Extras

Personal interests and values within and beyond my academic work.

Personal and professional commitments

Outside of my academic work, I try to stay engaged in causes I consider important, both within and beyond the university.

Access to education

I am committed to helping bridge the gap in access to higher education, particularly for students from underrepresented or disadvantaged backgrounds. I have for example supervised several MathC2 workshops, national programs in France aimed at high school students from under-resourced schools and often with a strong focus on encouraging young women to pursue scientific studies. I have also participated in multiple outreach events where I presented my work and the broader world of applied mathematics. In my own teaching at the university, I make it a priority to build strong, individualized connections with students, ensure they feel supported, especially those who may lack familiarity with the expectations and codes of academic environments, as I did in the past. I am deeply convinced that social class remains the most structural and persistent form of inequality in access to academic and scientific careers. Beyond outreach, I aim to develop my own accessible teaching resources; in particular, content designed to demystify mathematics and scientific studies for students who may lack early exposure or institutional support. My long-term goal is to help make our field more welcoming and comprehensible to those who are often kept at its margins. But as I am still a student, this can wait...

Volunteering

I have always believed in giving back to society, in return for the many opportunities and support it has offered me. For several years, I regularly organized activities and animations for children in the pediatric ward of the hospital in my hometown. I also gave free tutoring sessions to classmates or younger students who needed academic support, and when I was younger I volunteered at the local community center (MJC) of my hometown. In addition, I have occasionally acted as a foster home for pets in need (I love animals).

Scientific integrity

As a PhD student just beginning my career, one thing I care deeply about is the integrity of the work I contribute to. From the very start of my thesis, my advisors have emphasized the importance of rigorous, meaningful, and honest research. I try to uphold that standard by asking myself whether what I'm doing really brings something new. I’m well aware that the pressure to publish is real, but I don’t want to fall into the habit of producing papers just to build up a list. I'd rather take my time, collaborate thoughtfully, and produce results I can stand by, even if that means fewer publications in my career.

Local craftsmanship and agriculture

I believe the quality of what we use and enjoy is closely connected to the people who create it. Whenever possible, I choose to support local artisans, small producers, and independent businesses. That can mean buying food directly from nearby farms, choosing handmade objects from craftspeople I know, while recommending their work to friends and colleagues. It is not about rejecting mass production altogether, but more about helping keep alive the skills, creativity, and human connections that often disappear in industrial processes.

Blood and plasma donation

I am a regular blood and plasma donor. I started donating at 18 and continue to do so whenever possible. I am particularly aware of the importance of donations for people with rare blood types. I encourage anyone who is eligible to donate and help address ongoing shortages. You can easily make an appointment through the EFS website.

Some art picks

I have always been passionate about literature, cinema, video games and music. These arts have had a significant impact on my life and have shaped the way I see and think about the world.

Films

Lost in Translation - Sofia Coppola (2003)

Lost in Translation (2003)
Sofia Coppola

Trainspotting (1999)
Danny Boyle

Before Sunset (2005)
Richard Linklater

Rocky (1976)
John G. Avildsen

Itinéraire d'un enfant gâté - Claude Lelouch (1988)

Itinéraire d'un enfant gâté (1988)
Claude Lelouch

Once Upon a Time in America - Sergio Leone (1984)

Once Upon a Time in America (1984)
Sergio Leone

Music

Heaven or Las Vegas - Cocteau Twins (1990)

Heaven or Las Vegas (1990)
Cocteau Twins

Suprême NTM (1998)
NTM

Lost in the Dream - The War on Drugs (2014)

Lost in the Dream (2014)
The War on Drugs

Chansons pour les pieds (2002)
Jean-Jacques Goldman

The Crane Wife - The Decemberists (2004)

The Crane Wife (2004)
The Decemberists

Hurry Up, We're Dreaming (2011)
M83

Literature

À la recherche du temps perdu (1913-1927)
Marcel Proust

Antigone (1944)
Jean Anouilh

Le Rouge et le Noir (1831)
Stendhal

Candide ou l'Optimisme (1759)
Voltaire

Biographie de la faim (2004)
Amélie Nothomb

En attendant Godot (1952)
Samuel Beckett

Video games

Dragon Ball Z: Budokai 3
Bandai Namco

The Last of Us: Part 2
Naughty Dog

The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time
Nintendo

Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots
Konami

Detroit: Become Human
Quantic Dream

Outer Wilds
Möbius Digital

A few things I learned

These are simply a few lessons drawn from studying, working, and trying to stay healthy; I am no expert, but I am always happy to share my experience.

Enjoying being healthy

Good health is easy to overlook when everything is going well. Enjoy it, protect it, and never take it for granted.

Staying humble

There will always be people who know more than you, and that is perfectly normal. Asking questions and admitting mistakes is how you grow—something first-year PhD Sacha should have understood sooner!

Studying regularly

A little work every day beats last-minute cramming. It lowers stress and builds understanding that lasts beyond the exam.

Choosing your own path

Do not feel trapped by the path others expect you to follow. Try, make mistakes, and start again if needed—the goal is to build a life that gives you energy.

Trusting the process

Progress is often slow and invisible, which can be frustrating as hell. Keep going: small, consistent steps add up.

Protecting your studies

Studying while working is difficult, and sometimes unavoidable. As much as you can, protect the studies that may open the door to your long-term goals.

Keeping balance

Hard work matters, but so do rest, hobbies, and friends. Balance makes concentration—and success—far easier to sustain.

Starting simple

Start with the smallest version that works. Test it, understand it, then add complexity; code often exposes unclear mathematics, and mathematics explains what the output cannot.

Learning and practicing

In mathematics, know the theory and practise until it becomes natural. Be careful with full solutions: looking too soon often means learning less.

Being cautious with heavy lifting

Strength training taught me discipline—and, after injuries, humility. Technique, patience, and listening to your body matter more than lifting heavier.

Finding a good diet

Choose an eating pattern that supports your energy and fits your life. What works for me may not work for you; if food becomes a source of anxiety or rigid rules, speak with a qualified professional.

Walking everyday

If sport is not for you, walking every day is already valuable. It is simple, accessible, and good for your health, sleep, and mood.

Sacha Cardonna