Dr. Julien Laverdant, from Lumière Matière Institute at University Lyon 1, has been teaching the subject of “Physics of Semiconductor and Electronic Devices” in the Master’s program of Advanced Materials Science and NanoTechnology for the past six years. Join us as we delve into his experience in Vietnam and his time at USTH through an engaging discussion.
Since you have been to Vietnam and USTH many times, what makes you impressed during your stay here?
Asia offers a truly unique cultural experience in all aspects of life, including daily routines and work dynamics. Speaking specifically about Vietnam, I am fortunate to have friends and colleagues there. It brings me great joy to visit once or twice a year to strengthen those connections. The culture and people of Vietnam hold a special place in my heart.
At USTH, the relationship with students differs significantly from that in France. It challenges me to adapt, but the rewards are immense. In the classroom, I also sense both the students’ respect for me and a welcoming closeness that extends beyond our academic discussions.
How did you become aware of USTH, and what factors influenced your decision to join our university as a lecturer?
My university in Lyon has been a part of the USTH Consortium, which is how I first became aware of USTH. Additionally, I developed an interest in Vietnam due to a previous research collaboration I had with a professor in Hanoi.
When a teaching position became available in the Master’s program for Advanced Materials Science and Technology in 2017, I decided to take a chance. This opportunity carries great importance for me, not only in terms of teaching but also in opening doors to potential PhD opportunities and furthering my scientific collaborations.
Can you share with us some great memories when working with USTH students?
I have many incredible memories with my students at USTH that I treasure. One such memory dates back to 2018 when I taught at USTH for the second year. I met Ms. Cam Nhung Vu, who later became my PhD student in France. During my teaching at USTH, we had many interesting and engaging discussions, then formed a very good relationship. I was very delighted to become her supervisor when she decided to pursue a PhD. For us, as lecturers, one of the most rewarding aspects is to witness the brilliant work of our students and have opportunities to work with them after their graduation. Until now, I and Ms. Cam Nhung Vu have remained in touch and continue to collaborate in our research.
Another memorable experience occurred just this year when I taught in my year-1 master class. I had the pleasure of teaching a group of exceptional students who were not only genuinely interested in learning but also incredibly friendly. Our interactions extended beyond the classroom, as we even shared a meal together. It was a delightful occasion, and I was fortunate to have colleagues like Ms. Vu Thi Thu and Dr. Benoit Piro join us. To cap it off, we even enjoyed a drink together as a way to celebrate the end of my course.
What do you think about the strengths of the Master’s program of Advanced Material Science and Nanotechnology at USTH?
The Master’s program in Advanced Materials Science and Nanotechnology at USTH offers students a strong and diverse set of skills. The inclusion of various fields of Physics and Chemistry creates a well-rounded and cohesive curriculum. Although it is sometimes challenging for both the lecturers and students to cover the amount of knowledge equivalent to a full semester in France within a condensed time frame of only a week, the program still maintains its good standard. From my point of view, the students can quickly grasp and catch up with the lessons thanks to their solid scientific foundation.
I am glad that the scores reflect well the efforts and abilities of the students. It is highly valuable when they apply for higher education in any other institutions or seek employment opportunities.
Thank you, Dr. Julien Laverdant for your interesting discussion. We hope to welcome you to USTH in the near future.
| USTH recruits candidates for the Master’s program in Advanced Materials Science and NanoTechnology. For further information, please click https://admission.usth.edu.vn/ |
