Profile
Adrien Chauvet
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About Me:
I am a scientist by formation, French of nationality, Muslim by conviction, a son, a husband and a father, … and proud to be all of this at the same time.
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My Typical Day:
While I used to spend most of my student life in a lab, playing with colourful lasers, I now spend it in my office (which is as colourful), training and guiding my own students while they are in the lab. I listen to them, advice them, and discuss their results. Together we develop new research projects, making sure that they benefit the whole of society.
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What I'd do with the prize money:
I’ll re-invest this money in books… as said, I enjoy learning about new things, and books are (besides the lab) one the best place to find them.
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Education:
I went to my home-town primary school, then moved to the nearest public high school.
From there I pursued my bachelor in a public university (I did apply to a private one, but never checked the results, as all my friends went to this public university).
I then got in an exchange program to study in the US for a year. Funnily enough, it was through the History department that I applied for this internship, although my subject was Physics.Once there, I saw new opportunities there. I gave up my “exchange student year” and signed up for a new Master in the US (Purdue University). I then continued from Master to PhD.
At the end of my PhD (after few rejections), I got a postdoc in Switzerland (EPFL), then a second one in Geneva (Geneva University).
During this last position I then got a position at the University of Sheffield, where I am actually.
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Qualifications:
I did got my bachelor and master with some (low level) distinctions… but nothing really exceptional.
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Work History:
During high-school and bachelor, I used to help younger students with their homework.
During my PhD, I used to teach Physics at a private high school.
During my summers, I used to harvest grapes, work in factories, etc -
My Interview
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How would you describe yourself in 3 words?
Enthusiastic, curious, patient
What did you want to be after you left school?
I had no clear ideas, but I was good in sciences...
Were you ever in trouble at school?
yes, both in grades and comportment, but it was never too bad.
Who is your favourite singer or band?
Beside the sound of nature, I do like techno. I know it is not the most distinguished genre... but it is what I like.
What's your favourite food?
- good food - In particular, we have a bakery in my hometown that makes delicious almond and pistachios-filled croissant!
If you had 3 wishes for yourself what would they be? - be honest!
To live up to my dreams, to be successful, to live a long and healthy life
Tell us a joke.
France is a beautiful country, it is just unfortunate that French people are living there.
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