Arnaud Vieyres, Ph.D. Student, Saint Fons (France)
Tell us about your work
I am a Ph.D. student at LPMA, a university-partnered laboratory with both CNRS and Rhodia researchers. Through my training and research Rhodia benefits from my knowledge of polymer materials. My thesis deals with improving the understanding of certain materials used by the Group, such as dispersible silica. I perform experiments to determine the characteristics of these materials, understand their properties of use, and come up with innovations.
Why did you choose Rhodia ?
Since I had done my final year internship at Rhodia and really liked it, it just seemed logical to do my PhD there, too. Before my internship, I had already heard good things about the Group from alumni of my engineering school who worked there. Rhodia is also highly involved with ENSIACET, giving presentations at our school auditorium and sponsoring one graduating year. Finally, its name is well known in polymer research.
What is your background ?
After prep school, I enrolled at ENSIACT in the Materials Faculty. When I graduated I was hired by Rhodia.
What do you like the most about your job ?
It is so enriching interacting with people with various specialities. The synergies resulting from so many combined skills (i.e. CNRS researchers and Rhodia engineers) really propel our research forward.
I also work with staff focusing more on growth and customer relations. Their thoughts on my work are also very enriching.
Finally, Rhodia's corporate culture, with its emphasis on safety, the environment, everyday excellence and innovation, corresponds to my fundamental values as well.