Is it possible to be “too girly” to be a researcher?
Spoiler alert: of course not! A concrete example: Emmanuelle Pouydebat, director of research in evolutionary biology at the CNRS and the National Museum of Natural History (MECADEV).
SciGi presents its favorite of the month, the autobiographical comic Coppens, Lucy, moi et les autres, drawn by Gilles Macagno and published by HumenSciences, in which we discover the journey of Emmanuelle Pouydebat.
In a scientific landscape often dominated by men, figures like Emmanuelle Pouydebat stand out as lucky charms, paving the way for future generations of scientists, particularly young girls who aspire to explore the mysteries of the universe. Her story, told in the autobiographical graphic novel “Coppens, Lucy, Me and the Others,” is a powerful testament to the perseverance, passion, and determination required to overcome gender-based barriers and pursue a fulfilling scientific career.
From a young age, Emmanuelle Pouydebat was fascinated by human evolution and the archaeological discoveries that shed light on our distant past. Her passion for anthropology and paleoanthropology guided her throughout her academic and professional career, despite the cultural and institutional obstacles she faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. The graphic novel poignantly reveals these challenges, offering insight into the personal and professional struggles she faced to establish herself in her field.
His groundbreaking contributions have expanded our understanding of evolution!
Emmanuelle Pouydebat’s research, focusing on animal grasping and biomechanics, is also highlighted in the comic. Her groundbreaking contributions in these fields have broadened our understanding of evolution and opened new research avenues for scientists around the world. Throughout the pages of “Coppens, Lucy, Me and the Others,” readers discover not only Pouydebat’s scientific discoveries, but also how she navigated a professional environment often hostile to women.
Gilles Macagno’s simple and pleasant graphics do not in any way detract from the scientist’s perseverance.
The scientist has demonstrated throughout her career that she lives by her passion. Being a girl didn’t help her become a paleoanthropologist in the 1990s. This autobiographical graphic novel is a must-read, not only for the inspiring journey it highlights, but also for the scientist’s research, explained in a simple way.
The story also highlights the importance of representation in science. Emmanuelle Pouydebat has become an iconic figure for young girls aspiring to scientific careers, demonstrating that they can succeed and thrive in fields traditionally considered masculine. Her story offers a powerful counter-example to the gender stereotypes that have long hindered women’s aspirations in science.
Beyond her own career, Emmanuelle Pouydebat embodies a symbol of hope and progress toward greater gender equality in science. Despite the challenges she faced due to her gender, she persevered in her passion for science and paved the way for a more diverse and inclusive generation of researchers. Her story reminds us that science belongs to everyone, regardless of gender, and that every voice and perspective contributes to enriching our understanding of the world around us.
In conclusion, “Coppens, Lucy, Me and the Others” offers much more than a simple biography. It is an inspiring testimony to the human capacity to overcome obstacles and achieve one’s dreams, even in the most difficult conditions. Emmanuelle Pouydebat shows us that with determination, passion, and courage, nothing is impossible and that everyone can contribute to shaping a more inclusive and equitable scientific future for all.
Written by Alexandrine R.
