Mathilde Henri
Mathilde Henri
MSc in Renewable Energy Development (2015)
Consultant in Renewable Energies
The Heriot-Watt alumna who studied then stayed in Orkney to begin her science career
Originally from the beautiful woodland of Bois Le Roi, some 40 miles from Paris - Mathilde Henri’s studies with Heriot-Watt took her to the no-less-beautiful, but almost treeless, Orkney Islands in the far north of Scotland where she has remained for work since graduating in 2015.
“I grew up surrounded by the forest in the suburbs of Paris,” says Mathilde. “I first studied Geology Engineering in Nancy in the East of France then decided to go for the MSc degree in Renewable Energy Development at Heriot-Watt’s International Centre for Island Technology (ICIT) in Orkney. My experience there was amazing, way better than I expected. The staff were brilliant, always available to help, and our class created a real bond with each other which made my Masters year very enjoyable.
“Living in Orkney was very interesting. Even though the weather could sometimes be harsh, I loved the islands which is why I stayed on after graduating. It is a truly unique place where you end up knowing most people and can be in direct contact with both local and international renewable energy companies as there are several developers coming from all over the world to test their devices at the European Marine Energy Centre in Stromness.
“I currently work as a Consultant in Renewable Energies at Aquatera Ltd developing numerical tools and writing various feasibility studies, energy roadmaps and environmental impact assessments. I’m also involved in providing updates and feedback, and sometimes workshops, for global clients.”
Based in Stromness, Orkney’s second largest town, Heriot-Watt’s ICIT is recognised as a world leader in research, teaching and consultancy, attracting students from around the world to its five MSc programmes. Daily contact with academic and research staff enables students to benefit from ICIT's involvement in current research activities and the islands themselves provide a wide range of project sites and case studies for use in the academic teaching.
“The way of teaching in Scotland is very different from the French system which puts students under a lot of pressure,” Mathilde believes. “Coming from that system, I found the Scottish way of studying healthier and I enjoyed it more. We did have a few weeks with several deadlines close to each other but it was manageable and forced us to be organised.”
“My degree prepared me well for my current job. In fact, some of the reports I work on at Aquatera are quite similar to assignments we were given at ICIT, only this time it's not a scenario but a real case study. All the courses I studied have increased my knowledge on different aspects of renewable energies but I would say that Economy of Renewable Energies, Technology I and II, Planning and Project Management are the ones that were particularly relevant to my job.”
Mathilde did struggle to overcome some cultural differences when she first arrived in Scotland, however: “I have to say I missed cheese and bread a lot at first! But I discovered another way of living and the pub was a big part of it as that’s where I could socialise with lots of different people. I went on hikes and tours with my friends to explore the gorgeous landscapes of Orkney and even tried playing the saxophone to a small but lovely audience of seals!”
“My advice to new students would be to have confidence in yourself, even if the courses may seem hard sometimes, you can do it! Enjoy yourself! Studying is one thing but if you do other things as well it will be way more fun and make the overall experience unforgettable.”
Wherever this Heriot-Watt alumna’s rewarding career takes her in the future, it is clear Mathilde has put down some roots that will bind her fondly forever to windswept Orkney.
17 May 2017