After a Bachelor’s and a Master’s degrees in India, his home country, Akib knew he wanted to pursue a PhD abroad. On the advice of his Master’s supervisor, he chose to do the cotutelle doctoral program set up between the Institut national de la recherche scientifique in Canada and the University of Bordeaux in France. This led him to start his research in Canada in February 2023 on the following topic: “Ultrafast Carrier Dynamics in Quantum Materials probed by Time- and Angle-Resolved Photoemission Spectroscopy”.
How is your project progressing?
My thesis explores how electrons move in quantum materials on ultrafast timescales—down to femtoseconds (one quadrillionth of a second). These are systems where quantum effects persist at macroscopic scales, such as topological insulators, high-temperature superconductors, and transition-metal dichalcogenides. I spent the first 18 months of my PhD in Canada and the past year in Bordeaux. The two laboratories use the same fundamental approach but with different experimental configurations, so each complements the other. This has allowed me to view the problem from two perspectives and gain a deeper understanding of the corresponding science.
The project has been progressing smoothly with encouraging results. Professionally and personally, the experience has been extremely positive—my supervisors are very supportive, and my colleagues are really welcoming. I really enjoyed my stay in Canada, the city is beautiful and I met a lot of people. I’m also enjoying my stay in Bordeaux, it’s a great place to work and to live. My colleagues are very nice and welcoming as well.
How do you feel this experience will benefit you?
The cotutelle program is an asset for my career and for my personal experience. I benefit from the expertise of my two thesis supervisors and from different perspectives on research. Thanks to my stays in the two laboratories, I have an international network and experienced international collaboration. Moreover, the main advantage of the cotutelle program is the double degree: it is beneficial, whether I decide to work in the industry or in the academics, and in France or in Canada.
Any advice for future PhD students?
I recommend them to go abroad! The cotutelle program makes it possible to conduct research in two countries and it is a very positive experience for me. Working in two different laboratories is more dynamic. You learn how to collaborate and you gain more experience and expertise during your PhD!