Rajasekar, PhD student | MSc Mechanical Engineering, Class of 2020

Rajasekar

Why did you decide to come to Centrale Nantes for your MSc Programme in Mechanical Engineering?
"After completing my bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering in India, I embarked on a journey to pursue a master's degree in computational science, driven by my passion for science, mathematics, and programming. It was during a routine Google search that I discovered the Computational Mechanics program offered by Centrale Nantes. As I delved deeper into the curriculum outlined on the university's website, it became evident that this program perfectly aligned with my academic interests. Consequently, I made the decision to enroll in the master's program in computational mechanics at Centrale Nantes."

When and why did you decide to pursue your PhD here?
"My experience during my master's studies far exceeded my initial expectations, largely owing to the exceptional expertise and guidance provided by our esteemed professors. The interest I developed for the subject matter further propelled me to pursue a Ph.D. in a related field. Fortunately, I received a doctoral offer even before completing my master's degree."

What are you working on for your PhD?
"My doctoral research centers on the development of a variational approach to model fracture in viscoelastic solids of bituminous type. This research is conducted in collaboration with the GeM laboratory at Centrale Nantes and the LAMES laboratory at University Gustave Eiffel in Nantes."

How would you rate the research facilities and support?
"I have been deeply appreciative of the unwavering support extended to me by my supervisors and the state-of-the-art laboratory facilities at my disposal. Additionally, I must commend the remarkable supercomputing resources available at Centrale Nantes, which enabled me to conduct simulations integral to my thesis."

What do you plan to do after graduation?
"I have received a post-doctoral offer, and I am hoping to continuing my research beyond my Ph.D."

Any advice for future applicants?
"Reflecting on my initial reservations about the quality of the master's program at Centrale Nantes, I can now confidently assert that my academic experience has been truly enlightening. To future applicants, I recommend a thorough examination of the professors' profiles as an effective means to gauge the outstanding quality of the master's program offered at Centrale Nantes."

Centrale Nantes in three words?
"Outstanding Professors, Elite Program."