Rachel Schurhammer 

Transformation of matter 2 

L1- Chemical Engineering, Geophysical Engineering, Oil and Gas Engineering 

Could you shortly describe your academic background? 

I am a Professor of the University of Strasbourg and I did my Master’s degree in Molecular Modeling in Chemistry and Ph.D. at the University of Strasbourg. 

Most of my Research publications are based on the studies of solvation in a complex system and non-conventional liquids such as ionic liquids and supercritical fluids, in order to study the liquid/liquid extraction mainly of ions by molecular modeling. I have 40 publications based on these works. 

Which teaching techniques do you use at UFAZ? 

I do not have any special teaching methodology since it is my first time at UFAZ and I try to make some classes adapted to the students. I prepared some conventional courses and I will probably adopt something more specific to UFAZ for my teaching mission next year.  

What are your impressions and feedbacks about UFAZ students? How do they differ from the students of the University of Strasbourg? 

In fact, they are not so much different - which is nice!  

I am used to teaching to L1 students, one part of my teaching in Strasbourg also being with L1 students. And in fact, L1 in Strasbourg is quite the same as L1 in Baku!  

Students here at UFAZ have an impressive background in mathematics. That helps while teaching physical chemistry since our studies are based on mathematics (and it is always nice when students are at ease when it comes to mathematics). 

What do you suggest as part of improvement works in the newly established French-Azerbaijani University? 

In fact, when you are building something, you always need to progress and co-construct and to change from year to year, because you have to adapt to the situation generally. 

I think for the moment, we can further work on the coordination between UFAZ and Unistra so that we both move in the same direction.  

What are the current trends and career options for UFAZ students after graduation? 

During their studies, they will be prepared either to be engineers employed by industries, probably all over the world or to pursue within a Ph.D. program in a wide range of scientific fields, making them efficient researcher either for academic or industrial research. 

What do you wish and advice to UFAZ students? 

I think for UFAZ students, or as for any students of any country, it is always good to have knowledge about the other parts of the worlds. 

In France, we also try and push students to go abroad to broaden their horizon think to get new ideas and inspirations. If you live at least in two-three countries, you will have a new way of thinking that can be useful in constructing your projects! 

In my point of view, it is quite important to have the chance to associate yourself with different cultures. 

In general I wish students to achieve their goals, but first, they need to find exactly what they want to do, and then they will be able to set up their own goals.