Alexis de la Cotte joined Professor Nick Abbott’s group as a postdoctoral associate in early June of 2023. He completed his Ph.D. work on self-assembly and targeted bio-functionalization in Bordeaux, France, and he continues his work at the Smith School by exploring the use of solitary waves in liquid crystals for micro-cargo transport and energy transduction.
After previous postdoctoral experiences at the University of Pennsylvania and the University of Barcelona, de la Cotte chose Cornell University and the Abbott Lab to stay at the forefront of his field. He enjoys the resources provided by the lab as well as being able to benefit from the equipment and expertise of other members of the department.
Having experienced how research is conducted in three different countries, de la Cotte is always keen on seeing the lab as not only a place of work, but also a place where he can enrich himself and others culturally. He finds that Olin Hall is the perfect place to do this, since it harbors people coming from all corners of the world with rich and numerous backgrounds.
De la Cotte’s advice to future leaders: “Keep an open mind. There is so much value in listening, and there is always something to learn from anyone. Being altruistic is the best way to create a thriving environment, where you and others will grow personally and professionally.”