Benoit LACROIX 71 rue Froidevaux, 75014 Paris, France
[email protected]
+33.6.30.07.26.44
http://lacroixbenoit.com
Key Strengths
Passionate about decentralized clean energies and socially-focused approaches Self-motivated, autonomous Innovative thinker, results-driven Information technology and artificial intelligence expert 5-year experience in industrial and applied research projects
Experience Summary 2010 – 2012 Technical project leader in renewable energies, CEA (energy research center) 2006 – 2009 Applied research engineer, RENAULT (automotive industry) 2006
Research engineer in artificial intelligence, Computer Science Laboratory of Lille
2004 – 2005 Software engineer, AUCHAN (retail industry)
Education 2006 – 2009 Ph.D. in Artificial Intelligence, University of Lille, France In collaboration with RENAULT (automotive industry) With highest honors
2002 – 2006 Master’s Degree in Engineering, Ecole Centrale de Lille Graduate School, France In-depth scientific curriculum, incl. production systems, electronics, mechanics & electricity Majored in software engineering
2005 – 2006 Master’s Degree in Computer Science, University of Lille, France Majored in artificial intelligence and data mining
Languages Fluent English (certification: TOEIC 890/990 in June 2006, writing of scientific papers in English) French mother tongue
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Professional Experience Technical Project Leader in Renewable Energies 2010 – 2012
CEA (French Atomic and Alternative Energies Research Center)
(1.5 years)
Led a project on energy efficiency in buildings using new energy sources, such as solar thermal collectors, heat pumps, and solar home systems. Responsibilities: Managed the collaborative project between the CEA and the French National Institute of Solar Energy (INES): organized and led meetings, established user requirement specifications, defined objectives and deadlines, evaluated the results Proposed an innovative approach to optimize energy consumption in buildings using new energy sources, such as solar thermal systems, solar PV and heat pumps Develop a prototype for a proof of concept based on the proposed approach (Java). Application: compact units providing heating, cooling and hot water in buildings Developed a procedure and trained the clients on the new solution: designed and organized workshops and presentations Contributed to grant applications within French and European research funding schemes Accomplishments: Proposed a first solution to the clients in less than 4 months, using rapid prototyping Implemented the system on a physical test bench at INES Submitted two scientific papers in peer-reviewed international conferences, project featured in the CEA's corporate magazine, patent pending
Applied research engineer 2006 – 2009
RENAULT (automotive industry), main engineering center
(3 years)
Elaborated and developed an innovative traffic simulation model for Renault's driving simulators. Applications included drivers’ training to achieve more fuel efficient driving behaviors, and reduction in costs and delays in vehicles development. Responsibilities: Managed the collaborative project between Renault, the company co-owning the software (Oktal) and the Computer Sciences Laboratory of Lille Proposed an innovative solution to improve traffic simulation in Renault’s driving simulation software Developed software modules to demonstrate and evaluated the proposal (C++) Developed procedures to deploy the software and train the users Accomplishments: Developed modules are now included in the business version of the software Initiated and built strong relationships with international partners (Italy, USA) Supervised service suppliers contracts (40 k€/year), including specifications, project follow-up, user acceptance testing, and sign off on the deliverable Managed Master's degree's students, incl. recruitment, training and performance review Published 5 peer-reviewed scientific papers as first author, and presented 6 communications in international conferences 2/4
Research Engineer in Artificial Intelligence (internship) 2006
Computer Sciences Laboratory of Lille, with ALSTOM (transportation industry)
(6 months)
Elaborated an innovative crowd simulation model. Applications: subway design, fire safety simulation Responsibilities: Elaborated an innovative crowd simulation model Developed a software prototype demonstrating the approach (Java) Accomplishments: Project selected by the industrial to pursue direct R&D investments Published 2 peer-reviewed scientific papers as first author
Software Engineer (gap year internship) 2004 – 2005 AUCHAN, Human Resources Information Systems (retail industry) (1 year 1 month) Supported the rollout of an integrated workforce management solution and designed and developed a dynamic website. Responsibilities: Support the rollout of a web-based integrated workforce management solution for the French and Luxembourgian regions (55,000 persons): France: in charge of the user acceptance testing for the employees' activities management project Luxembourg: elaborated the functional specifications, parameterized the integrated solution, conducted the learning experience feedback to implement the project in the company's other subsidiaries Designed and developed a dynamic website for worldwide company users (administration of the Human Resources Datawarehouse, C#/ASP.Net/DB2) Accomplishments: Responsible for the sign off on the deliverable for the French employees' activities management project Success of the Luxembourgian project led to a global deployment in the group Developed website currently used in 9 different countries
Computer Skills Specialties
Artificial intelligence, data mining, modeling of complex systems, multi-agent systems
Languages
Java, C++, C#, Python, XML, SQL
Database
Oracle, DB2, MySQL
Web
Web programming (HTML/CSS), ASP.Net, CMS (Wordpress, SPIP)
Tools
Eclipse, Visual Studio, Matlab, Labview, TRNSYS, EnergyPlus
System
Windows, Linux (advanced use)
Others
MS Office (Word, Excel, Powerpoint, Access), MS Project
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Other Activities Community involvement •
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Member of the board of the Centrale Alumni Energy Group (participated in the organization of conferences and networking events targeting specialists working in the energy field, designed the website http://centrale-energies.eu) Formerly president of the executive board of the Ecole Centrale Lille Student Association
Professional-related • •
ITC technical expert for the French Department of Research (evaluation of innovative projects) Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) since 2008
Interests • •
Design of innovative products (collaboration with design students, participation to the 2011 Prix Emile Hermès, on the topic: ``Heat, Me-Heat, Re-Heat”) Running (half-marathon, marathon), hiking (4 to 10 days hikes in autonomy)
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