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Sophie D'Ambrosio
Researcher, Condensed matter physics, Unité Mixte CNRS/Thales,
QUICK FACTS
Career & Education - selected: - Materials physicist, superconductors - Postdoctoral fellow, CNRS-Thales Joint Unit - PhD, CNRS-Thales Joint Unit Awards & Recognitions - selected: - 2018 For Women in Science Laureate, L’Oreal-Unesco
WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am working on new electronic devices that should revolutionize the future of supercomputers. Supercomputers are tens, hundreds or even thousands of computers that work together, in parallel. They are used by large multinationals like Google, Amazon, advanced manufacturers like Thales, Airbus, or by Fundamental Research Centres seeking to understand the history of the universe, or the origin of the Big Bang.
The goal of my project is to drastically reduce the energy consumption of these supercomputers by a factor of 10,000 by using fantastic materials: superconductors. My research project is specifically aimed at the realization of logical doors based on a superconductor with High Tc: the oxide YBa2Cu3O7. This material appears as an ideal candidate to meet the challenge of reducing the energy consumption of supercomputers and support the ecological transition of the future.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
Since my childhood, I have loved watching the stars, galaxies and discovering everything related to the universe. Thus since I was very young, I have been passionate about science and knew that physics will be my vocation!
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Believe in your dream. Just do it: go, go, go!
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
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The hardest thing was to convince my entourage I wanted to pursue Physics. They often had quite harsh reactions, and said it was a very difficult discipline, and "a man's world". After fighting for my place in very masculine laboratories, I have just won the L'Oréal-Unesco 2018 prize (For Women In Science).
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
To be fairly honest I should simply say, I do not actually know. Of course I can try to rationalize my love, my passion for science and in particular the STEM field. I can try to find explanations or arguments to justify my behavior. But at the end it will never fully explain the powerful drive that I feel so deep in my being and my heart.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
If you love it and believe in it, it is possible to succeed ! Don't be afraid. Believe in your dream. Just do it: go, go, go!
INSPO / FUN FACT
Alexandra Palt, Vice-President of the L'Oréal Foundation. During the adventure L'Oréal-Unesco 2018 For Women In Science, she was very inspiring and passionate. A strong, successful and feminine woman, that's what she represents for me: a true role model.