At Mougins British International School, we take immense pride in the lifelong journeys of our alumni. This week, we are delighted to welcome back Dr. Marianne Marot, a former student whose academic and professional path has taken her from the classrooms of Mougins to the seismic fields of South America—and now, full circle, back to education. In this exclusive interview, Dr. Marot shares her inspiring journey through science and her reflections on returning to the place where it all began.

A Journey That Began at Mougins

Which year groups did you attend at Mougins, and during which years?
I attended from Year 7 in 1998 to Year 13 in 2004.

A Passion for Earth Sciences

You’ve had an incredible scientific journey since leaving Mougins. What first drew you to Geography, and later to seismology and volcanology?
I was always fascinated by natural phenomena. As a child, I stubbornly dreamed of becoming a tornado chaser or volcanologist. My A-levels—Maths, Physics, and Geography—laid the foundation for my future in Earth Sciences. I went on to earn a Bachelor of Honours in Earth Sciences, followed by a Master’s in Earth Surface Dynamics, and finally a PhD in seismology and volcanology, focused on the Chilean Andes.

My postdoctoral years were spent in engineering seismology, working in laboratories in Nice and Nancy, France. There, I modeled seismic activity and studied how microseismic events could predict mine instabilities—combining field work and advanced data analysis.

Later, I pivoted toward the private sector, developing AI-powered decision-support tools for urban planning, environmental monitoring, and digital transformation in local companies in Sophia and Cannes. It’s been an incredibly diverse and rewarding journey.

What have been some of the most memorable or unexpected moments in your career?
Each career move brought its own learning curve. The challenge of acquiring new skills, adjusting to company cultures, and staying on top of evolving client demands tested me in the best possible ways. Those transitions were exhausting, but they shaped who I am today—both professionally and personally.

Mougins Memories That Last a Lifetime

What memories stand out from your time at Mougins School?
Without a doubt, Rachel Warren and Johnny Jones had the most profound impact on me. They not only prepared me academically—so well, in fact, that my first year of university felt like a review—but also helped me overcome academic blocks carried from my earlier education in France. Their support allowed me to secure a university grant and pursue my dream. I’m forever grateful.

Even now, some of my closest friends are people I met at Mougins, proving just how deeply rooted the school is in fostering lifelong bonds.

How does it feel to be back on campus?
It’s surreal. When I arrived at Mougins, the mulberry trees in the courtyard were newly planted and the campus was just a handful of classrooms. Today, the school has grown beautifully, but the atmosphere remains intact—lush, green, and inviting. It truly feels like a small university campus, where students are excited to be and to grow.

Coming Full Circle: From Scientist to Teacher

After a rich career in Earth Sciences, what inspired you to move into teaching?
I felt a strong desire to give back—to bring meaning to my work by sharing what I’ve learned and helping the next generation navigate their own academic and life paths. Teaching allows me to combine my passion for the planet with a commitment to mentoring and guiding young minds.

What do you hope to pass on to students—not just in science, but in life?
Beyond scientific knowledge, I want to pass on tools for self-awareness, resilience, and empathy. It’s about more than careers; it’s about helping students understand themselves, build meaningful lives, and grow into well-rounded individuals.

Whether in the lab or the classroom, Dr. Marianne Marot exemplifies the spirit of Mougins School: curious, courageous, and committed to making a difference. We are thrilled to have her back on campus, sharing her wisdom and inspiring the next generation of learners.