Interview with Axel Krzyzaniak, PhD student in materials chemistry

Axel: My three-year thesis focuses on the development of bioceramics: ceramics designed for healthcare applications. The main objective is to design customized bone substitutes or prostheses, adapted to the specific morphology of each patient, using additive manufacturing technologies, commonly known as 3D printing. An innovative aspect of this work lies in the use of microwave heat treatment, which enables these parts to be produced in record time. Where traditional methods require several dozen hours, this innovative process achieves comparable results in just a few hours.

Axel: after graduating from high school, I started a year in medicine. However, the intense competition between students quickly displeased me. What finally motivated me to continue my studies in the bachelor's program was the closeness with the teachers and teaching teams, an aspect I particularly appreciated. Indeed, this proximity is reinforced by the human scale of the UPHF, where even in L1 classes don't exceed 100 to 120 students. Unlike large universities with several hundred students. This more intimate setting encourages exchanges and personalized follow-up, which is a real asset. I then decided to reorientate my project by integrating a training course aimed at forensic science.

Then, the idea of continuing on to a master's degree appealed to me as a rewarding opportunity. During the master's course (Sciences et Génie des Matériaux, course ingénierie, chimie et matériaux de l'INSA Hauts-de-France), a teacher talked to me about the possibility of doing a thesis, which piqued my interest in research. After discussions with the teaching team and some personal reflection, I attended a defense, which confirmed my decision. At the end of my Master's degree, the CERAMATHS team proposed a thesis on bioceramics, a subject combining physics and chemistry, which excited me. I applied, had an interview and got the job.

Axel: I feel great pride in the idea of becoming a doctor, and personal satisfaction in proving that I can complete this demanding course. What motivates me most is the concrete impact of my work, which could one day be used to improve people's lives. By working on bone substitutes and prostheses, I'm contributing to advances in orthopedic, dental and medical repair in general. My goal, which has been anchored since my early days in medicine, is to have a positive impact on patients' health. Today, I feel I've come full circle, and I'm proud to contribute to a better future for others.

Axel : the first obstacle is the misperception of the thesis: many, including my friends, consider me a student. Yet I'm working, not studying: I don't have classes and I earn a salary. This prejudice about being a "student" for three more years needs to be overcome. Another challenge is the length of study, which can seem daunting. However, taking it one step at a time makes it an accessible journey. At the end of my bachelor's degree, I set my sights on a master's, then a thesis. CIFRE theses also offer an alternative in partnership with a company, with a pace more oriented towards concrete applications.
To demystify the thesis, it's essential to exchange ideas with PhD students from different fields. It helps you understand the different ways of working, between writing, conferences and applications. Finally, developing your network is a precious asset: our contacts, with companies or laboratories, become strategic resources for future collaborations or projects.