Paola

What drives Paola is discovery, in her daughter’s everyday learning, in exploring the world, and in her work as a researcher. She also finds mathematics in ordinary situations, such as train timetables, heating systems, or bunk beds. For her, everyone can find their own way of understanding them. In research, even a path that leads nowhere can be useful and open up a new direction.

In Villeneuve-d’Ascq, near Lille, Paola works at Gustave Eiffel University on rail transport systems. She observes real problems, such as delays, then translates them into mathematical models. She develops programs to compare solutions and shares her results in articles and reports. She works with people in the rail sector and supervises PhD students and interns. Her role also includes seeking funding and supporting a team.

Paola first studied management at the University of Venice and imagined herself working in business. A professor introduced her to mathematics and computer science. After a professional experience that did not suit her, she began a PhD and found joy in research. She went abroad, then chose to stay in France. Encounters with a professor, a research supervisor, and a mentor encouraged her to move forward. It took her seven years on fixed-term contracts before obtaining a permanent position.

Paola says she lacked confidence when she was a child, despite her good results. Later, she had to deal with remarks linked to her age, her Italian accent, and the fact that she was a woman in very male-dominated fields. Over time, what made her different became part of her identity. Her advice to young people is to try, to listen to their own judgment, and to remember that taking the wrong direction does not prevent them from changing. You do not need to know everything to keep learning.