Postdoctoral Researcher, Ghent University - IMEC (Janvier 2025)
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The Journey, Not the Destination: My PhD Experience
When I embarked on my PhD journey, I knew I was stepping into an unknown world. What I didn’t realize, however, was how much this journey would shape me—not just as a researcher, but as a person. As I reflect on those years, one clear message stands out: the true value of a PhD lies in the journey itself, not in the destination. Let me take you through my story.
The Path Leading to My PhD
My academic journey began at ENSSAT Engineering School in the Brittany region of France, where I received two degrees: an engineering degree in photonics and a Master's degree in nanotechnologies. The world of light and its interactions fascinated me, and I wanted to explore how physics and engineering come together at the nanoscale. This curiosity led me to the University of Twente in the Netherlands, where I conducted my Master's thesis on integrated photonics at the LPNO group. This marked the first time I truly experienced the joy of research—the long hours in the lab, the endless troubleshooting, and the sheer excitement of discovery.
After my Master’s, I faced a decision: should I step into the industry or continue in academia? The idea of a PhD intrigued me because it offered the freedom to explore, learn, and contribute something novel. It was not a straightforward choice, but I felt drawn to the challenge of pushing boundaries. And so, I embarked on my PhD journey, which was a collaboration between Attocube Systems in Munich, a company known for its cutting-edge optical instrumentation and nanopositioning solutions, and the LPCNO group at INSA Toulouse, under the prestigious Marie Curie Fellowship. The experience was transformative, working in an international and interdisciplinary setting, and contributing to groundbreaking research in optical engineering and quantum technologies.
Why a PhD?
When people ask me why I chose the path of a PhD, the answer goes far beyond a simple academic goal. For me, it was about satisfying an unyielding curiosity to understand complex phenomena and solve problems with no clear answers. A PhD wasn’t just a degree—it was an opportunity to immerse myself in the unknown, to embrace resilience in the face of failure, and to grow in ways I couldn’t yet imagine.
At Attocube Systems, I focused on developing a confocal microscope system capable of controlling and analyzing the polarization of semiconductor nanostructures. This work had the potential to advance the field of quantum technologies, where single photons with high degrees of indistinguishability and longer coherence times are crucial. It wasn’t just about pushing the limits of optical engineering—it was about mastering the art of problem-solving, overcoming obstacles, and seeing a vision come to life after months (or even years) of hard work.
The development of the confocal microscope was an intricate and sometimes frustrating process. It involved balancing theory with hands-on experimentation, troubleshooting countless technical issues, and constantly iterating on ideas. But in each challenge, I found opportunities for growth. I learned how to navigate uncertainty, think creatively, and keep pushing forward, even when things seemed impossible.
The Challenges and the Growth
Doing a PhD abroad added an additional layer of complexity. Moving to different countries, adapting to new cultures, and establishing a support system from scratch were challenges that tested my resilience. Yet, these experiences also made me stronger, more adaptable, and more resourceful. I learned how to thrive in uncertainty, a skill that has continued to serve me throughout my career.
Balancing the demands of research with personal life was often difficult. There were times when work and life seemed to blur together, and the stress of deadlines, experiments, and publications weighed heavily. But over time, I learned to prioritize my well-being, to set boundaries, and to carve out time for the things that helped me recharge. Nature became my sanctuary, with hiking and solo trips offering me a chance to reflect, relax, and reconnect with myself.
What the PhD Taught Me
Looking back, I realize that my PhD taught me so much more than technical expertise—it taught me invaluable life lessons that continue to shape me today:
Resilience: Experiments didn’t always go as planned, and failures were a common occurrence. But each failure taught me to keep moving forward, learning and adapting along the way.
Adaptability: Working across different countries, with diverse teams, taught me to embrace a variety of perspectives and approach problems from multiple angles.
Patience: Breakthroughs don’t happen overnight. Persistence, attention to detail, and patience are key to making real progress.
Collaboration: The value of teamwork, mentorship, and clear communication cannot be overstated. A PhD is not a solitary pursuit—it’s a shared journey with others.
Advice for Aspiring PhD Students
If you’re considering pursuing a PhD, here’s my advice:
Follow your passion: Choose a topic that excites you, and find an advisor who challenges you to reach your potential.
Embrace setbacks: Don’t fear failure—embrace it. Every challenge is a chance to learn and grow.
Build a strong support system: Surround yourself with people who support and inspire you, both professionally and personally.
Enjoy the journey: Remember, the PhD is not just about the thesis or the degree. It’s about the growth you experience, the relationships you build, and the discoveries you make along the way.
The Take-Home Message
At the end of my PhD, I earned a degree—but the real reward was the journey itself. The late nights, the failures, the breakthroughs, and the people who became part of my story—these were the moments that truly defined my experience. A PhD is not just a degree or a title; it’s about the person you become through the process.
So, if you’re about to begin your own PhD journey, remember this: it’s the journey, not the destination, that defines the experience. Cherish each step, and know that every challenge is an opportunity to grow.