Popular among undergrads, post-grads, and professors alike: it’s Ahlem! The Algerian Engineering PhD candidate joined me to joined me to chat about her research, her journey, and her opinions on a life in STEM.

So, Ahlem, how would you describe your research? 

“I model capillary forces – the forces when a droplet meets water. [I’m trying] to create a model that simulates the reality. That’s it – it’s too easy.”

Speak for yourself! Is it a big field?

“REALLLY big field – and important. The benefits … are to get the quantification of the phenomena. [It’s] looking at how surface tension interacts with things – I’m looking at electronics.” 

 And how far in are you? Enough to have plans after?

“I’m about midway – halfway point. [I’d like to] stay in CFD – definitely.”

Ohhh, and in academia? A postdoc, maybe?

“[A postdoc] – definitely. [Academia] very competitive. I will be in the competition with the others. Everyone is really excellent – especially at UEA.”

High praise! Speaking of, what did your journey here look like?

“In Algeria, [I went to] an elite aeronautical engineering school. To get in, you need at least 80%. There is a contest for the undergrad, then again for the masters. Then I was research assistant at Houbmedeen. [I was] designing codes, running simulation models – modelling multiphase and capillary phenomenon.” 

So this is your second PhD?!

“It’s my second, but it’s still really hard. Research is not easy.”

Then why a second, and why UEA?

“My first one was in French! … [I] didn’t find so many people who believed I could make it with such little English skills, but my supervisor did. He brought me here. A lot of the research in my area is theoretical, but I believe that with [all the facilities] here will one day make it reality. Plus with all the people researching applied mathematics – all brilliant minds – including my supervisor, Jack Panter. Super smart guy.”

I asked who the coolest person she met over her STEM journey was, and the same name popped up. 

“He knows how to deal with me. I’m from a really different cultural background, and he just knows how to deal with that in a really gentle manner. He never gets mad, or when I’m disappointed – he’s just constant. And he’s a really nice person. The kind of person you know who is the best, but would never say it. Just so wonderful.”  

Lot’s of positives! But if you were going to improve one thing about the academic field, what would it be?

“The way how we are evaluating people. We are still doing the same things as many years ago… I want to find new way… Even if it’s a really good student, with 80% and another with 78%, they didn’t do the same exams. I think some research needs to be dedicated specifically that area. Not in 1940, but in 2024, what is the best? “ 

So why did she choose to stay?

“I was always that person to study, even after exams. I love to learn something new – every day. I can’t stay in one place for years and years – it’s when it gets boring! …I think if I went back a million times, I would still choose the same path. It’s still really difficult, but it’s something that I love, and I don’t think I would do as well doing something different.”

Motivational! But she’s not just inspiring herself – her presence and support makes a difference. 

“We always focus on getting younger girls into science, but you get to my point [PhD level] – it stops. “

She’s right – studies show that STEM subject (with Engineering being one of the worst) have low retention rates among women. 

“I don’t find it difficult. I don’t think you find it difficult. So why, when you get to PhD, there’s just 2 girls?”

And what advice would you offer to anyone looking to continue in STEM or academia in general?

“For everyone, studies [can be] so easy. You just have to love them. If you don’t love it, the studies won’t love you. It’s like anything in life – you love swimming, you go there, you do you do your best. “

Thanks again to Ahlem Mohktari for her interview (and for being awesome)

PHOTO CREDIT: AHLEM MOKHTARI