A student in the Catalysis and Processes Master's program (class of 2023)
1. Can you tell us about yourself and your background?
My name is Dounya Frah and I hold an engineering degree and a Master in Chemical Engineering from the École Nationale Polytechnique d'Alger. I am currently studying for a Master in Sustainable Industrial Processes - Speciality: Catalysis and Processes at the École Centrale de Lille, where I have been awarded an IFP School Excellence Scholarship. As part of my training, I'm currently doing work-study in Research and Development at Veolia Research & Innovation.
2. Why did you choose to join the Master’s degree in Catalysis and Processes?
During my studies at the École Polytechnique d'Alger, I was fascinated by the various disciplines in chemistry and chemical engineering and developed a particular interest in chemical kinetics and catalysis. So I pursued my education with a research-oriented Master's degree in Catalysis and Processes, where I acquired the fundamentals needed to study catalytic systems, from understanding phenomena at the molecular level to designing new industrial processes.
This Master's degree was very promising because it enabled me to deepen my knowledge and discover new facets of chemical engineering through these two aspects: the catalysis one, where I acquired a solid theoretical base and practical knowledge in homogeneous, heterogeneous and enzymatic catalysis and in the synthesis and shaping of catalysts; and the process aspect, with a rich program focusing on reaction kinetics and reactors, the thermodynamics of equilibria and process simulation. The sustainable aspect was also very important, with modules such as biorefinery processes for green chemistry and fuels, the energy transition towards a hydrogen world, and CO2 utilization for a low-carbon society.
3. What are your plans after this Master's degree?
I plan to play an active role in academic research and to be able to make my own contribution to current knowledge by carrying out original research.
My ambition is therefore to complete my education with a PhD in chemistry under the supervision of IFPEN and ISM, on the subject of "Hydrogen storage in the form of mixed clathrates in porous materials".
I'm well aware that a PhD is a long-term commitment that requires time, perseverance and commitment. That's why it was important for me to choose a subject that I'm passionate about and that most closely matches my research aspirations.
