Science belongs to everyone!

Can you tell us a little about yourself?

I’m from an Ivorian background, but with Belgian nationality, and I grew up in France where I did my studies. 

I’m outgoing and sociable, and enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and meeting new people. I’m proactive and motivated, and I put my heart and soul into everything I undertake, whether it’s a project or an initiative. 

What I hate most is injustice, hypocrisy, selfishness and intolerance.

What was your background before coming to Lab Crigen?

After a scientific baccalaureate, I joined the University of Orléans to study material sciences. It was during these studies that I developed a real passion for physics, and statistical physics in particular. This discovery led me to pursue a Masters in modelling and simulation for engineering and physics. At the end of my Masters, I did an internship at CRCD, Air Liquide’s Claude Delorme Research Centre.

During this placement, I was lucky enough to meet some inspiring people who awakened a real passion for scientific research in me. This experience made me want to continue in this field, so I took the opportunity to do a doctoral thesis at the University of Liège in Belgium. The proposed subject was both exciting and innovative, calling for an original, multidisciplinary approach. In 2006, I joined the university’s chemical engineering laboratory to work on cellular automata. My goal was to develop a 3D simulation tool based on Boltzmann’s lattice method, in order to study fluid flow in complex geometries encountered in Chemical Engineering.

This challenge enabled me to use my skills in fluid mechanics and computer programming while exploring new avenues of research. 

Following my PhD, I did a post-doctorate at the CEA’s Heat Exchangers Laboratory in Grenoble, where I worked on modelling two-phase flows in nuclear submarines. I then worked as a consultant for several companies before setting up my own business as a self-employed entrepreneur. 

Over the years, I have worked with major players such as GE, Air Liquide Advanced Technologies, Siemens, Volvo, EDF R&D, ITER Cadarache and TRAPIL. These varied experiences have enabled me to sharpen my technical skills while adopting a pragmatic approach tailored to the specific needs of each customer.

I joined Lab Crigen as a senior consultant specialising in thermo-hydraulic and thermodynamic modelling, with the task of supporting the Liquefaction Lab in its research and development projects. This work focused on understanding the behaviour of cryogenic fluids during storage and transfer to reservoirs. My role was to implement numerical modelling tools for designing accurate physical models that were capable of predicting the behaviour of these fluids, such as liquid hydrogen.

In 2023, I joined Lab Crigen on a permanent basis, with the aim of developing a 1D (one-dimensional) modelling and digital simulation tool. The aim of this software, called CryoSimStudio, is to predict the behaviour of all types of cryogenic fluids in storage tanks, providing a high-performance solution that can be adapted to the specific needs of cryogenic systems.

What do you love most about what you do?

I trained as a physicist, and my career path led me from statistical physics to numerical modelling. What fascinates me is the way in which my work combines several different scientific disciplines: physics, fluid mechanics and computer coding.

The real pleasure for me is seeing the tangible impact of my work. Knowing that the tools I develop – sometimes in collaboration with others – facilitate the work of my colleagues and support them in what they do; that’s a real source of satisfaction.

Once completed, the tool we are working on will enable them to carry out studies for different customers, streamlining their day-to-day work processes.  What I like most of all is this collaborative dynamic.

What are your passions outside work?

I’m inquisitive by nature, and my passion for physics, astrophysics, computer coding and new technologies doesn’t stop at the office. I’m always on the lookout for the latest advances, whether that’s in programming languages or technological innovations. At the moment, I’m particularly interested in artificial intelligence, and more specifically Deep Learning.

I love travelling and discovering different cultures. Every year, my partner and I try to explore new countries and continents. We’d like to go to Japan and discover more about Asia. I’m also very interested in geopolitics, and I read a lot. I’ve been practising boxing for 10 years, a discipline that benefits me both physically and mentally. 

So I have a lot of extra-curricular activities, although over the last 2 years I’ve had less free time because my job is very demanding.

Is there anywhere in your travels that you particularly enjoyed?

Yes, Montreal! I love this truly multicultural, welcoming city; it’s somewhere I really feel at home. 

Every time we go back, it’s as if we’d never left. You meet people there from all over the world. 

I like the mix of French culture and Anglo-Saxon mentality. 

Do you have some little phrase, mantra or motto that’s important to you?

Yes, that’s something my thesis supervisor, Pierre Marchot, said to me. I’d come into his office with some pretty crazy ideas, and he’d always say: “Only change one thing at a time”.

I always keep that sentence in mind. In my job, when things aren’t working out, I just want to change everything… and then I remember what he told me! So I change one thing and see what happens, and so on, and that helps me a lot.

Women account for less than 30% of the workforce in research and scientific fields. How can we encourage more girls to take up scientific subjects?

This is not a new problem: it has its roots deep in the past and is often rooted in the attitude of parents, who hold different expectations of girls and boys from a very early age. Boys are encouraged to explore more and take risks, while girls are encouraged to be cautious and discreet.

That’s why we need to be telling girls: “Be curious!” That’s what I tell my niece: “Be curious, don’t be afraid to ask questions. Asking questions is how you get them interested in lots of things, and if you’re interested in lots of things, maybe one of them will be science! Believe in yourself.”

I’ve often noticed, both at university and in the professional world, that many young women feel the constant need to justify their ideas, as if they were required to prove they were worthy of their place. But you don’t have to keep justifying yourself! If you are confident your ideas are good, others will listen to you. Science belongs to everyone, and everyone has their place! 

If you had to sum up your personality in 3 words…? 

I’d say “sincerity”, “respect” and “trust”.

And I’d also add “kindness” if I could. 

Sincerity and respect are essential to me.

Trust helps us to work together, and it’s essential to be kind to each other.

And I’ll finish by saying: Long live science and those who love it!