Moira Torres is an alumna of the MSc&T Energy Environment: Science Technology and Management from École Polytechnique.
Today, she is following a PhD about the performance of photovoltaic panels under real-life conditions.
In this interview, Moirra talks about her experience at École Polytechnique, explains her career plan and gives you some advice.
Could you introduce yourself?
My name is Moira Torres, I am from Mexico and I graduated from the MSc&T STEEM.
I studied at Universidad National Autonoma de Mexico (U.N.A.M.) before following a Master’s degree at Ecole Polytechnique.
Today, I am following a PhD about the performance of photovoltaic panels under real-life conditions.
Why did you choose to enter Ecole Polytechnique?
I did a summer internship in 2015 at Ecole Polytechnique and I fell in love with the school.
It gives the students all the resources to succeed and is science, innovation, and research oriented – which is what I was searching for. I was able to see very clearly that the research done was always meaningful.
The school has very good rankings – all my professors at (U.N.A.M.) were very proud and excited about the fact that I was accepted - and I was able to get a scholarship.
Also, one of my best friends was going to school in Paris and it was an experience I really wanted to
live.
Could you please tell us more about your PhD?
I am following a PhD about Development of photovoltaic module outdoor performance indicators based on experimental platforms.
I do performance assessments of photovoltaic panels. The goal is to understand how different environmental factors affect their production. The objective is to develop an indicator that will help us have a better energy production forecast in order to reduce costs and be able to better integrate solar systems into the electrical grid.
Why did you choose to pursue your studies with a PhD?
At 15 I decided that I wanted to be a researcher because I wanted to reduce the footprint of human activities on the planet. Once I had the opportunity to follow a PhD I questioned myself a lot but I liked research too much to not follow that path.
What I love the most about it is the feeling of solving an issue and discovering something new. It’s always very exciting!
Did the name of Ecole Polytechnique helped you in a particular situation?
I did my internship in India and the offer clearly specified that the student had to be from a « Grande Ecole » to apply. I remember seeing a lot of offers like this.
In my opinion, it also makes people hear you and let you express yourself more. For instance, I was acknowledged in a report by a renowned energy agency (International Energy Agency) because I made some contributions and I was still a student. I don’t think that students from other schools could say the same.
What skills did you gain during your MSc&T and have been using in your PhD?
Critical thinking and teamwork for sure.
I got the opportunity to learn and apply what I’ve seen in class and work with very different people with various backgrounds – which is a very underestimated skill.
What memories do you have of your time spent at l’X?
I remember working a lot and spending a lot of time with my friends.
I have very good memories of different trips that we did as friends and colleagues in the MSc&T!
There are a lot of activities on campus that allow you to meet people and enjoy your time with them.
I think it is important to highlight the fact that the classes are very international and diverse regardless of the fields. I had the opportunity to meet people from all around the world.
What are your ambitions for the future?
I’m still undecided between staying in Academia and joining the Industry world. However, I know I want to work in developing projects that will have an impact and help people in need. I would like to bring electricity to some places in Africa for instance.
During a previous internship I stayed 6 months in India with the International Solar Alliance and I really liked being helpful! I earned the trust of my supervisor which allowed me to be involved in different tasks that an intern normally wouldn’t be.
Do you have any advice for future students?
Be courageous and apply for the program that inspires you even if you are not very confident or don’t have the best grades. Of course, the school cares about your grades but having a real professional goal and passion is also very important.
Be ready to work a lot and have a great time!