I liked math back in elementary school. Was charmed by programming in the first year of my studies at the Faculty of Applied Mathematics. Then later fell in love with Logic and Graph Theory. However now, my interests shift more and more towards societal aspects. I apply data science, visualization methods, to analyze societal problems, like misperceptions and polarization.
Your organization field and mission:
Education.
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:
Teaching; Research; Coordination of Master’s program Applied Data Science; Board member of Women in Computer Sciences.
Your interest in STEM
I had hard times finding a role model and struggled because of this. I wanted a balanced life for myself, including passionate life of a researcher but also a family, and a peaceful life. I did not see any woman that would encompass all these qualities around me. So, I was inspired by a collective role model. One of my inspirations was Prof. Dorothea Wagner, who is an amazing leader and inspiring personality.
Your studies
I studied at the faculty of Applied Mathematics and Physics at NTUA. Subject including Mechanics and Physics were a big challenge for me.
Spend time understanding what is your mission, what makes you happy and content. Try to incorporate these aspects into your work. Don’t listen to people who say it is hard to find an academic position. If you are passionate about what you do, the position will come.
You at work
Women in Computer Science (WICS), Diversity and inclusion organization (EDI).
I am glad that I am able to shift my research interests accordingly to the change in my personal values and focus in life. It is not easy, because it requires shifting research methodologies, publication fields, research co.
Your point of view
More women and general diversity in the promotion committees, invited talk speakers. Overall more visibility for women, non-binary and people of color, because they are lucking as role models. At the same time, more possibility for diverse careers and career breaks.
To finish with
Peace, honestly with self and others, being authentic, deep knowledge, curiosity, fairness.
Staying true to myself and my values and at the same time remain in the current competitive and focused on achievements only academic environment.
I would like to be at least associate prof by then. Ideally I want to be a full professor and lead a group.
The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : https://codeweek.eu/