Pedro SANTOS

Can you introduce yourself?

My name is Pedro Henrique Lopes Nunes Abreu dos Santos (I know… It’s a HUGE name…). I’m a 33 years old Brazilian. During 2014 I went to Paris to study one semester at EIDD (Materials and Nanotechnology course) and do an internship with Dr. Roberta Brayner.

What made you want to study in Paris?

I already knew Dr. Roberta Brayner. She is Brazilian, like me. From 2009 to 2017 I worked at INPE (the Brazilian National Institute for Space Researches) as a Chemistry Technician. Dr. Brayner took her Master Degree there and sometimes visited us in our lab in this period. In 2013 I’ve had the opportunity to choose some place to study abroad through a government program called « Science without Borders » (which no longer exists, unfortunately…). So I decided to go to Paris to study at EIDD and work with Dr. Brayner to learn more about « polyol-mediated synthesis » with the best!

Can you quickly tell us about your experience?

It was an amazing and crazy experience! I’ve had just a few months to learn french before going to Paris. So I spent kind of difficult times in my first days, specially during the classes. But each person in EIDD, from students to professors, made my days a little bit easier. Everybody was there to help me anyway, anytime. I made good friends in the time I spent there! I really enjoyed the courses I took. I learned some important concepts and techniques that I still use in my daily life. About the experience of living in Paris, I think it was the most incredible experience I’ve had in my life! It’s a beautiful city where I’ve had contact with so many different cultures. Living in Paris was a learning for life.

An advice for a foreign student wishing to study in Paris?

Just go! I’m sure it is going to be the greatest experience in your life!

What is your profession now?

I’m a Materials Engineering PhD student.