An interview with Claudia Fernandez Escudero a PhD student at working on fluid/structure interactions

Q: Can you tell us about where you come from and what is your academic background before the PhD?
A: I was born in Oviedo in the north of Spain but before coming to France I had always lived in Madrid. I studied aerospace engineering in Unversidad Politecnica de Madrid and I did a research master in ISAE-ENSMA in Poitiers.

Q: Why did you decide to enter a PhD program and why ISAE-SUPAERO?
A: In my opinion a PhD is the perfect way to complete ones studies as it requires you to apply everything you have learnt and, at the same time, it allows you to really deepen your knowledge of a subject. In addition, you get to develop other transversal skills such as autonomy, ability to communicate etc. After doing my end of studies internship in ISAE-SUPAERO I knew it was the perfect place to continue my studies. Here we can find excellent experimental tools such as the SABRE wind tunnel where I am carrying out my tests, powerful numerical tools and, specially, a very welcoming team of researchers, professors and lab technicians.

Q: Can you briefly explain the topic of your thesis?
A: My PhD is about passive control of flutter in aircraft wings. I study the fluid structure interaction through numerical models and also with experimental analysis.

Q: How about life in Toulouse? Any recommendation to see, go there?
A: Toulouse is a very dynamic city where there are many students. You will easily find concerts, sport activities, parties… Also it is very close to Albi, Carcassonne, Bordeaux etc. and there are very cheap flights to other European cities.

Q: You are enrolled in a PhD in collaboration with Ecole Polytechnique Montréal. What is the interest of such a collaboration?
A: A PhD in collaboration allows you to work in two different teams and to become the link between them. Also, in my case, it enables me to do research in a different country during half of my PhD which I find very enriching. In a PhD collaboration, one must fulfill the academic requirements of the two engineering schools which sometimes may require a bit of extra effort but it’s certainly worth it and I am really happy with the experience.