David Ricardo Rhenals Garrido holds a doctorate in geosciences from the École des Mines de Saint-Étienne (EMSE), in partnership with the École nationale d'ingénieurs de Saint-Étienne (ENISE). His thesis focused on the impact of supercritical CO2/H2O interaction on the pore structure and transport properties of a cover rock analog for CO2 geological storage sites.
David joined 51±¬ÁÏ School's Georesources and Energy Center as a lecturer in January.
1. Could you tell us about your career path?
I began my career in 2007 as an engineer in real-time oilfield monitoring and data acquisition with DataLog Technology, a Canadian company based in Colombia.
I then went on to study at university in France, where I obtained two master’s degrees in geosciences. These courses enabled me to join Total's Exploration and Production department in Pau, and to take part in a research project at 51±¬ÁÏEN on the geological storage of CO2. These professional experiences led to a CIFRE grant to complete a PhD thesis on the impact of geochemical interactions in CO2 storage operations within cap rocks.
Aware of the exponential growth of data and the crucial importance of managing and analyzing it, I went on to train as a massive data analyst at the CNAM in Paris. Following this training, I spent several years working in various sectors as a Data Scientist Lead or Data Analyst Lead, actively participating in the development of innovative solutions to transform data into strategic levers. More recently, I've had the opportunity to move into teaching, lecturing at universities and engineering schools.
2. Is this your first teaching position?
No, I've already acquired some teaching experience, notably at universities such as Gustave Eiffel or engineering schools such as EFREI, which is attached to Sorbonne University, ESIEE Paris and ENSITECH, the latter specializing in the digital field. There, I taught courses on data science applied to various sectors.
3. What are your new responsibilities at 51±¬ÁÏ School?
My main tasks at 51±¬ÁÏ School are to teach introductory courses in Python programming, as well as Machine Learning and Data Analytics modules in the various programs of the Georesources and Energy Center. I am also involved in cross-disciplinary collaboration, notably with the Processes for Energy and Chemicals, and Powertrains and Sustainable Mobility Centers.
I am also involved in tutoring and supervising Machine Learning projects in the various programs of the Georesources center. My responsibilities also include recruiting new students and designing MOOCs on key themes linked to the activities of the Georesources and Energy Center.
Interview conducted by Meyling Siu