First Paraseismic PhD Track Scholarship Beneficiary

A selective program

The PhD Track program is an option for non-civil servant students in their last two years of studies at the School (specific path year and second year of Master’s). In addition to financial support, the program members benefit from personalized support from a tutor (a researcher or professor from an education and research department at the ENS Paris-Saclay) to help in the creation of their future PhD thesis project. Alexis Blaise Talla Simo is the first student to benefit from the RNSI’s sponsorship of this program.  

Alexis Blaise’s academic career, from Douala to Paris-Saclay

Alexis Blaise was inspired to pursue a PhD in France by one of his professors at the École normale supérieure for technical education (Douala, Cameroon). Upon receiving his diploma in civil engineering with a specialisation in public construction, Alexis Blaise applied to Paris-Saclay University and was accepted into the ENS Paris-Saclay as a non-civil servant student.

“When I moved to France, having just graduated from my Master’s program, I could not pursue a doctorate right away, but I had the chance to study at the ENS Paris-Saclay. I learned a lot last year studying in the civil engineering Master’s program, where I specialized in materials and structures. I met Benjamin Richard, head of laboratories at the RNSI and head of the technical and scientific committee for the French Association of Paraseismic Engineering, who teaches at the School.”

When the RNSI advertised for a PhD Track scholarship, I jumped on the opportunity to apply for a “track” and pursue a doctorate. I am very glad that the jury accepted my application and was interested in my project on structural dynamics. This scholarship will allow me to fully devote myself to my studies and to benefit from academic and industrial support. Alexis Blaise

A convincing project

Alexis Blaise’s study project seduced the academic jury and the RNSI. After graduating from the Master’s program in civil engineering, Alexis Blaise wishes to round out his skills with another year in the systemic and structural dynamics Master’s program at Lyon University. His thesis subject will be on structural earthquake response, especially in structures subjected to corrosion.

 

 This candidate gave an excellent presentation and his motivation convinced the members of the jury. Our RNSI partner discovered the PhD Track program and its relevance both for the student and for the partner laboratory. This is a promising start to this experiment.Olivier Hubert, Head of PhD Programs