Why a career in tech?

I discovered artificial intelligence (AI) during my scientific studies. It was a natural path and a trendy field when I finished my training in mathematics and computer science in 2019. But more than anything, it is a fascinating domain, both scientifically and socially. The scale of its impact made me want to contribute to its development — while keeping in mind the challenges of responsibility and safety. Today, AI is more prominent than ever, and the scientific and technological advances of the past few years have been truly astounding.

Your professional experience?

I started with a classe préparatoire and then attended Ecole Polytechnique, specializing in mathematics. My master’s degree at Oxford was a turning point: I discovered topics there that made me want to pursue research — something I hadn’t originally planned. I then started a CIFRE PhD between Université Paris Dauphine–PSL and Meta’s FAIR lab in Paris. That’s how I got into AI research, in a very stimulating environment with high scientific standards.

Your first experience with technology?

I got my first exposure to technology with various internships, but it really started with my PhD. My work focused on bias and fairness in AI algorithms, particularly in recommendation systems. The core question I explored was: How can we measure and control exposure inequalities between content creators on online platforms?

What do you do today, and why?

I am an AI research scientist working on large language models (LLMs). Since the rise of ChatGPT, these models have become central to the field. I did not want to stay on the sidelines of such a major technological shift, or keep working on outdated methods — even though there is a lot of hype, and it tends to obscure other AI technologies that continue to have strong societal impact. So I decided to learn and contribute to this rapidly evolving area. There are many open questions: how can we ensure the safety and responsibility of increasingly capable models? In which domains can they have the most positive impact? Recent work has shown that LLMs can empower scientific discovery — which I find incredibly exciting.

Your strengths in this role?

A passion for learning and working with others! I really enjoy being part of a team with a good atmosphere, and learning from my colleagues — this is what keeps me motivated day to day.

Past challenges, failures and disappointments?

The first year of my PhD was tough. It was during the Covid period, and the isolation was hard to deal with. I also struggled to find a clear research direction, and my first papers were rejected. Luckily, I had great support — both from my scientific mentors and from my loved ones. That support helped me push through and grow.

Best moments, successes you’re proud of?

Receiving the L’Oréal-UNESCO “For Women in Science” Young Talent Award was a really proud moment that I got to share with my family. But it was also a unique opportunity to meet amazing women scientists from a wide range of disciplines. I was very happy to make new friends too!

People who helped, influenced — or made your life difficult?

I’ve been lucky to meet many people who taught me a lot and supported me along the way. There are too many to name here: mentors, colleagues, friends… Sometimes it was long-term support over several years; other times, just a coffee or a kind reply to an email made a big difference.  In recent years, I’ve worked closely with Nicolas Usunier. He co-supervised my PhD and has had a deep influence on how I think and how I do research.

Your hopes and future challenges?

I want to keep working on interesting topics with kind and inspiring people. It may sound naive, but the alienating side of work can sometimes make us forget how essential those things are.

What do you do when you don’t work?

A lot of music! I love going to concerts and playing musical instruments — mostly drums these days. I also enjoy going to the movies and to the pub (I live in the UK!).

Your heroes — from history or fiction?

Virginia Woolf — for the power of her novels and her thinking on women’s lives, and for the incredible modernity of her writing.

A saying or proverb you like in particular?

“Hard things are just a sum of simple things.”
It is a quote from my undergrad physics teacher, Yann Brunel. It is great advice for solving physics problems — and for life more generally!

A book to take with you on a desert island?

It is hard to pick just one! The last book I read and really loved was Just Kids by Patti Smith.

A message to young female professionals?

Science — and AI in particular — can sometimes be a tough environment. It is essential to surround yourself with kind and supportive people — and they do exist.

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