“I have consistently sought out challenges, often venturing into research areas where I had little initial expertise”

With our series #WomeninScience, we will portrait the female scientific staff working on THRILL. They tell us about their roles in our project, what inspires them about their work and their experiences as a woman in science.

Meet our next guest, Marie Froidevaux, Senior R&D researcher at Centre national de la recherche scientifique (CNRS).

Please introduce yourself.

Hi, my name is Marie Froidevaux. Throughout my career, I’ve continually expanded my research focus in science. My journey began with CW lasers for healthcare applications, including cancer diagnostics and phototherapy. From there, I delved into attosecond non-linear processes using femtosecond lasers, and I’m currently working on laser R&D for CNRS at LULI, Ecole Polytechnique. I earned my PhD through a dual-degree program between the Russian Academy of Sciences at the Prokhorov General Physics Institute and the University of Lorraine in France.

How did you discover your path after school?

I was always drawn to traditionally “male” activities – like building things or working with wood. While other girls in my class dressed up their dolls, I was busy constructing houses for mine. At 16, I developed a passion for mathematics. I could spend entire nights solving equations, and by the time I finished school, I considered pursuing IT. Fortunately, I chose a different path and enrolled in the Faculty of Theoretical and Experimental Physics. Out of 25 students, only five of us were women, but we all graduated. Growing up in a patriarchal society like Russia, being interested in math and physics was already a challenge, so we were far from average – we were exceptional. Since then, I’ve consistently sought out challenges, often venturing into research areas where I had little initial expertise. I believe this mindset allows me to explore new possibilities because, without the biases of a specific field, you’re more likely to achieve the “impossible.”

What’s your current favorite tech topic and why?

My favorite topic is optics because it’s fascinating how much we can achieve by manipulating light. I’m eager to explore all the possibilities light offers. Early in my career, I worked on laser therapy and diagnostics, and even my cat received laser treatment for arthritis, which extended her life by five years – impressive, especially in cat years! I’ve seen a human brain in a different light – both laser and fluorescent – and even used femtosecond lasers from a tabletop setup to move electrons. And that’s not to mention light research which I only read about in nuclear physics, gravitational waves, and more. The potential seems limitless, and I want to be part of that exploration.

What advice would you give to young talents stepping into tech/working life?

For young talents, I would say that talent isn’t something you’re born with – it’s something you develop through hard work. Read extensively, and not just on one topic. Never be afraid to try new things; not trying is the only way to fail. Don’t be discouraged if something seems difficult; it’s normal to feel that way. Some challenges are easier, while others are tougher – that’s when the real excitement begins. You have the opportunity to learn something new, break down a problem, tackle it piece by piece, and before you know it, you’ll find yourself understanding the issue more deeply and finding solutions that once seemed out of reach.

“Remember, if you’re in science, you’re already extraordinary. You’ve overcome challenges that many men haven’t faced. You can and will achieve what you set your mind to.”

Who’s your favorite female scientist and why?

I can’t choose just one favorite because every female scientist has faced significant challenges to achieve their success. I admire all female scientists, artists, and influential women who’ve shattered the so-called “glass ceiling” and created legacies that continue to inspire. I enjoy reading about their lives, their biographies, and the challenges they overcame.

What’s your advice to women and girls in science?

Remember, if you’re in science, you’re already extraordinary. You’ve overcome challenges that many men haven’t faced. You can and will achieve what you set your mind to. And don’t forget to support younger girls in science whenever you can.

Thank you for the interview, Marie!

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