Olivier Rodrigues, PhD

From cell signalling to plant adaptation to stress

Teaching

Teaching Philosophy

I embrace Ralph Waldo Emerson's (1803–1882) philosophy of life, which can be summarized by his words: "There is no end to which a man may not aspire. There are no boundaries to his improvement." This mindset is something I strive to instill in my students. They should continuously improve their skills, progressing step by step toward their goals. Achieving this requires setting realistic targets and holding regular meetings to assess progress, while developing students' scientific thinking, research mindset, systematic analysis, and sound academic methods. Furthermore, as society expects, it is their duty to serve as models of credibility and scientific integrity. To fulfill this teaching philosophy, I believe that mentoring students is crucial. During courses, students should remain engaged and active through questions, project-based learning, and presentations. A course should include both lectures and practicals to build a solid foundation of knowledge, complemented by seminars that provide in-depth, specialized examples.

Since 2020

I currently teach at the PURPAN Engineering School (University of Toulouse) in the Department of Plant Sciences and Agronomy, led by Dr. Alban Jacques. I deliver lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions for undergraduate students, focusing on topics such as plant physiology, genetics, and cell biology.

I am also the Head of the Research Training Program for first-year Master's students. This six-month program introduces students to scientific research. During the first part of the program, students contribute to a research project under the supervision of an PURPAN professor, attend lectures, and participate in a journal club. In the second part, they complete an internship abroad to develop communication skills, gain experience in research projects, and expand their scientific network. Their performance is assessed through the writing of a scientific article, the creation of a poster, and an oral presentation.

Additionally, I am involved in mentoring students (from B.S. to M.S. levels), with approximately 30 students per year under my guidance.

Courses that I teach :

14FHE04, Research Training Program
13AGR03, Management of perennial and vegetable plants
12SCV04, Plant Physiology
12SCV02, Molecular Genetic
51SCV04, Botany
52SCV03, Genetics

2012 - 2014 – 2015 - 2017

During this period, I delivered lectures, tutorials, and practical sessions at the University of Montpellier in the Department of Biology and Mechanisms of Life. I taught both undergraduate students (Bachelor’s degrees in Life Sciences and Agronomy) and graduate students (Master’s in Biology and Agrosciences). My teaching focused on topics such as plant physiology, biotechnology, molecular biology, and plant breeding.

Courses that I taught

HLBI303, Plant Physiology
HLBI509, Cellular Transport
HLBI512, Biotechnologies
HLBI508, Developmental biology of plants
HLBI522, Applied plant physiology
HLBI101, Cellular biology
HLBI526, Genetics and plant breeding
HLBI637, Phytopathology
HLBI612, Renew plant production 1
HLBI636, Renew plant production 2
HMBA202, Applied experimentation in plant functional biology

Being a professor is one of the most rewarding aspects of my career. Beyond teaching scientific knowledge, it means helping to shape the next generation and supporting students in both their personal and professional development. This role naturally builds bridges between academia, the professional world, and society.

Over the years, I have had the privilege of meeting and working with thousands of students. Whether our paths crossed for a single course or through several years of research, one commitment has always guided me: to be there for my students and to give the very best of myself to help them build their future.

Working with students is also a constant source of inspiration. Their curiosity, enthusiasm, and fresh perspectives continually encourage me to question, innovate, and grow as both a teacher and a researcher. It is also through teaching that I have had the opportunity to meet many talented young scientists who later joined our research projects.

A wonderful example of this philosophy is the Research Training Program, which I have the privilege of leading. Preparing the next generation of researchers is both a responsibility and a true joy. I am incredibly proud of every student who has been part of this adventure.

To all my students: thank you for your trust, your enthusiasm, and the unforgettable moments we have shared. You truly are the best. 😊

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