I experienced sexist remarks and somewhat hurtful behavior or comments from certain teachers when I was in preparatory classes. Later, once I arrived at the ENS, and then throughout my career, I no longer had to endure that kind of behavior, and I don’t believe I’ve encountered any barriers or obstacles related to being a woman. Character, determination, and high standards are very important in all fields, especially in research. I’ve also been fortunate to meet people who believed in me and supported me. In my day-to-day work, I try to inspire and encourage aspiring researchers—both women and men—whose passion and potential I recognize.
Your Activities
My activities fall into three main areas: - Research: initiating and conducting research projects, managing one or more teams, communicating my research findings, developing national and international collaborative initiatives, coordinating national and international working groups to compare research results and disseminate them quickly, and participating in peer reviews. And above all... learning every day..- Teaching at a high level, in various formats, enriched by the experience gained through research - Administrative duties related to research and teaching activities.
Your experience as a woman
Pursuing “traditionally” male-dominated career paths
Measures imposing quotas and minimum diversity requirements on review panels and research bodies are, in my view, a good thing. Of course, they must remain proportionate to the actual representation of women in the relevant fields. Initiatives aimed at highlighting the career paths of successful women are also important because they allow others to identify with them.
In general, we must encourage young women to pursue career paths that are traditionally dominated by men, as gender diversity is truly beneficial. Mentoring and sponsorship programs could be organized, and social-media-style platforms that facilitate networking could serve as a useful resource.
Career Path
- Since 2021 - Assistant Director of the Materials and Structural Durability Laboratory
- Since 2015 - University Professor of Civil Engineering at INSA Toulouse
- 2004–2015 - Associate Professor, then Lecturer at IUT Toulouse
- 2001–2004 - Ph.D. in Civil Engineering – INSA Toulouse
- 2000 - Agrégation in Civil Engineering, Structures and Infrastructure track
- 1996–2000 - Department of Civil Engineering – ENS Cachan
Facts and Figures
- 2016–2021 - Junior Member of the IUF; 7 awards and honors, including the Robert L’Hermite International Medal; 2024: Honorary President of the RILEM Association
- Editor-in-Chief of the journal RILEM Technical Letters
- 35 Research Projects and Contracts
- +80 international articles, 4 edited volumes
- +100 international conferences