Maëlle Olivier, “Women in Science” Scholarship Beneficiary

An atypical academic career

Raised in Clermont-Ferrand, Maëlle Olivier was always interested in science despite her not growing up around it. Determined to broaden her own horizons, she spent her last year of high-school in Germany thanks to a London-based scholarship, allowing her to obtain the French high-school diploma and its German equivalent. This international experience was a precious worldly experience. After high school, she was accepted into a preparatory class for nationwide competitive exams in mathematics and physics, where she discovered her passion for math. Despite being accepted into Polytechnique, she chose the ENS Paris-Saclay due to the School’s renowned training in research, her true objective.

From exploring space to scientific modelling

Maëlle has been fascinated by the universe since childhood. A presentation on the solar system in 4th grade sparked a passion in her that never died out. Early on, she aspired to a future career in astrophysics and strove to pursue it with three observation internships in physics laboratories during her school years. Initially interested in physics, she discovered in preparatory classes that mathematics also sparked her interest. At the ENS Paris-Saclay, she structured her training around these two fields: after a first year in the mathematics department, she now studies in the physics department for her second year. Soon, she will be doing an astrophysics internship at the CEA, where she will work on plasma modelling. Her ambition is to use her knowledge in mathematics and computer science to create new applications for them in astrophysics.

 

The burden of stereotypes in science

“Before prépa, I didn’t think there was any difference between girls and boys in science”, Maëlle shares. And yet, throughout her studies, she realizes how women in these studies struggle with self-confidence. “In preparatory classes, we were told that if a woman succeeded it was because she worked a lot, whereas men succeeded because they were naturally brilliant.” This perception hurt her self-confidence at times, made her doubt herself and whether she belonged there. At the ENS Paris-Saclay, she was glad to discover a safe and inclusive space where she does not feel these obstacles. “The School strives to make women feel valued and included.”

A scholarship that changed everything

Last year, Maëlle had to make do with significant financial constraints, which weighed on her ability to focus and her wellbeing. The “Women in Science” scholarship changed everything. “It was such a relief to not have to worry about money. It allowed me to feel even better at the ENS, to work more comfortably and to get more involved within the School.”
This scholarship is not just here for financial support: it is a true confidence-booster. “My anxiety about daily expenditures disappeared with the scholarship. Not only could I focus entirely on my studies, I also bonded with the other beneficiaries, we shared a spirit of solidarity.”

Getting involved to inspire future generations

Conscious of how important feminine role models in science are, Maëlle got involved in awareness-raising actions. Namely, she took part in events such as the Day of Women in Science, and the Young Women in Physics Meeting, where she led educational scientific workshops for school children. “Explaining science for a young audience is hard but rewarding. You must find the right words, adapt… The more you do it, the more comfortable you get.” Transmission has become an essential mission for her. “When I was younger, I would have loved to meet women in science, it would have helped me picture myself pursuing the same studies. Today, I want to be this model for other young girls.”

Looking to the future

Her advice for young women unsure of pursuing a career in science? Dare, even if they do not see themselves in traditional representations. “You don’t have to be a ‘genius’ to succeed in science. Curiosity, involvement, and perseverance are much more essential qualities.” 

She also sends a message to the sponsors of this scholarship: 

Your support has a huge impact on our careers. Thanks to you, I can study without financial constraints, dedicate myself to my research and get involved for the cause of women in science.

With passion and resolve, Maëlle Olivier paves her own way toward astrophysics, and actively shows the way to future generations of scientists.

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