochet, sewing, and beadwork; this past year I finished my first sweater and a pair of socks. I enjoy reading, both to relax and to explore new ideas, and I also like running. Right now, I’m training for the Wineglass Half Marathon, which will be my second half marathon.
Why did you choose Cornell to pursue your degree?
I was drawn to Cornell’s field of operations research and information engineering (ORIE) for its combination of world-class faculty and supportive community. I was especially drawn to the ORIE department because there were several professors whose work genuinely excited me and because its many leading faculty conduct research with real-world impact, often through industry collaborations, which aligns with my interest in pursuing an industry career after graduate studies. Additionally, there were several professors whose work genuinely excited me. I also was drawn to the department’s culture; during my visit, students seemed happy, supportive, and enthusiastic about spending time together. That sense of camaraderie made me want to join the community, and it remains one of the things I value most about my department.