It only takes a few minutes in his company to see that Alexis is someone who thrives on curiosity and exploration. \u201cI\u2019m always eager to dive into different fields, but as a result, my academic path has been somewhat unconventional,\u201d he admits. After earning a Bachelor in Materials Science and Engineering, Alexis chose to pursue a Master at EPFL\u2019s Neuro X Institute\u2014an unusual transition. \u201cAt one point, I was even considering going into medicine, or perhaps something in environmental science,\u201d he recalls with a smile. \u201cMy bachelor\u2019s studies allowed me to keep moving forward in a field I loved, without needing to make a definitive choice.\u201d<\/p>\n
How does someone with so many interests keep from getting overwhelmed? \u201cI need to take breaks now and then, to step back and reflect before digging in again,\u201d Alexis explains. This need for reflection took him on a hitchhiking trip to Istanbul with a friend. \u201cWe discovered places we never would have visited, meeting people from each region along the way. That\u2019s something I really enjoy\u2014connecting with people.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cEngineering appeals to me,\u201d he continues, \u201cbut I was drawn to medicine because it offers the chance to work closely with people and find real solutions to their problems.\u201d The biggest challenge of studying at EPFL, he notes, is time management. \u201cDuring my bachelor\u2019s, I sometimes lost sight of why I was studying in the first place. When you\u2019re constantly racing against the clock, it\u2019s easy to focus on grades and forget the bigger picture.\u201d<\/p>\n
That\u2019s where the Excellence Fellowship made all the difference. \u201cSuddenly, 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!\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe boost in confidence is also significant,\u201d Alexis adds. \u201cKnowing that EPFL believes in my non-traditional path means a lot. It gives me a sense of legitimacy\u2014not just for myself, but also when I apply to labs.\u201d With the scholarship\u2019s financial backing, he can now seek internships that align perfectly with his unique academic track, without having to worry about the pay grade.<\/p>\n
As for the future? \u201cMy dream is to work as a neuroengineer, directly interacting with patients.\u201d Is this the medicine of the future? With his knack for connecting with others and his passion for interdisciplinary work, there\u2019s little doubt that Alexis will contribute to the development of this new field.<\/p>\n