Eleni Effraimopoulou, first ever PhD student to defend a thesis funded by TTI.5, worked on super-insulating bio-aerogels for controlling heat loss.
She earned her Ph.D. on September 24 and agreed to answer our questions:
– You’ve just defended your thesis after three years of work. How do you feel?
💬It is very rewarding to see three years of effort and learning come together and to realize how much I have grown personally and professionally during this time. I am genuinely happy to conclude this important chapter of my life, surrounded by great people and wonderful memories.
– How would you define these years of doctoral work?
💬These years were very intense but also incredibly enriching. I gained not only scientific knowledge and technical skills, but also strengthen important soft skills such as communication, organization and self-management. It was a continues process of curiosity, discovery and joy.
– What made you want to join the TTI.5 doctoral program in the first place?
💬For me, the main reason of joining the TTI.5 doctoral program was its strong focus on sustainability, combined with the multidisciplinary nature of its projects. I truly believe that meaningful solutions emerge when experts from different backgrounds work together.
– Was the multidisciplinary nature of your thesis an asset and/or a source of challenges for you?
💬Both! Working across disciplines expanded my scientific perspective and allowed me to approach problems from multiple perspectives, making me more creative and adaptable in my thinking. At the same time, it required significant effort to dive deeply into each research topic, something that I found both demanding and fascinating. In the end, this multidisciplinary approach made my work richer and more impactful.
– Would you like to add something? What are your plans for the future?
💬I am very grateful to my supervisors and collaborators for their support and guidance; without them nothing would be possible. In my next steps, I plan to continue my research career through a postdoctoral position, focusing on sustainable materials.
– Do you have any advice for students starting their thesis with TTI.5?
💬My advice for the new students is to always stay curious, be open to collaboration and do not get discouraged by challenges. Doctoral studies naturally come with ups and downs, but it is completely normal and part of the process! To me, a successful PhD is not only about getting the work done, but also about learning to think critically, manage your time (and sometimes your colleagues), and collaborate effectively. The development of these skills should not be underestimated, as they are essential for a career in science but not only. Last but not least, make the most out of the TTI.5 network, as its multidisciplinary nature can significantly broaden your scope and enhance your experience.
💡About:
PhD directors and supervisors: Arnaud RIGACCI et Julien JAXEL | PERSEE Mines Paris – PSL, Tatiana BUDTOVA | CEMEF Mines Paris – PSL
This thesis addresses the pressing need for high-performance, sustainable, and economically viable thermal insulation materials across many sectors, in light of the growing environmental and energy challenges posed by climate change. In this context, thermal insulation plays a key role in reducing energy consumption, particularly in the building sector, but also in other sectors such as transportation and industrial systems. Conventional insulation materials, although widely used, often fail to simultaneously meet performance requirements and minimize environmental impact, particularly in space-constrained environments, such as the interior renovation of existing buildings.
Among the solutions studied, aerogels are the only materials capable of offering intrinsic superinsulation (i.e., thermal conductivity lower than that of air) under ambient conditions, thanks to their unique nanostructure and mesoporosity. Pectin aerogels combine non-toxicity with ultra-low thermal conductivity and waste recovery, in line with the principles of the circular economy.
This theis is part of Axis 3 of our scientific program, “The Inclusive Planet.”
🔑Keywords: nanostructured materials, aerogels, pectin, thermal insulation, thermo-hydric aging, hydrophobic modification
Photos ©Laurent Schiatti de Monza