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Published: 31 July 2026

AFAM: Hello Léopold and thank you for agreeing to answer our questions. You are currently an intern at Atelier Première in New York. Could you please tell us a few words about your current role and about the company you work for?

Léopold: I'm working under a VIE contract at Atelier Première, as this entity had the qualifications required to host a VIE, but I actually work for Cypres Lessols Americas. Both companies belong to the same group, Ateliers de France, which specializes in heritage preservation and high-end construction. My company is specialized in luxury flooring, and I'm in charge of supervising all our projects in the US, as well as in Mexico and Canada. I'm a project manager, but also a business developer and a supervisor . The great thing about working in a small structure is that you become extremely versatile and get to do something different every day. More concretely, I handle the logistics, quotes, invoices and job sites for our projects. I also do a fair amount of prospecting, and I regularly get to interact with GCs, architects and designers, which I really enjoy.

AFAM: How did you obtain this internship? Why do you think you were the best candidate for this position?

Léopold: I got this internship by sending a spontaneous application directly to the management of the Ateliers de France group, and I was lucky enough to get a reply. An opportunity came up at the exact moment I was looking for an internship abroad, in the wood industry, which matched their needs perfectly. In all modesty, I think I had exactly the right profile for the job: as an engineer specialized in wood, having also completed an internship in a flooring factory two years ago, and being someone who adapts easily to many different environments, I met their need for a manager who is both technically skilled and open to the commercial side of the job.

AFAM: What do you enjoy the most about your current role? What is or was the most challenging for you?

Léopold: What I appreciate the most is the responsibility I'm given and the ability to make my own decisions. To give you an example, barely a month after arriving in New York, I was sent to LA to supervise a job site, all on my own! There's no better way to learn and get to grips with the trade quickly. I travel a lot, I meet very different people, and unexpected situations come up all the time, it's all very stimulating.

AFAM: How did being a Gadz'Arts help you in your professional journey so far?

Léopold: What I see as the greatest strength of a Gadz'Arts in a professional setting is their adaptability and their responsiveness in crisis situations. Always being willing to step up, and tackling a problem quickly while still taking the time to think it through: that's a mindset I learned to develop during my two and a half years at the school.

AFAM: You live in New York. Any activities you enjoy doing outside of your work? How do you like the city of New York?

Léopold: That's a really tough question… No, I'm kidding, of course I love New York! This city is absolutely crazy, and I'm not exaggerating the way Americans do. Actually, if the question is tough, it's because it's not easy to describe this feeling of happiness that never fades. For me it's even more special, because I never asked to come here; it was an offer that was made to me, and one I almost hesitated to accept at first, as I rather wanted to head to the countryside after my "Cluny" period. A Gadz'Arts feels right at home in New York; there's a lot of partying. I meet people from all walks of life, and there isn't a single evening when I come home without doing anything. Discovering the city is an activity in itself, and an almost endless one. I've been here six months and I still haven't finished exploring my own neighborhood. On weekends I go to concerts, to the beach, to exhibitions, to shows, to soccer games (the World Cup was on), on hikes, and I travel a lot to visit other cities (New Orleans, Dallas, Philadelphia, Puerto Rico, etc.).

AFAM: What advice would you give to Arts et Métiers students looking for internships in the United States or willing to start their internship search?

Léopold: Don't hesitate to be bold, ask for face-to-face meetings, make them happen, knock on the door (literally) of the companies you dream of working for. Many VIEs found their contract by showing up in person. And be curious about everything, ask questions even at the risk of sounding naïve. It may sound clichéd, but it's incredibly rewarding.

AFAM: Anything you would like to share with us about your future plans?

Léopold: I'd like to stay here — it's actually under discussion. I'd love to extend my experience with this company for a few years and learn as much as possible before joining another company within the group, one that works in the restoration of historical monuments (Atelier Perrault).

AFAM: Thank you, Léopold!

Photos - courtesy of Léopold (Leopold at work and in New York)

Léopold presenting a new product at the Atelier de France Showroom in New York

Léopold at the Edge, New York

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Published: 24 July 2026

AFAM: Hello François et thank you for your time! You are a Supply Chain and Logistics Director at Solar Edge. Could you please tell us more about the company you work for and your position?

François: I am responsible for the Americas supply chain and logistics at Solaredge including forward and post sales logistics. Solaredge is a market leader in inverters, batteries and monitoring/management ecosystem for the solar installations for both residential and commercial as well as globally with strong presence in Europe. Americas represents more than 60% of the global business. The inverters primarily function is to convert the DC electricity generated by the solar panels into AC current.

AFAM: Was working in the smart energy company your first choice or is it more about opportunities that you wanted to take advantage of?

François:

I started in consulting with Ernst & Young and moved to corporate role in consumer electronics with companies like Netgear, Logitech and Corsair as well as semi conductor company like Cypress. I was always interested by the solar industry and when an opportunity came up, I made the move so I can both leverage my experience as well as contribute to a good cause

AFAM: What do you find is the most challenging and the most exciting in your Supply Chain and Logistics Director’s job?

François:

The most challenging is to be able to adjust to the frequently changing regulatory policies impacting the solar industry greatly. And the most exciting is managing and optimizing coping the ever changing supply chain hurdles with inflation pressure, tariff, fuel surcharge, geopolitical trends among others: there is never a boring week. In addition, we now have to integrate on how to best use AI in managing our business.

AFAM: Could you advise any energy startups to watch in 2026?

François:

Some of the key elements is to understand and manage proactively the fast changing factors as described earlier as well as keep an eye on your various customer financials (their financial health and financing model) to reduce risks and generate growth. But overall, solar is not going away despite the ups and downs so it is a good industry to be involved in the long term.

AFAM: How did being a Gadz’Arts help you in becoming who you are today?

François:

It helped me understand the big picture but also dive down into details, be adaptable and resourceful and not be intimidated by challenges, be able to connect and drive at the human level with all kinds of individuals and teams internally and externally

AFAM: How long have you been living in the SF bay area? What do you enjoy doing in your free time?

François:

Oh my gosh! I have now been living more than 25 years with 2 kids now out of college and successful in the working world. I enjoy many things from traveling, celebrating with family and friends (and our AFAM group), staying active with sports (for now!), staying stimulated through reading, culture events and others. Finally it is all about continuing growing as a person through experiences, relationships and curiosity.

AFAM: thank you, François!

Other interviews in “Green and Clean” series:
Interview with Guenael Prince (Cl 201)
Interview with Raphael Zaccardi (Cl 182)
Interview with Lucie Marionnet (Class 2019)

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Published: 22 July 2026

AFAM: Hello Henri, and thank you for agreeing to answer our questions. You are currently a Research assistant at David Rittenhouse Laboratory (University of Pennsylvania). Please tell us more about your role and the journey that led you to it? How come that ( and when) you became interested in astronomy? 

Henri: 

Hello Albina,

I am happy to answer these questions if it helps other students. I am currently interning in the Department of Physics and Mathematics at UPenn specifically within the David Rittenhouse Laboratory, which focuses on cosmology and the study of the universe's "first light" (dating back about 14 billion years). Coming from an engineering background, I don't work directly on astrophysics itself. Instead, I am developing a tool to assist the researchers. Indeed UPenn, in partnership with many other universities worldwide, recently acquired a telescope in Chile (the Simons Observatory Large Aperture Telescope) designed to study these light rays. However, a calibration issue arose regarding the two mirrors (primary and secondary) used to direct light toward the receivers. Gravity and heat can cause the mirrors to shift slightly, completely skewing measurements because the further out you observe, the more significant the impact of even a tiny angular error becomes.

For the past three months, I have been working on a method to measure mirror positioning using photogrammetry. This involves setting up a network of cameras that, by combining multiple viewpoints and using triangulation techniques, allows us to move from 2D (like a standard photograph) to 3D, enabling us to track the mirrors' displacement.

This internship was something I gravitated toward over time. I have always had a strong interest in cosmology; it is a complex, emerging field that compels one to consider both scientific and philosophical questions. After all, studying the universe's first light inevitably leads us to ask what existed before it and what will come after. So, when I decided I wanted to do an internship in a university lab, I told myself that since I would only be there for a few months, I might as well do something that truly inspired me and took me out of my comfort zone; naturally, I chose astrophysics. All I had to do then was find laboratories in the field and send unsolicited applications via email, highlighting my background and past experiences.

AFAM: every year we have students looking for internships in the United States? Why do you think you were a successful candidate for the role at David Rittenhouse Laboratory? What piece of advice would you give to students interested in finding an internship in the United States?

Henri: 

I believe my application was accepted by the laboratory for several reasons that didn't necessarily hinge on the U.S. context itself. First, I carefully targeted the labs I wanted to apply to by looking at how my profile specifically aligned with their needs. I researched their fields of study and made sure to present myself naturally as a compelling candidate. Additionally, alongside my background at Arts et Métiers, I had the opportunity to pursue a computer programming curriculum at École 42. This allowed me to easily highlight the dual nature of my profile combining mechanical engineering with computer engineering skills. I also think I stood out because I used that initial email as a hook, clearly stating that I was 100% self-sufficient, which reassured them that administrative procedures wouldn't be an issue. Once the hook worked and the video interview was scheduled, I was able to show my true self, as it is easier to build a rapport via video call than through email. Finally, once I sensed that my profile was a good fit and that I got along well with the researchers, I was able to negotiate certain terms.

I would say the key factor is a gradual approach; hiring a foreign student isn't necessarily easy for an American university, given the lengthy administrative processes and the competition from American students who are easier to hire but also want these internships. You need to emphasize that hiring you is their best option and that you are fully prepared to handle the administrative requirements. You also need to be available and organized regarding interviews, video calls, and emails, despite the time difference.

AFAM: You became a Mayoux-Dauriac 2026 ( Paris campus)? Congratulations! Please tell us a bit more about your different interests outside of experimental cosmology?

Henri: 

Haha, yes that’s right, I won the 2026 Mayoux-Dauriac Prize, and I’d like to thank everyone involved in organizing it each year once again. It is a truly enriching event, both for the stylistic challenge it offers and for the €1,000 prize I was able to win.

I am indeed a student with a keen interest in the sciences particularly physics but I also have a passion for the humanities, especially the art of rhetoric, counter-argumentation, and debate. As I mentioned earlier, one of the things I find so appealing about cosmology and astrophysics is the way these fields prompt us to question things and lead us into complex, mind-bending philosophical reasoning. I am also an avid athlete who enjoys setting medium-term goals, striving to achieve them and then moving on to new ones.

AFAM: how did being a Gadz’Arts help you in your professional life so far?

Henri: 

To be completely honest and setting aside the absolutely brilliant support from AFAM being a Gadz'Arts hadn't really helped me in my professional life up so far. I have no doubt that it will one day, though, because the Arts community, thanks to its alumni, possesses a truly unique spirit of mutual support.

AFAM: What are your plans for the future (if you could tell us a bit more about it)?

Henri: 

I must admit that my plans for the future aren't entirely clear yet. My experience here at UPenn has been absolutely incredible on a personal level. I’ve learned a great deal about astrophysics research and how a laboratory operates, but I’ve also learned a lot about myself. Consequently, after this internship, I plan to step away from research for a while and pursue other paths. To start, I’ve applied to become an officer in the French Army through a partnership between the military and various French engineering and business schools (the Partenariat Grandes Écoles). I am currently awaiting the final results, but this opportunity would allow me to spend six months split between the Saint-Cyr military academy and an assigned regiment. Beyond that, the future is less certain, I might apply for a public policy program to work in the civil service, bringing an engineering perspective to issues like climate change and technological sovereignty. Another option would be to pursue a career in core engineering within the defense sector.

AFAM: you live in Pennsylvania. Can you tell a bit more about your life outside of work? What are you doing in your free time?

Henri: 

Yes, I was lucky enough to live in Philadelphia and right in the middle of the 2026 World Cup, no less. The atmosphere was truly special, and I’m so glad things worked out that way, because I think the vibe there was genuinely unique. Outside of work hours, I had the chance to explore New York (an hour and a half away by train) and Washington (two hours away), visiting all the fabulous museums and monuments in those cities, in addition to the ones in Philadelphia. During the week, I work out a lot at the campus's many gyms.

AFAM: thank you for your time and good luck with all your future endeavors!

Pictures: courtesy of Henri

Philadelphie - City hall

New York - Train station

Other interviews in “Ad astra” series:

Interview # 1 with Jean-Christophe Boulon (Me 213)

Interview #2 with Laurène Rokvam (Bo 210)

Interview #3 with Corentin Lazarus ( Me 209)

Interview #4 with Yann Sadou (Bo 218), researcher at Caltec

Interview #5 with Tanguy Hourmant (Bo 223)

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Published: 20 July 2026

AFAM: Hello Jean and thank you for this opportunity to ask you a few questions. You are a Graduate engineering student majoring in mechanical engineering at UC Berkeley. Could you please tell us a few words about the road that led you to Arts et Metiers and most importantly why and when you decided to become an engineer?

Jean:

I've always been fascinated by inventors and people who create new technologies. Quite early on, I realized that engineering was probably the best way to combine science, problem-solving, and innovation. I also knew from high school that I wanted to study in the United States one day.

When I entered Arts et Métiers after my preparatory classes, I noticed that many students were able to spend part of their studies in the US. That became a goal for me. More specifically, I wanted to come to California and experience Silicon Valley, which is probably one of the most exciting places in the world for innovation and technology.

So throughout my studies, I worked toward that objective, and eventually I had the opportunity to join UC Berkeley.

AFAM: Could you tell us a bit more about your studies and life in California?

Jean:

When I arrived at Berkeley, I wanted to take full advantage of the opportunity to explore subjects beyond traditional mechanical engineering. Alongside my core courses, I progressively focused more on Data Science, Machine Learning, AI, and software engineering. These fields complemented my engineering background and completely changed the direction I wanted to take after graduation.

Besides that, I became as a Teacher Assistant in an Oceanography course during Fall 2025, which was actually quite far from my academic background.

I ended up loving it. It really structured my semester, and teaching students every week was extremely rewarding.

The following semester, I decided to continue as a TA, but this time in a completely different subject: Ethics in Engineering. Again, it was a fascinating experience.

Being a Teaching Assistant also helped financially. The salary and tuition benefits covered all of my educational expenses.

Outside of class, I also spent a lot of time working on software and AI projects, which allowed me to gain practical experience and ultimately transition from mechanical engineering toward AI engineering.

That gave me the opportunity to fully enjoy California. I traveled a lot, discovered many places across the state, joined a local golf club and managed to play almost every week, which was a pretty nice bonus!

AFAM: What was the most challenging for you in the US?

Jean:

The biggest challenge was finding a way to continue the experience in the US after graduation.

Before arriving, our focus was on getting admitted to a great university. But once you're here, you realize that employers care much more about your professional experience than about the name of your school.

The competition is extremely strong, especially in today's job market. Over the past three years, hiring has become much more difficult, particularly for international students who also require visa sponsorship.

Breaking into AI without a traditional software engineering background was another challenge. It required a lot of personal work outside of my coursework to build the necessary skills and demonstrate them through projects.

Beyond that, obtaining a work visa within the required timelines has also been a challenge that I didn't fully anticipate before coming here.

AFAM: Can you share a little bit about your future plans?

Jean:

I'm very happy to say that I am now AI Engineer at Augura Health, a biotechnology startup based in San Francisco,  California.

The company is developing an agentic AI platform that helps automate and accelerate clinical research by analyzing scientific literature and generating structured evidence for clinical studies.

This position is exactly the kind of opportunity I was hoping to find when I decided to come to Berkeley.

I would also like to express my gratitude to my Shasta mentor, Alain Mutschler, whose guidance, encouragement, and continuous support were invaluable throughout this adventure.

AFAM: What is one favorite way to spend your free time (hobbies, weekend activities)?

Jean:

In my free time, I mainly enjoyed playing golf. Berkeley also has a large French community. We traveled a lot together throughout the year, including trips to Vegas, LA, Tahoe, Yosemite, Death Valley, and many other amazing places.

One of the highlights of the year was spending Spring Break in Hawaii.

AFAM: Thank you, Jean!

Please read other interviews in our "Zoom on" series

All pictures: courtesy of Jean

Jean with NYU students at Cal Harks event in San Francisco

Jean avec Marie Imad (A&M/Stanford student)

Jean playing golf in San Francisco