From Argentina to Saclay : Rodigo Fernandez’s mobility experience

Rodrigo Fernandez, an argentinian doctoral student at the Instituto Tecnológico de Chascomús (INTECH), spent six weeks within the Photobiology, Photosynthesis, Photocatalysis (3P) team at the Institute for Integrative Biology of the Cell (I2BC), where he worked under the supervision of Pablo Calzadilla.

Rodrigo :

Tell us shortly about your PhD project

“My PhD project investigates how the light quality of water bodies influences the distribution of the smallest fraction of phytoplankton, known as photosynthetic picoplankton. The research combines fieldwork, where we analyse the water optical properties and the phytoplankton composition, with laboratory experiments. In the lab, we grow picoplankton strains under controlled artificial light conditions that simulate natural environments. Because these organisms are extremely small, we use flow cytometry to measure their abundance and composition. We also apply fluorescence and oxygen evolution techniques to study their physiological responses to the changing light conditions. The overall goal is to understand why certain microalgae dominate specific environments and how light quality drives these ecological patterns.”

How will the mobility impact your project and which objectives will you be able to reach thanks to it? 

“The opportunity to carry out this research stay abroad has greatly strengthened the experimental part of my PhD project. During my visit, I had access to advanced equipment that allowed me to obtain a substantial amount of valuable data from our organisms of study. In addition, I had the chance to interact with colleagues who are leading experts in the field, which significantly broadened my scientific perspective and enriched the quality of my research.”

What did you gain from this mobility experience  on a personal level, beyond the scientific aspect? What is the best memory you carry from your time in Paris?

“This mobility experience gave me more than just scientific knowledge. It was also my first trip to Europe, which made it very special for me. It was amazing to finally see all the historical places I had only read about in books when I was a child. Also, experiencing the great cultural diversity in Paris was very enriching for me. The best memories I will always carry from Paris are the beauty of the city, the moonlight over the Seine River, and the wonderful people I met during my stay.”

Would you recommend to other PhD students to spend a period in another lab? Why? 

“Of course! I would definitely recommend it. It is a great opportunity to experience a different culture and to see how research is done in other laboratories. During my stay, I learned new techniques, improved my skills, and discovered different ways of approaching scientific questions. I believe it is a very enriching experience, both scientifically and personally.”

Pablo :

What motivated you to host an international PhD student?

“One of the most exciting aspects of science is the opportunity to share a common passion for understanding nature with people from different parts of the world, across cultures and religions. In a sense, we all speak the same “language.” From this perspective, mobility experiences are an essential part of how we live and grow through our work. During my PhD, I had the opportunity to visit several laboratories in different countries. These experiences profoundly enriched me, both professionally and personally, shaping not only my scientific development but also my character. Now, as a permanent researcher, I feel a strong commitment to offer others the same kind of opportunity that my hosts once offered me. In Rodrigo’s case, it was especially meaningful to share this experience with someone from my home country, Argentina, especially given the negative impact that the current national government is having on the scientific and technological system. Through this international mobility experience, I also felt that I was, in some way, supporting and contributing to my colleagues back home.”

In what ways has hosting an international student been enriching for you and your lab?

“Rodrigo comes from a research group specializing in the ecology of aquatic systems, particularly shallow lakes in the Pampa region of Argentina. His home laboratory and PhD project focus on understanding how physico-chemical variables drive seasonal changes in phytoplankton communities throughout the year. His background as an ecologist therefore differs significantly from the primary focus of our laboratory, which centers on the physiology of photosynthetic organisms (i.e. cyanobacteria, algae, and plants) under varying environmental conditions. Rodrigo’s internship in our lab has helped bridge this gap in expertise, broadening our perspective and strengthening our ability to discuss and interpret natural processes in a more integrated and comprehensive way.”

Is there a particular interaction or moment from this visit that stands out to you?

“In the lab, the process of designing the experiments was particularly exciting. Rodrigo brought two phytoplankton strains (one cyanobacteria and one algae) to assess their photosynthetic performance under fluctuating light conditions. As we had never worked with these organisms before, we were uncertain about their physiological status and whether they would respond to light fluctuations in the same way as model cyanobacteria and algal species. Encouragingly, we were able to carry out all the planned experiments and obtained promising results, which have opened new avenues for further research and strengthened the collaboration between our laboratories.

Outside the lab, Rodrigo, a few colleagues from Saclay Plant Sciences, and I took the opportunity to visit the medieval town of Provins. It was a wonderful experience, combining science, tourism, and lively conversations over a couple of pints.”

Do you have any advice for students about to start a research stay abroad?

“Embrace the experience not only from a scientific perspective, but also from a personal one. Mobility experiences are not only about working hard in the lab; they are also about sharing cultures, broadening perspectives, and growing as individuals. Even though science can sometimes be frustrating and motivation may fluctuate, try to make the most of your time abroad and allow yourself to enjoy it. In the end, we should remember how fortunate we are to have the opportunity of asking questions to nature and explore how it works.”