Clara Drezen, Erasmus intern at InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM; Main area of research: analytical identification and thermochemical characterization of bio-based materials, focusing on their polymeric nature, composition, and structure–property relationships

• Where were you living in childhood and where do you live now?

In my childhood, I lived in Bretagne in France, next to the Atlantic Ocean. There is a very famous surf spot not far from my home called La Pointe de la Torche. Now, as I’m still a student, I move a lot for my studies, and for the next few months, when I go back to France, I will be living in Paris.

• What have you studied and what were the motives for your decision?

I have studied sciences after high school. I have been in a preparatory class for two years to learn mathematics, physics and chemistry, but also to develop resilience and a strong work ethic. The purpose of this was to access the national competitive exam to enter engineering school. It is equivalent to a master’s degree. I am currently studying chemistry, and I have specialized in High performance materials. The most important motivation I had was to do something that I really like and to make my family proud.

• How would you describe your work to someone outside your field?

Describing what I’m studying is one of the most difficult things to do because it requires a little bit of knowledge in science. But since I’m studying materials, I like to take examples of things or objects that belong to daily life, and I try to explain that we study their properties and how to improve them, for instance.

• What does your typical working day look like?

Since I’m doing an internship, there is no typical working day, because it depends on the tasks my supervisor gives me.

• What makes you excited about your work?

I am excited about learning new things and understanding how materials work. Also, the best part is when your experiment works and you get the result you wanted.

• And what is the biggest challenge at your work?

The biggest challenge, in my opinion, is finding ways to face climate change and all its environmental consequences. We have a lot of awareness of these topics at school. Besides, the main reason why I chose to come to InnoRenew CoE, UP IAM in Slovenia was because I was interested in their commitment to sustainability.

• Which scientist or scientific achievement are you fascinated by and why?

I’m fascinated by magnetism and the way invisible forces can be used in engineering. A great example is the Japanese maglev train, which levitates and moves using magnetic fields. I studied the theory behind it in class, and I still find it impressive how physics can make something that seems impossible become real.

• Tell us about the work of art (books, music, movies, theatre, dance, visual arts) that has a special place in your life.

I think art is part of our lives. There is not one day when we don’t encounter it, either on the street or at home. I listen to music and watch series or movies every day, for instance. Besides, I think there is such diversity that everyone can find something they enjoy.

• What have you read, listened to, or watched lately?

The last series I have watched recently is Breaking Bad, which was really good actually.

• Which place on the Slovene coast do you like the most?

What I like the most about the Slovene coast is the fact that you can walk along the Parenzana Trail.

• What makes you enthusiastic?

Being in contact with my family and friends makes me enthusiastic.

• Characterize your life’s guidance or an important realization (or epiphany) you have experienced.

One important realization I had was when I came alone to Slovenia without speaking the language. It taught me how to adapt quickly, become more independent, and trust myself in unfamiliar situations. This experience made me realize that we can manage on our own in life, even in situations that seem difficult at first.

• What does the charm of wood mean to you?

For me, it means that every tree and every type of wood has its own charm. That also means that each kind of wood has its own properties that can either charm you or not.