Is it possible to be "too girly" to be a researcher? ?
Spoiler alert: of course not! One living example: Emmanuelle Pouydebat, director of research in evolutionary biology at the CNRS and the Muséum national d'histoire naturelle (MECADEV).
SciGi presents its favorite of the month, the autobiographical comic book Coppens, Lucy, moi et les autres, drawn by Gilles Macagno and published by HumenSciences, in which we discover Emmanuelle Pouydebat's career.
In the often male-dominated landscape of science, figures like Emmanuelle Pouydebat emerge as beacons of hope, lighting the way for future generations of scientists, especially young girls who aspire to explore the mysteries of the universe. Her story, told in the autobiographical comic strip "Coppens, Lucy, Me and the Others", is a vibrant testament to the perseverance, passion and determination needed to overcome gender challenges and pursue a fulfilling scientific career.
From an early age, Emmanuelle Pouydebat was fascinated by human evolution and the archaeological discoveries that shed light on our understanding of our distant past. Her passion for anthropology and paleoanthropology has guided her throughout her academic and professional career, despite the cultural and institutional obstacles she has faced as a woman in a male-dominated field. The comic strip poignantly reveals these challenges, offering a glimpse into the personal and professional struggles she faced to gain recognition in her field.
Her roundbreaking contributions have broadened our understanding of evolution!
Emmanuelle Pouydebat's research work, focusing on animal prehension and biomechanics, is also highlighted in the comic. Her groundbreaking contributions to these fields have broadened our understanding of evolution and opened up new avenues of research for scientists around the world. Through the pages of "Coppens, Lucy, moi et les autres", readers discover not only Pouydebat's scientific discoveries, but also how she navigated an often hostile professional environment for women.
Gilles Macagno's simple, pleasant graphics do nothing to detract from the scientist's perseverance
The scientist has shown throughout her journey to make a living from her passion. Indeed, "being a girl" didn't help when it came to becoming a paleoanthropologist in the 90s. This autobiographical graphic novel is a must-have for everyone, not only for the inspiring journey it highlights, but also for the scientist's research, explained in all its simplicity.
The story also highlights the importance of representation in the sciences. Emmanuelle Pouydebat becomes an emblematic figure for young girls aspiring to a career in science, demonstrating that they can succeed and flourish in fields traditionally considered masculine. Her story offers a powerful counter-example to the gender stereotypes that have long hindered women's aspirations in the sciences.
Beyond her own career, Emmanuelle Pouydebat embodies a symbol of hope and progress towards greater gender equity in science. Despite the challenges she faced because of her gender, she persisted 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 every 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 realize dreams, even under 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 future for all in science.
Written by Alexandrine R.
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