Bridging the Gap Between Law, Science, & AI
Ekaterina Bykova
I am a trilingual, dual-degree Law and Science student at Paris-Saclay University. I have hands-on experience in AI governance, legal tech development, scientific research process and emerging technology regulation.
Professional Experience
Three strategic internships across legal technology, molecular biology research, and sustainable mobility have shaped a unique career trajectory combining law, science, and innovation.
Intern | Jun – July 2025 | Paris
Internship under the authority of the French CEO and legal engineers on product development and business strategy. Evaluated outputs of a legal AI assistant developed by the company for legal profecionnals, developed prompt libraries for contract drafting and case-law summaries, and overlooked the model compliance with EU standards of Data Protection. Participated in networking events and contributed to strategic discussions on AI regulation in the legal sector.
Intern | May 2025 | Heidelberg
Assisted in lab tasks (cell culture, plasmid extraction, protein purification, PCR, and observed cryo-EM sample preparation)
Investigated ethical and legal implications of AI in scientific research. Authored analytical paper bridging law, science, and policy about the application of EU frameworks (GDPR, AI Act) to data governance and research integrity.
Intern | May – Sep 2024 | Strasbourg
Helped with trademark filings, with contract negotiations, represented company at VivaTech 2024 & 2025, and directed digital communications strategy across LinkedIn and Instagram for this sustainable mobility startup.
Intern | March – July 2025 | Paris
Contributed to the development of a European data space for the secure governance and sharing of legal data. Participated in the ARCEP qualification process as a data intermediary under Article 10 DGA. Worked on the practical implementation of the European data governance framework (DGA, Data Act) and supported the European rollout of the platform, including the organization of a conference on digital and legal sovereignty.
Awards & Competitions
1
Constitutional Revision Competition
1st Place | Université Paris-Saclay 2024
Led winning team producing modernized French Vth Constitution draft with legal commentary. Oversaw research coordination and presented proposal before jury, commended for clarity and constitutional innovation.
2
AI for Homeland Security Capstone
1st Place | American University Dec 2025
Developed a compliance framework addressing constitutional, statutory, and ethical constraints applicable to AI-based counterterrorism systems within the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). As Project Leader, guided the team through three elimination rounds and delivered the final presentation to representatives of BigBear.ai, who selected the project as the overall winner.
Professional Development
I am committed to continuous professional development, actively seeking training and experiences that enhance my capabilities. Key programs and initiatives from recent years include:
AAAS Adaptive Leadership Program
Oct 2025
Accomplished executive-level workshop in Washington, D.C. mastering adaptive leadership frameworks for VUCA environments. Developed skills in mobilizing cross-functional teams and driving change while preserving institutional values.
(Ongoing)
Industry-recognized training in project lifecycle management, agile methodologies, risk analysis, and stakeholder management. Expected certification reinforces analytical and organizational skills for innovation projects.
Unifestra Founder & former President
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Founded and led student association organizing large-scale events (1000+ participants). Managed budgeting, fundraising, partnerships with multiple institutions, and built collaborative culture across Strasbourg area (France).
June 2025
Participated in a week-long summer program focused on the space sector, organized by the ÃŽle-de-France Space Academy. Engaged with industry professionals including researchers, academics, space law specialists, and entrepreneurs from space-related start-ups. Gained comprehensive insight into various aspects of the space field, which further strengthened my motivation to specialize in this dynamic and innovative domain.
Nuclear Non-Proliferation Course — Institute for Science and International Security (ISIS).
Fall 2025
Completed a course covering the technical foundations of nuclear proliferation (nuclear materials, uranium enrichment, gas-centrifuge technology, weapon design principles). Studied historical and contemporary governance frameworks (e.g., NPT, safeguards) and geopolitical dynamics among nuclear-armed states (U.S., Russia, China).
My journey
Educational Background
École du Conseil des Quinze (European primary school)
2011 – 2016 | Strasbourg, France
Moscow Grammar School No. 1543 (Russian Middle school)
2016 – 2019 | Moscow, Russia
Lycée International des Pontonniers (International French High School)
2019 – 2023 | Strasbourg, France | Baccalauréat (Russian Language Section)
Higher Education
sep 2023 – may 2026 | Paris, France
Currently ranked first among peers in second year. Focus on civil law contracts, civil liability, public policy, science technologies, EU law and innovation technologies.
Aug 2025 – Jan 2026 | Washington, DC
Semester abroad linking law, science, and policy for technological governance. Coursework includes business law, AI & homeland security, science for policymakers, and forensic science.
What is next?
Mid-Term
Build career in technology and innovation law at international organisations (ex: EU or ESA) or policy or private companies advisory bodies (ex: consulting companies as EY). Contribute to legal and ethical frameworks guiding responsible AI deployment and emerging technology governance.
Long-Term Vision
Evolve into strategic legal advisor and policy expert influencing legislation in high-technology sectors. Participate in international policy forums and even maybe pursue doctoral research in technology governance and Law.
Language Competencies
Fluent communication across three languages:
French — Fluent (Native-level)
Full professional and academic proficiency. Primary language of legal studies at Université Paris-Saclay.
Russian — Fluent (Native-level)
Native speaker. Used throughout schooling in Moscow and in the Russian Language Section of the International Baccalauréat.
English — C1 / Near C2
TOEFL certificat: C1
TOEIC certificat: C1
EF SET certificat: C2
Language of exchange semester at American University, Washington D.C. .
Sports & Performing Arts
Commitment to excellence extends beyond academics through competitive athletics and artistic performance, developing discipline, resilience, and collaborative leadership.
Contemporary Dance
Member of Université Paris-Saclay competitive dance team since 2023, representing at FFSU inter-university competitions. Enhanced creativity, expressiveness, and teamwork through performing arts.
Powerlifting
Competed in SBD university tournaments, achieving 4th place at 2025 event. Trained in strength and endurance, emphasizing physical discipline and mental focus in national-level competitions.
Rhythmic Gymnastics
Competed 13 years at federal level. Certified Judge and Coach since 2019. Mentored younger gymnasts, developing leadership through precision, sportsmanship, and guidance toward excellence.
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