DocWalker 2025 student’s story - Imourane Abdoulaye (LEAT)

Interview

Meet Imourane ABDOULAYE, a 3rd year PhD candidate at the LEAT laboratory (EGDE team)! He spent 3 months at the School of Engineering and Applied Science at the University of Virginia (Charlottesville, USA), fully funded by the RISE Academy's DocWalker program.

2025, July 7

What is your area of research?

I am a 3rd year PhD student in the EGDE (Edge Computing and Digital Systems) team at LEAT (Laboratoire d’Électronique, Antennes et Télécommunications), Université Côte d’Azur. My thesis (2022-2025) is titled “Design of cognitive sensor networks for energy-efficient applications”.

My research focuses on leveraging edge computing and embedded artificial intelligence to improve the autonomy and lifetime of wireless sensor networks, especially for IoT applications.

How did your international mobility project start?

My mobility project began when I met Professor Rich Nguyen during his two-month visit (May 15 - July 15, 2024) to the LEAT laboratory in Sophia Antipolis. He collaborated on deploying a rain sensor network in Nice and presented a seminar on FloodWatch, a project aiming to predict floods using advanced sensor networks and data analysis. Later, when the DocWalker program was announced, I saw a great opportunity to visit Prof. Rich Nguyen’s team at UVA and work together on research topics that closely align with my own. I discussed the idea with my advisors, who were very supportive, and we quickly established contact with Prof. Rich to agree on my tasks and the most suitable period for my stay.

Prof. Rich N'guyen and Imourane Abdoulaye
Prof. Rich N'guyen and Imourane Abdoulaye Prof. Rich N'guyen and Imourane
The Rotunda, University of Virginia
The Rotunda, University of Virginia The Rotunda, University of Virginia

How did you prepare for your departure?

The support of Ms. Nathalie Currid from the RISE Academy, Mr. Fabien Ferrero from LEAT, and the advice of Francesco (a former DocWalker laureate) were invaluable to me during the preparation. From the visa application to booking accommodation and flights, I was able to plan everything in advance and ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip.
 

What was your daily life like?

Founded by President Thomas Jefferson and listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1987, UVA is a leading public university in the United States. The campus is vast, with exceptional facilities. Most days, I commuted to the lab by bike, which also allowed me to enjoy the beautiful city of Charlottesville and its surroundings. Once at the university, I made the most of the open spaces, parks, and gardens. Campus life is incredibly vibrant, with hackathons, meetings, events, and workshops happening frequently. I had the chance to meet researchers and students for insightful discussions about our research activities. I even participated in a classroom talk with Prof. Rich’s developer students. The university offers countless sports and leisure activities, co-working and relaxation spaces. You can never get bored at UVA!

Olsson Hall, University of Virginia
Olsson Hall, University of Virginia Olsson Hall, University of Virginia
Link Lab, University of Virginia
Link Lab, University of Virginia Link Lab, University of Virginia

What do you take away from this doctoral stay abroad?

Above all, I learned and gained valuable knowledge about the study and prediction of natural phenomena such as flooding, a major research topic at UVA due to its regional impact. I had the opportunity to explore new approaches for environmental monitoring a subject related to my research activities, and to experience a different research culture and way of collaborating. This stay also helped me expand my international network for future opportunities, build new skills, and gain a broader perspective on my field.

Talk on flood watch with the team
Talk on flood watch with the team Talk on flood watch with the team
Talk at the amphitheater
Talk at the amphitheater Talk at the amphitheater

Do you have any advice for future mobility candidates?

Plan your stay as early as possible, especially the visa and administrative aspects, which can be time-consuming. Don’t hesitate to reach out for advice from former laureates or staff, and don’t be afraid to aim high. Such experiences are rare and incredibly rewarding, both personally and professionally. Go for it!

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