ESR2- PhD Journey with MGH
Embarking on a PhD journey is a significant life decision, one that comes with its own set of challenges, growth opportunities, and unexpected rewards. To start this new chapter, I had to say goodbye to everything I knew and my home in Brittany (France) where I used to work as a field veterinarian.
For the past three years, I have had the privilege of being based in Posieux, Switzerland, as part of the Swine Research Group at Agroscope. Language-wise, my transition was relatively smooth. Having already mastered French, I didn’t face the usual linguistic hurdles that many experience when moving to a new country. This allowed me to immerse myself fully in the research environment from the outset. The Swine Research Group at Agroscope provided a welcoming and intellectually stimulating environment and I am very grateful to my supervisors (Giuseppe Bee and Catherine Ollagnier) for this great opportunity. The MonoGutHealth project, in particular, opened up a world of opportunities for me, including attending training schools, networking, traveling, and presenting at conferences. These experiences not only broadened my scientific knowledge but also enriched my personal and professional networks. My PhD colleagues, who were part of the project, made these experiences even more enjoyable with their camaraderie and shared enthusiasm during our meetings.
However, the PhD journey has not been all roses. There were numerous moments when the weight of the challenges made me question my path, and I seriously considered quitting. During the hard times doing all my experiments, I always could count on the unwavering support of the piggery team that became invaluable. Their constant encouragement and willingness to help with my experiments (and of course in exchange for croissants and cookies) kept me moving forward, and for that, I am deeply grateful.
During my secondment at the University of Bologna with Prof. Trevisi’s group, I had the opportunity to dive deep into microbiota analysis. Additionally, a brief secondment at TwentyGreen, a Swiss startup, offered me invaluable insights into the commercial side of science, particularly in presenting products to potential clients—a skill that is often overlooked in academic settings but crucial in the real world.
Conferences were a significant part of my PhD journey, and I was fortunate to present my research at prestigious events such as the EAAP in Porto (2022) and Lyon (2023), as well as the Journée de Recherche Porcine in 2024 in France. These conferences allowed me to showcase my work to an audience that included both familiar faces from my past experiences and new, influential figures in the field.
As I look back on these three years, I am filled with a profound sense of gratitude for everything I have experienced—the challenges, the learning opportunities, the friendships, and the professional growth. It has been a tough journey, but I am happy to have made it through. Now, as I close this chapter, I am eager to embrace the new opportunities that lie ahead and begin the next chapter of my life.
