Lucas Turgné, Winner of the Category Architects/Engineers Prize from APK

Lucas TURGNE graduated from the Department of Teaching and Research (DER) in Civil Engineering and Environment (GCE) after completing the aggregation - Master 2: Higher Education Training in Civil Engineering at the School. 

"Quietly, the amount of work and the school's demands allowed me to develop a nonexistent professional organization upon arrival and due to my background. In general, prestigious schools allow for this intellectual emancipation, something I was unaware of before coming, at least not to this extent."

PORTRAIT

What is your academic journey?

Originally from Charente-Maritime, I obtained a Bac S-SVT (with honors) from Émiles Combe High School in Pons. Then, I joined the Civil Engineering IUT in Bordeaux. Wanting to continue my studies and aware of my scientific weaknesses, I joined the ATS Civil Engineering CPGE in Anglet. During this year, my teachers advised me to join ENS, so here we go! 

Arriving on the Saclay plateau, I started my SAPHIRE curriculum at ENS Paris-Saclay. I won't hide that integration was difficult, but I managed to surround myself with classmates who helped me meet this challenge. In my second year, I followed the MAISES track in the Civil and Environmental Engineering department, focusing on materials and construction themes. Finally, I validated my year by completing an internship at the University of Kaiserslautern (Germany), working on missile penetration issues in granular environments. I concluded my journey at ENS Paris-Saclay, following the M2FeSup track in Civil Engineering.

Why did you choose to take the aggregation?

Well, why not. More seriously, I wanted to determine my interest in teaching. I obtained the aggregation at the end of the year, presenting an industrial dossier on the ITER nuclear fusion project. 

In conclusion, this master's year related to teaching was a success on all fronts. Firstly, I had a fantastic year where the class's team spirit, combined with a caring teaching team, allowed us to shine in the aggregation exams. I realized that teaching did not captivate me enough to make it my professional career. Finally, I was recently named the winner of the APK 2023 competition by submitting my industrial dossier. 

It's a default choice, but not only. Firstly, it allowed me to know that teaching was not for me. Secondly, it allowed me to significantly develop my oral skills, which were mediocre.

What has the ENS diploma brought you?

The ENS Paris-Saclay diploma, or more generally the courses we have, is of incomparable richness. Whether it's the professors or the students, each is here to do their best, and that's very appreciable. Quietly, the amount of work and the school's demands allowed me to develop a nonexistent professional organization upon arrival and due to my background. In general, prestigious schools allow for this intellectual emancipation, something I was unaware of before coming, at least not to this extent.

What are your professional projects?

I want to join EDF for the same reasons as before, to work for a cause that is dear to me and that I consider essential: energy.

What would you like to say to students who hesitate to come to ENS Paris-Saclay or take the aggregation?

It's quite complicated... I would say: follow your instincts, and if you doubt, then prioritize the Aggregation track, which not only allows you to acquire valued pedagogical skills in the corporate world but also leaves you with choices for later. I am almost convinced that my aggregation will never be useful to me; however, the training I underwent to obtain it was very enriching, especially with a privileged relationship with the professors who are very present and provide good advice.

AWARDS AND DISTINCTIONS

• 2023: Winner of the 2023 prize in the architects/engineers category from the Association for the Promotion of Metal Construction Education (APK) with the ITER project, a fusion of engineering and pedagogy. The APK is a competition organized by an institution bridging the gap between metal construction engineering and education. Check the news.