Pauline Bredy, in her grandfather’s footsteps
Once upon a time, there was the story of Pauline Bredy and her grandfather Gérard Bredy, both doctoral students at the laboratory, 57 years apart!
Pauline tells us about this wonderful adventure in an interview:
Your grandfather Gérard also did his thesis at the laboratory. Did his career inspire you? Was it chance, opportunity or a desire to follow in his footsteps?
As well as doing my thesis in the same lab as him, I also went to the same engineering school, CPE Lyon (formerly ESCIL). When I first became interested in this school I didn’t know. But in a way I think it also helped me in my post-bac choice. For the thesis, I first did my end-of-study placement at IRCELYON. Initially I didn’t want to do a thesis…
But towards the end of my internship, in the middle of the COVID period and after having integrated well into the ING team, I considered extending this experience. The team then offered me the chance to do a PhD, which I accepted. So in reality, my motivation wasn’t so much the desire to follow in my grandfather’s footsteps, but rather a combination of different factors. In any case, I’m extremely proud to have chosen this path and to have followed in his footsteps.
What was your thesis about? Any connection with your grandfather’s?
My thesis work focused on the development of tandem catalyst systems for the conversion of CO2 into hydrocarbons via a global reaction known as CO2-Fischer-Tropsch (CO2-FTS). This reaction is in fact the coupling of two cascade reactions (rWGS and FTS). The aim was to prove that it was possible to shift the restricted thermodynamic equilibrium of the first reaction by adding the second catalyst, enabling the second reaction to take place. In the end, this was achieved using a copper-based catalyst for the rWGS reaction, coupled with an iron-based catalyst for the FTS. These results have led to a better understanding of the reaction mechanisms.
This work is not really related to my grandfather’s thesis, which was on vanadium complexes. It should be noted that my grandfather did his thesis under the supervision of Marcel Prettre, the laboratory’s founder!
What will you take away from these 3 years in the lab?
I loved my three years in the laboratory, which were a period of significant personal growth. I gained valuable scientific experience as part of a great team. It has been both a human and a scientific adventure. Working with a dynamic team has enabled me to collaborate effectively while allowing me to develop a degree of autonomy in my work. What’s more, the general atmosphere in the laboratory was really nice, making each working day even more enjoyable.
Where are you heading next?
For the time being, I’m going to take a breather. I’m off to South-East Asia with my partner. But after that, we’d like to move to the Lyon region or Switzerland. I’d like to work in a small company or start-up in the field of research and catalysis, with an environmental application if possible.
Thank you to Pauline Bredy for this interview, and we wish her all the best for the future!
