IDEX Scholar, Dr. Jean Al Am from Lebanon and France, Shares the Story of How He Secured the Prestigious Award to Pursue His Master’s in Aeronautics and Energetics at CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay in France

My name is Jean Al Am, from Lebanon and France, and currently based in Kuwait. I am an assistant professor at the Australian University of Kuwait, specializing in aeroacoustics, propulsion, and numerical simulations. I pursued advanced studies in aeronautics because I have always been driven by innovation in aircraft engines and sustainable aviation technologies.

IDEX Scholarship Details

I received the IDEX Scholarship from CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay during my Master’s degree in Aeronautics and Energetics with a funding of 10,000 euros per year.

Educational Background

My educational background provided a solid and progressive foundation that directly prepared me for advanced work in aeroacoustics, turbomachinery, and computational fluid dynamics. My Mechanical Engineering degree (17/20) gave me strong fundamentals in fluid mechanics, thermodynamics, and machine design. Building on that, my Master’s in Aeronautics and Energetics at CentraleSupélec—where I ranked first with a score of 18/20—allowed me to specialize in propulsion, high-fidelity simulations, and reactive flows. This academic path naturally led to my PhD at Ecole Centrale de Lyon in collaboration with Safran, where I applied these principles at the highest level through state-of-the-art Large Eddy Simulations and aeroacoustic research. Altogether, each step equipped me with the theoretical depth, technical skills, and research experience needed to excel in these specific fields.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay?

I searched for top engineering programs in Europe, particularly in aeronautics, and reviewed research labs.

How Did You Find Information About IDEX Scholarships and Institutions?

Mainly through university websites, and by contacting the head of the department of the master's program I am interested in.

How Did You Prepare to Apply to the IDEX Scholarship?

By highlighting my strong academic performance, previous projects, industrial internships, and clear motivation for advanced studies in aerospace.

Experience at CentraleSupélec, Université Paris-Saclay

My experience at CentraleSupélec was very good. The program was academically rigorous, with strong expertise in aerodynamics, propulsion, and numerical methods. The supportive environment and close links with industry greatly enhanced my learning and helped prepare me for advanced research and my subsequent PhD.

How Do You Rate CentraleSupélec and Université Paris-Saclay Academically and Why? 

Both schools are among the best engineering institutions in Europe, especially in fluid mechanics, acoustics, and turbomachinery.

Are Classes Conducted in English?

No, most of the classes during my master's degree were conducted in French.

What Made Your Application Stand Out?

I think my application stood out because of my high academic performance and ranking, and strong technical foundation, particularly in fluid dynamics and aeronautics. Ranking first in my master’s program and having a solid engineering background demonstrated my commitment and capability. I also presented a clear motivation for pursuing advanced studies in aerospace, supported by relevant internships and project experience, which aligned well with the scholarship’s objectives.

What Would You Have Done Differently?

Maybe contact a bit earlier.

Advice for Future Applicants

Keep strong grades, try to engage in research early, at least within your projects, build a clear motivation application, and contact supervisors and professors.