Back to news
Next article
Previous article

Magdalena Pereda Vivo, PhD in Mathematics, alumni EDENE Cohort#2

RÉCIT

-

05.13.2026

Your doctoral journey

What are you most proud of in your doctoral journey?

Doing a PhD is not always easy, especially when you are living far from home in another country. I am proud of my ability to manage stress and frustration throughout this process. Working long hours without any guarantee of achieving successful results is difficult. It is important to have confidence in yourself, your supervisor and your constant efforts.

What are the impacts of your research on the academic, socio-economic, or environmental areas?

In environmental monitoring, measurements are usually taken to evaluate the level of pollutants in soil, water or air. The analytical instruments used for this purpose often have limited sensitivity. If the concentration of the substance falls below the instrument's detection limit, the measurement is left-censored. Furthermore, in some cases, the substance under consideration may be absent, leading to true zeros in the data. We have proposed a statistical model to analyse this type of data more effectively and to establish the relationship between the concentration of interest and its characteristics.


Your experience at UPPA

How did you experience your PhD journey at UPPA and within the EDENE programme?

Taking part in the EDENE programme was a great experience. I had the opportunity to meet other PhD students in a similar position, with whom I could discuss common problems and encourage each other. The support and guidance provided by Elisabeth and my supervisor also gave me a great deal of confidence. Working at UPPA was also really enriching, particularly the experience of sharing a laboratory with other PhD students in the same field.

What skills did you develop over the years (scientific, transferable, interpersonal…)?

I have notably improved my oral communication skills. The opportunity to participate in conferences through oral presentations and teaching has contributed to this. I can now share my research topic more effectively and communicate my aims more clearly.


Your career perspectives

How did your professional project come to life and how did it evolve throughout your journey?

I started my professional project during my master’s programme in Stochastic Tools and Computational Methods for Decision at the University of Pau and the Adour Region (UPPA). As part of the programme, I had the opportunity to carry out a research internship under the supervision of my current thesis supervisor. This experience made me realise how fascinating mathematical research can be. So, when my supervisor offered me the opportunity to do a PhD, I began to consider building a career in research. This project has contributed to the development of statistical models with relevant applications in the environmental field.

Is your current position aligned with your academic background and aspirations?

My current position is fully aligned with my academic background and career goals. After completing a Bachelor's degree in Mathematics and a Master's degree in Stochastic Tools and Computational Methods for Decision, I began a PhD in the same field. This has enabled me to apply and build on what I have learned. It is a clear step towards my goal of pursuing a career in applied mathematics research.

About the EDENE doctoral programme

The EDENE doctoral programme, funded by the European H2020 Marie Skłodowska-Curie COFUND initiative and managed by the University of Pau and Pays de l’Adour (UPPA), aims to train international researchers in the fields of energy and the environment. By promoting an interdisciplinary, intersectoral, and international approach, the programme helps strengthen the impact of research on these major challenges. Between 2021 and 2026, 30 high-potential international PhD candidates were recruited, bringing substantial added value to scientific and technological innovation in these strategic areas.


Presentation of the EDENE programme

Comments0

Please log in to see or add a comment

Suggested Articles

Maxime Charman, co-manager of EMAC, the French leader in the design and production of custom technical rubber compounds
INTERVIEW

Maxime Charman, co-manager of EMAC, the French leader in the design and production of custom technical rubber compounds

profile photo of a member

FABIEN LASCARAY

June 08

Gaëlle Brahy, PhD student in environmental biology, population biology, and ecology, , alumni EDENE Cohort#2
RÉCIT

Gaëlle Brahy, PhD student in environmental biology, population biology, and ecology, , alumni EDENE Cohort#2

profile photo of a member

FABIEN LASCARAY

May 27

Abdellatif Rashed, PhD student in industrial research, alumni EDENE Cohort#2
RÉCIT

Abdellatif Rashed, PhD student in industrial research, alumni EDENE Cohort#2

profile photo of a member

FABIEN LASCARAY

April 28