Roxane Van den Bossche, Women in Science Scholarship Beneficiary

Can you explain what you are studying?

I am studying theoretical computer science at the ENS Paris-Saclay, and this subject is my passion. I am especially interested in verification, which I worked on during a 5-month internship. This year, I am also studying in Paris in a completely different, but just as fascinating subject. It is less abstract, which makes it easier to immediately imagine concrete applications and uses. You can understand how people function. My multidisciplinary Master’s program combines psychology, social sciences, linguistics and neurosciences. What I am interested in is modeling decision-making, quantifying risk, imagining behavioral models… Next year, I will come back to the ENS for the MPRI Master’s program, before most likely pursuing a PhD program.

What does it mean for you to be a beneficiary of the Women in Science scholarship?

I think that such a scholarship is a real form of encouragement; it shows that we are taken seriously. I never paid much attention to what it meant to be a girl in science. I don’t feel any less legitimate than a boy. Personally, this scholarship will mean that I can study in Paris this year without travelling too long a distance.

You are now part of the School’s Women in Science network, do you have a message to share?

 

I feel like, in science, the only girls that make it are the brilliant, driven, very determined ones. Things will be better when girls who are more shy, less sure of themself, and not exceptional can also pursue science. Why can boys think it is normal to find oneself in a field like this at random, whereas for girls, only the best of the best make it through?

 

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