Candice Rey joined the Cellulose Valley Chair as a research engineer in May 2023. Since joining, she has contributed to numerous projects and recently oversaw the launch of the CELLENGE, a student competition, which aims to develop cellulose-based packaging solutions. We sat down with her to learn more.
What was your background before joining the Cellulose Valley Chair?
I first earned a bachelor’s and master’s degree in process engineering and fluid mechanics at the' University of Grenoble-Alpes. So I didn’t attend an engineering school, and I wasn’t familiar with the paper industry at that time. After my master’s, I wrote a thesis in process engineering, and it was during that work that I first encountered cellulose. After that, I spent a year doing postdoctoral research on another process that also involved cellulose, but was more focused on the biomedical field. Following that postdoc, I worked for three years at a company in the industrial filtration sector before joining the Cellulose Valley Chair.
How did you learn about and join the Cellulose Valley Chair?
I discovered Cellulose Valley through LinkedIn, by following Julien BRAS’s posts. I also knew other people working in cellulose research who told me about this research group. I’ve always been drawn to the subject because it’s a natural raw material that can be used in countless ways to improve daily life and protect the environment. So I joined Cellulose Valley in May 2023 as a research engineer.
Can you tell us about your role within the chair?
My role within the chair is to coordinate and oversee the proof-of-concept projects we launch each year. These proof-of-concept projects involve developing prototypes of cellulose-based packaging. At this time of year, I also serve as the liaison between our research team and our industry partners. I am responsible for promoting the results obtained through literature reviews and annual reports that we share with our partners. My mission also involves disseminating knowledge about cellulose, particularly through the development of a Serious Game, and CELLENGE, an innovation competition launched for the first time this year. Finally, my role also involves monitoring the chair’s carbon footprint.
This year, the chair launched the CELLENGE student challenge. What are its objectives?
The goal of CELLENGE is to encourage participants to use their creativity in addressing current environmental challenges. The objective is to design and develop rigid, recyclable packaging made from at least 80% cellulose. This competition is open to all students, regardless of their field of study.
What advice would you give to teams considering participating in CELLENGE?
I encourage them to go for it! It’s the small ideas that lead to big breakthroughs. I encourage them to put together a multidisciplinary team and not hesitate to reach out to experts or professionals in the field.
Cellulose Valley attended the Tech and Fest trade show on February 1 and 2, 2024. How did your participation in the event go?
Great! We had the opportunity to talk with many visitors and showcase our proof-of-concept projects to demonstrate the potential of cellulose. On the first day, we met with many industry professionals who work directly or indirectly in packaging and are looking for alternatives to plastic packaging. On the second day, we met a more diverse audience, including students and families, who were there for their own personal interest.
What project or achievement has made the biggest impression on you since you joined the Cellulose Valley Chair?
Every proof of concept makes me particularly proud to be involved in projects that showcase more environmentally friendly alternatives. I’m also thrilled to be able to offer students an innovation competition, CELLENGE, which allows them to work independently, form their own teams, and bring their own projects to life. I think it’s a great professional experience for them, one that helps them get familiar with project management.
What message would you like to share with women who are considering a career in science?
I’d like to tell them to believe in themselves and not to give up at the first sign of trouble! There isn’t just one path to science—there are many possible routes. I think you have to seize opportunities, trust yourself, and overcome preconceived notions. Science has no gender!
I would like to conclude this discussion with this quote from Rachel Carson, a renowned American biologist and environmental activist: “Science isn’t limited to laboratories and equations; it’s a way of seeing and understanding the world, and its wonders are accessible to everyone.”
