Ulrich Mama | Prof de la Calle (ESILV 2022): The journey of an alumnus committed to democratizing science

A former engineer turned full-time entrepreneur, Ulrich Mama embodies a new generation of hybrid profiles, at the crossroads of technology, education, and social engagement. At the helm of La Calle School, he now works to restore students' confidence in science subjects, both in the classroom and on social media, based on a strong conviction: academic difficulties are often more psychological than technical.

From an engineering career to a committed entrepreneurial project

Trained in Digital Engineering at ESILV, Ulrich Mama graduated in 2022. 

"ESILV gave me a very comprehensive engineering education. By the end of my master's degree, I was already operational with the right balance of hard skills and soft skills. This gave me some great career opportunities and a high salary when I left school."

He began his career as a Data Engineer at AXA and, alongside his salaried job, gradually developed his project: creating popular science content on social media to support students in difficulty. 

"During the day, I worked as an engineer and in the evening, I created content. "

This period of leading a “double life” professionally, familiar to many graduates, allowed him to test his ideas, refine his method, and measure the real impact of his actions. Last September, he made a life-changing decision: to devote himself 100% to his entrepreneurial activity, a choice motivated by the desire to have a broader and more lasting impact.

La Calle School: reconciling students with science

La Calle School was founded on a simple observation based on Ulrich's experience in the field: difficulties in science do not reflect a lack of ability in students.

"When I was a student, I gave private lessons and noticed that most students struggled because of a psychological block. Most of them were convinced that it was too late and that they would never be able to fill in the gaps in their knowledge."

At La Calle School, Ulrich offers personalized support tailored to each student's level and profile, progressive exercises designed to restore confidence, and a methodology focused on understanding, active learning, and celebrating success.

“We offer methods tailored to each individual and all levels. Most of the students we have supported have gained 3-4 points on average over the year, others have come to love science subjects that they used to hate, and others have passed their exams or achieved the grades they wanted in their high school diploma.”

At the same time, Ulrich works directly with middle and high schools: La Calle School has already supported a dozen schools. These interventions take several forms: sharing career paths and raising awareness of scientific professions, educational workshops to prepare for exams and assessments, and practical advice on career guidance and professional opportunities.

“Meeting with students allows me to learn about their expectations and understand their needs; with their feedback, we improve our services because we listen to them.”

Social media as a lever for scientific democratization

Very active on TikTok and Instagram, Ulrich uses social media codes to convey scientific knowledge in an accessible, fun, and engaging way.

Convinced that mathematics can play a decisive role in individual trajectories, Ulrich describes it as a real social ladder.  

"I come from a working-class background and my parents did not come from a privileged background. Thanks to my studies, I obtained an engineering degree and was able to access environments that were not initially open to me."

His approach is fully in line with ESILV's desire to raise awareness among young people, particularly girls, about the benefits of studying science, in a context where the attractiveness of these fields remains a major challenge.  

“I make sure to produce videos that leave no one behind. More than a third of my subscribers are girls. On my own small scale, I am able to reach a mixed audience, and I regularly have girls ask me about my career path because they want to go to engineering school.”

A different approach: another way of being an engineer

Through La Calle School, Ulrich illustrates another possible path for engineers: using technical, analytical, and teaching skills to make a social impact.

Today, he is surrounded by partners and independent contributors, and his ambition is clear: to develop La Calle School in line with the needs of students and local communities. 

“The goal is to support all cities in France by 2028.”

His best advice? Take the plunge even when you don't feel ready.

“There are so many possible paths and different journeys, taking the plunge is the only way to test your idea.”

An inspiring journey for students and alumni alike, reminding us that the skills acquired at ESILV can be applied far beyond traditional frameworks, and that engineering can be a powerful lever for engagement and social transformation.

An Alumnus to follow!

LinkedIn Ulrich Mama

https://www.lacalleschool.com/