Sudnya | MSc Energetics and Propulsion, Class of 2019

What's your background?
"Hi, My name is  Sudnya Vaidya, originally from Nashik, a city located approximately 150 kilometers from Mumbai, in India. Prior arriving to in France, I held a Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mumbai University with almost 2 years of industrial experience."

Why did you decide to join the Master Programme in Energetics and Propulsion at Centrale Nantes?
"My Bachelor's thesis at the Bhabha Atomic Research Center in Mumbai ignited my passion for research and the practical application of thermodynamics and fluid mechanics in engineering problems. The desire to delve deeper into this field motivated me to pursue a Master's degree. Centrale Nantes stood out due to its renowned professors, state-of-the-art research facilities, attractive scholarship allocations, and strong industry connections. Additionally, France's attractive financial benefits such as CAF and social security for students were a compelling factor in my decision."

What did you enjoy or find challenging about the program?
"The first year of the Master's program was undoubtedly challenging as an international student adapting to a new culture, language, and academic environment. The core courses in mechanical engineering, including Python programming, tensor calculus, and continuum mechanics, provided a strong foundation. However, the French emphasis on problem-solving, real-life applications, and continuous evaluation was a significant departure from the traditional Indian education system. But just in a semester, one can easily adapt to this approach and it is highly beneficial.
I particularly enjoyed the courses with industrial partners, which offered hands-on experience and exposure to simulation software such as GT-suite, and Amesim, and courses by industrial teachers on automotive transmission, some of my fond memories include gaining hands-on experience on actual engine assembly during labwork, opening up a Toyota Prius to understand Hybrid and electric powertrains.
The crescendo of the program is a six-month internship that allows you to apply what you learned in your coursework, I was really lucky to have the opportunity to validate this learning with Renault's research center in Paris, the offers are often distributed in the career pages of ECN, or by Professors internally to students. The course genuinely prepares you for future career aspirations whether in the automotive domain or thermal / energetics background."

What is your current position?
"Currently, I am in the transition phase of completing my PhD at FEMTO-ST on the subject of "Online embedded integrated Li-ion battery diagnosis" and soon I will be joining Groupe Renault in Paris as a Battery Modeling Engineer."

How did this Master's program help prepare you for your current position?
"The Master's program at Centrale Nantes provided me with a solid foundation in technical knowledge, modeling, simulation, research methodologies, and problem-solving skills. These skills have been instrumental in gaining a doctorate in battery diagnosis by numerical simulations, Machine learning, and real-life development of embedded onboard application of the methodology, which has prepared me well for my upcoming role as a Battery Modeling Engineer."

Any advice for future applicants?
"My advice would be proactive in seeking research opportunities, attend forums, and events, reach out to your professors they are cool and welcoming. Go out of your comfort zone and immerse yourself in the French culture by interacting with locals and taking advantage of the vibrant student life in Nantes and on Campus. While the initial adjustment may be challenging, do not hesitate to put in extra hours to learn the language, the rewards are significant after. France offers numerous opportunities for international students, and Centrale Nantes is an excellent platform to launch your career."

Centrale Nantes in three words?
"Enriching Experience, Hyperconnected to Industries, Internationally Renowned"