Gianluca Lavalle participated in the Practical Engineering Education conference, organized by the University of Edinburgh (PEE2026). This was an opportunity for him to present his innovative pedagogy, which addresses scientific concepts through cooking workshops.
An associate professor in the Process for Environment and Geo-Ressources department (PEG – part of the SPIN center), Gianluca Lavalle leads a learning module that thinks outside the box.
His method: studying fluid mechanics by creating culinary preparations, particularly cocktails. Students can thus directly link scientific concepts to daily life.
An inspiring model
Gianluca Lavalle’s pedagogical approach is fully in line with the vision of the Practical Engineering Education conference, which was held in Edinburgh in early July.
Participants were able to test it during a demonstration he led as part of this event dedicated to learning engineering through practical work.
Finding concrete applications for theoretical and fundamental concepts
Practical engineering occupies a central place in the training of future engineers. It includes learning delivered in laboratories and workshops, experimentation, and the manufacturing of objects.
Essential for reconciling theory and practice, practical engineering training meets the need to apply engineering sciences to concrete situations.
By investing in the development of new forms of learning, Mines Saint-Étienne is helping to change the perception of engineering professions… and to inspire new vocations!
