Interview de Karine Massé
Can you say a few words about your research?
Karine: I am an embryonic development biologist studying the functions of P2X receptors, which are ATP receptors, during vertebrate embryonic development using the xenopus model. The question I’m asking myself is: “What is their role in cell differentiation during brain and kidney formation?
Did you always know that you wanted to be a scientist ?
Karine: When I was younger, I wanted to be a doctor or a vet. I soon realized that since I couldn’t stand the sight of blood, it wouldn’t be possible. I always knew it was science and not literature. I followed a classic scientific study path, with a scientific BAC previously known as a BAC C. After 2 years of Maths Sup Bio, I went on to study for a degree in “Biology of Organism and Population” at the University of Orléans. I specialized in animal biology for my Master’s degree. I was lucky enough to have teachers at the University who were passionate about what they were doing. That’s when I said to myself: “this is what I want to do, I want to teach science at university”.
You’ve been doing research and teaching at the University of Bordeaux since 2008. What do you teach at the University of Bordeaux? How many students have you taught?
Karine: I started teaching when I was a PhD student. Since 2008, I’ve been teaching developmental biology at Licence and Master level at the University of Bordeaux. Over the past 17 years, I’ve taught almost 30,000 students in different classes and teaching units.
Have you been teaching the same science for 17 years or have there been changes in content or format?
Karine: Since my recruitment, I have always taught developmental biology. Later, I became involved in teaching scientific English. I’ve also set up a number of courses, including one that I co-direct on pathogens (viruses, parasites, bacteria) and their impact on the nervous system and human behavior. I hope to enthuse students with this UE as I did myself 30 years ago. I’m also responsible for a course entitled “Biology and Society”, in which I explore the links between scientific research in biology and society, and the impact of society on research. I manage the international pathway for the Bachelor’s and Master’s 2 degrees in International Neuroscience, and I’m responsible for Erasmus students coming to study biology at the University of Bordeaux.
The way we teach has changed, particularly since Covid, with the advent of distance learning. This has made courses more dynamic. When I was a student, we used to be able to write lessons for hours on end, what we used to call “course scratching”, but that doesn’t work anymore. We need to bring in pedagogical innovations. A lot of thought and work has gone into this. There are digital teaching platforms. We’re using active teaching to get students involved in their training, and more personalized teaching with options to choose from. Students have also changed, as today they have easier access to digital technology and online information.
Can you describe your typical day as a teacher-researcher?
Karine: There’s no such thing as a typical day. It’s not 9 to 5. And that’s what I like about it.
Please complete this sentence: “To do science, you need …”
Karine: be curious, tenacious, a little crazy and passionate
Have you encountered any difficulties as a woman working in sciences?
Karine: During my postdoc, I was lucky enough to work with a female researcher. Already during my postdoctoral, I had noticed that there were far fewer women researchers. Even then, it was something to think about. The problem of parity and the lack of women in management positions is as much a problem in research as in teaching. During my career, I’ve had examples around me where the issue of pregnancy and maternity leave were sensitive subjects, which could hinder recruitment.. There are differences between laboratories, but there’s still a long way to go. Parity is essential.
Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
Karine: I’ve had the same ambition since 2020. I’d finally like to be a professor at the University of Bordeaux (within 5 years) and why not co-direct a research team. I’d still like to be involved in teaching to contribute to students’ success and career choices. I’d also like to take on more responsibilities at university level, especially in the university colleges.
What would you like to say to the younger generation (and to girls who love science and are reluctant to go into it)?
Karine: I would say to the new generation, go for it if that’s what you want to do. Don’t be self-inhibited and don’t have any regrets. You have to believe in yourself.
And to finish this portrait, Karine’s Science in music: what are you listening to at the bench?Karine: To give me a boost in the morning, I listen to Stevie Wonder’s “Superstition”, for example, while I’m giving injections on the bench, and to relax, I listen to Cold Plays “The Scientist”.