Women in Research #LINO25: Sidonie Laviéville

Sidonie from France is a PhD student at the University of Montpellier, France.

Sidonie ‘s PhD project focuses on a new class of polymer materials called ‘covalent adaptable networks’ (CANs) that are both resistant and recyclable. The aim is to replace thermosetting materials, which are resistant but not recyclable and are present in several industries (construction, furniture, etc.). She has developed innovative CANs based on a new type of internal exchange reaction that is necessary for their recyclability, leading to promising properties.

Sidonie participates in the 74^th Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.

Enjoy the interview with Sidonie and get inspired:

What inspired you to pursue a career in science / in your discipline?

I’ve always been fascinated by science. Thinking back to my very first science-themed summer camp, where we built solar ovens out of aluminum foil and observed ants and fireflies through magnifying glasses, I realize how far I’ve come and how my curiosity and desire to learn and discover have never left me.

Who are your role models?

This might sound a bit cliché, but I owe my interest in research to my father, who is a research engineer. The first time he tried to explain what being a “researcher” meant, I must admit I didn’t quite understand. But I was always fascinated by how passionate he was about his work. Over the years, my academic path naturally led me toward research as well, and I’m happy to be able to share that with him (even if he works in physics and I’m in chemistry, which means we pretty much have no idea what the other is talking about!).

How did you get to where you are in your career path?

I consider myself very lucky to have found my path in chemistry because, for most of my academic journey, I simply went with the flow. Science quickly emerged as a field full of rich concepts and exciting opportunities. I chose to specialize in chemistry during my preparatory classes for the French Grandes Écoles, largely thanks to the inspiring, supportive, and engaging chemistry teachers I had. Eventually, pursuing a PhD felt like a natural next step; I wanted to dig deeper and truly understand what it means to be a researcher.

What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?

During my first-year Master’s internship, I worked on developing biocompatible catalysts for the synthesis and depolymerization of poly (lactic acid), also known as ‘PLA’. PLA is that opaque white plastic often used to make disposable coffee cups. To test our catalysts’ ability to depolymerize and recycle this material into smaller, more valuable molecules, we conducted experiments using the very coffee cups from the machine in the institute’s main hall! Watching such a familiar everyday object disappear right before our eyes and be transformed into something new was truly remarkable and, honestly, so cool!

What’s a time you felt immense pride in yourself / your work?

Being selected for the Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting was a huge moment for me. Like many people, especially many young women in my generation, I’ve struggled with imposter syndrome throughout my academic journey. Even when we know we’ve earned our place, even when our work is recognized and supported, it can still be hard to believe in our legitimacy fully. Getting the opportunity to attend this prestigious meeting truly felt like an honor and helped me gain more confidence in myself and my place in the field of chemistry.

What is a “day in the life” of you like?

A good day starts with coffee shared with colleagues; it’s what keeps me going! Then, my time is split between three main tasks that often overlap: synthesizing materials in the lab, characterizing them using different instruments and analyzing data at my desk. A synthesis might take a few hours, which gives me time to run a characterization. Characterizations can also take a while, so that’s when I catch up on data analysis, plan my next experiments, book machines for the upcoming days, and so on. I genuinely love what I do, my project, and my work environment, but you definitely have to find your rhythm in this whirlwind of activity!

What are you seeking to accomplish in your career?

I hope to make a meaningful impact, at my own scale, as a chemist, whether it’s on people’s daily lives or on the environment. Polymer chemistry has so many applications (in construction, healthcare, food industries, and more) that it offers a wide range of possibilities for pursuing this goal.

What do you like to do when you’re not doing research?

In Montpellier, where I live, the sun shines three hundred days a year. The beach is less than an hour away by bike. There’s nothing better after a long day than a beachside hangout with friends. I feel incredibly lucky to live here during my PhD, and I try to enjoy this city and region as much as I can while I’m still here.

What advice do you have for other women interested in science / in your discipline?

Go for it, run to it! If I could do it, so can you. The key is to learn to quiet your self-doubt and surround yourself with people who believe in you and push you forward.

In your opinion, what will be the next great breakthrough in science / in your discipline?

The class of materials I work on, covalent adaptable networks, is still relatively new, but we’re starting to see real-world applications emerging, mainly from start-ups. In my opinion, a major breakthrough would be the large-scale adoption of these materials by bigger industrial players, particularly in fields like sustainable construction. These new recyclable materials hold the key to significantly reducing our waste, and I truly hope to see their widespread industrial use within my lifetime!

What should be done to increase the number of female scientists and professors?

Outreach efforts need to start as early as high school. There’s nothing intentionally done to discourage women from going into science, but because these careers are still male-dominated, I think many young women end up choosing fields where they see more female representation. It’s a vicious cycle. As PhD students and female chemists, I believe we have a role to play; we must continue sharing our experiences and engaging with younger generations who are still trying to find their path.