Alexis Cogne is a passionate and determined student whose academic journey reflects his constant pursuit of new experiences. Thanks to his dedication and the fellowship support, Alexis is well-equipped to achieve his professional goals and make significant contributions in his field.
It only takes a few minutes in his company to see that Alexis is someone who thrives on curiosity and exploration. “I’m always eager to dive into different fields, but as a result, my academic path has been somewhat unconventional,” he admits. After earning a Bachelor in Materials Science and Engineering, Alexis chose to pursue a Master at EPFL’s Neuro X Institute—an unusual transition. “At one point, I was even considering going into medicine, or perhaps something in environmental science,” he recalls with a smile. “My bachelor’s studies allowed me to keep moving forward in a field I loved, without needing to make a definitive choice.”
How does someone with so many interests keep from getting overwhelmed? “I need to take breaks now and then, to step back and reflect before digging in again,” Alexis explains. This need for reflection took him on a hitchhiking trip to Istanbul with a friend. “We discovered places we never would have visited, meeting people from each region along the way. That’s something I really enjoy—connecting with people.”
“Engineering appeals to me,” he continues, “but I was drawn to medicine because it offers the chance to work closely with people and find real solutions to their problems.” The biggest challenge of studying at EPFL, he notes, is time management. “During my bachelor’s, I sometimes lost sight of why I was studying in the first place. When you’re constantly racing against the clock, it’s easy to focus on grades and forget the bigger picture.”
That’s where the Excellence Fellowship made all the difference. “Suddenly, the time I used to spend working to support myself was freed up. I had the luxury of following my curiosity again. It gave me the chance to deeply explore subjects, to take my time, and make more thoughtful decisions. It changed everything!”
“The boost in confidence is also significant,” Alexis adds. “Knowing that EPFL believes in my non-traditional path means a lot. It gives me a sense of legitimacy—not just for myself, but also when I apply to labs.” With the scholarship’s financial backing, he can now seek internships that align perfectly with his unique academic track, without having to worry about the pay grade.
As for the future? “My dream is to work as a neuroengineer, directly interacting with patients.” Is this the medicine of the future? With his knack for connecting with others and his passion for interdisciplinary work, there’s little doubt that Alexis will contribute to the development of this new field.