Could you briefly introduce yourself and tell us about your career ?
I'm a PhD student in quantum physics at the Laboratoire Kastler Brossel, a joint research unit (UMR) of the École normale supérieure, Sorbonne University, the Collège de France and the Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS).
After starting my career in video game programming at Ubisoft in Canada, I decided to redirect my professional career towards the basic sciences, which is why I went back to university. Having initially graduated from an aeronautical engineering school, I enrolled at the University in L3 to obtain a bachelor's and then a master's degree in quantum physics. I then began a thesis in October 2023 at the Collège de France in quantum simulations, a field I'm passionate about. The title of my thesis is " Quantum simulations with circular Rydberg atoms in optical tweezers in a cryogenic medium ", supervised by Clément Sayrin and Michel Brune.
How do you see your role at the Collège de France ?
My primary mission at Collège de France corresponds to the institution's core business, which is research. I also devote part of my working time to promoting and popularizing this activity, because I think we need to raise its profile in France and abroad, whether through publications, conferences or outreach activities. Finally, as a woman, it's important for me to talk to young people (boys and girls alike) to show them that there's room for everyone in the field of research, which is why I regularly take part in talks with secondary school students.
I'd like to add that my role is also to provide the keys to understanding for people who are far removed from the scientific environment, because science is part of the society of today and tomorrow. Understanding science also means guarding against misleading discourse.
Tell us about a highlight of your professional career
Most of my professional career has been spent in video game programming : after spending more than a year working on a project to integrate AI into games, my colleagues and I presented our results. I was extremely proud when I saw the impressed faces of those present at the presentation, but even more so when a colleague approached me afterwards to say that I inspired her. This exchange made me realize how important it is for some women to have role models, especially in science and technology.
I think the next highlight of my career will certainly be my first publication. Seeing my name on a scientific article will make me realize that I'm doing my bit.
Have you encountered any obstacles in your career and how did you overcome them ?
I've never had the impression of encountering any obstacles, either in my career as a computer engineer, or in research. But I'd like to point out that I haven't had any children yet, and I think that makes a big difference. I also think I've been lucky to have met people throughout my career who have trusted me, which has enabled me to take risks and progress.
What advice would you give to young female students inspired by the scientific professions ?
The first piece of advice I'd like to give them is to go for it without questioning their legitimacy as scientists. Some women think they have to work harder to prove that they deserve their place, but I think the most important thing is to concentrate on what they love about science, while accepting that everyone makes mistakes from time to time.
