My time at Sorbonne University was an absolute delight, thanks to the presence of captivating and highly knowledgeable lecturers and professors. Their influence and the academic environment were so compelling that I made the decision to continue with a Master's Degree in Molecular and Cellular Biology, driven by a desire to continually expand my knowledge. In the first year of my MSc Degree, I specialised in Plant Physiology, and in the second year, I delved into Marine Microbiology.

Arabidopsis thaliana took center stage during the first year, and then I delved into the fascinating realm of countless unknown, uncultivable microorganisms. A pivotal moment in my academic journey occurred when I chose an optional module in Marine Microbiology at the Oceanographic Institute of Banyuls sur Mer, one of the three Oceanographic Institutes affiliated with the University Pierre and Marie Curie. This module, undertaken in the first year of my MSc degree, became a defining experience. It allowed me to apply the knowledge and skills I had acquired throughout my years of study in Molecular and Cellular Biology in Paris to the field of Environmental Sciences, particularly in the domain of marine microbiology. I secured a highly competitive UPMC scholarship based on my grades and performance at UPMC, and thanks to this funding, I had the privilege of experiencing the best of both worlds – the beautiful city of Paris, my hometown, and the small, breathtaking village of Banyuls-sur-Mer in the South of France, where I first discovered my passion for Marine Molecular Microbiology. During my Master’s programme, I deepened my understanding of Oceanography and Marine Sciences as well as expanded my knowledge in microbiology, advanced molecular tools & Omics, as well as cytometry, microscopy and gained extensive fieldwork and molecular lab experience. This newfound passion led to a first-class final degree classification for my 2-year MSc degree, reinforcing my belief that when you discover your true passion and find your scientific community, success naturally follows.

Once again, I found myself incredibly fortunate to cross paths with several amazing and inspiring professors. To this day, I am immensely proud to call my former supervisors and mentors (both a Sorbonne University and UMONS), my colleagues and friends, given our 15 to 20 years of fruitful collaboration. Certain lecturers and professors possess the unique ability to influence your career trajectory and serve as an endless source of inspiration. I am deeply grateful that I encountered such influential figures during my academic journey.