French engineering students gain hands‑on experience in battery research
Two engineering students from France are spending a four-month internship at Mid Sweden University and FSCN Research Centre, gaining hands-on experience in battery research while developing valuable international skills for their future careers.
This spring, FSCN Research Centre has welcomed Kamil Daouda and Alexandre Juni from École Nationale Supérieure d’Ingénieurs de Caen in Normandy. The students chose Mid Sweden University because of its reputation in materials science and battery research and the opportunity to work in an active research environment.
They arrived in Sundsvall in late April, and will take part in different battery-related research projects under the supervision of FSCN researchers Ghadir Razaz and Manisha Phadatare.
Kamil is supervised by Ghadir Razaz and focuses on Aluminum -Polymeric batteries research, while Alexandre works with Manisha Phadatare on improvements in Lithium-Sulfur battery technology. Through their participation, they gain insight into ongoing battery research while learning how scientific methods are applied in practice.
Valuable to work closely with researchers
For both students, access to advanced laboratory equipment and the opportunity to work closely with researchers have been among the most valuable parts of the internship.
"It is very interesting to work within the battery field. Here we can put our knowledge into practice," says Alexandre Juni.
The experience has also provided personal and professional development beyond the laboratory. Kamil highlights the opportunity to gain confidence in working internationally and adapting to a new environment.
"We learn a lot from the research, but also about ourselves. I think this experience will make it easier to work internationally in the future and adapt to new environments," he says.
The students also emphasize the welcoming atmosphere at Mid Sweden University. Supportive supervisors, an open research culture and easy communication in English helped them quickly settle into their new surroundings.
"We had read that Mid Sweden University was a friendly place with a good atmosphere, and that has proven to be true," says Alexandre Juni. "There is no problem communicating in English and people are very welcoming."