My interest in STEM was born during my school years, driven by a natural passion for mathematics. I always knew I wanted to study at a polytechnic university, and since computer science was highly recommended for its excellent career prospects, it felt like the perfect path for me. This combination of my love for math and the promising future of technology is what initially drew me into the field and shaped my academic journey.
Your organization field and mission
The University of Ioannina is a prestigious Greek academic institution dedicated to excellence in higher education and cutting-edge scientific research across diverse disciplines. Meanwhile, the Industrial Systems Institute (ISI / INBIS) in Patras is a leading research center focused on technological innovation, industrial applications, and advanced engineering solutions. Together, both institutions foster a collaborative environment that drives impactful academic and technological advancements.
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization
I am an Assistant Professor at the University of Ioannina and an Associate Faculty Member at ISI / INBIS in Patras. My academic and research focus lies in the fields of Cryptography and Cyber Security, subjects that I also teach through undergraduate and postgraduate courses at the university. In tandem with my teaching duties, I actively design and execute innovative research projects across both institutions.
Your interest in STEM
My first role models were my mathematics teachers at school, who fueled my passion for problem-solving and inspired me to pursue a STEM path at a polytechnic university. Their encouragement was pivotal in turning my natural aptitude for math into a career.
Today, my current role models are the leading researchers and pioneers in the fields of Cryptography and Cyber Security, as well as my senior colleagues at the University of Ioannina and ISI/INBIS. I am deeply inspired by those who successfully bridge the gap between complex theoretical research and real-world industrial applications, constantly pushing the boundaries of digital security.
Your studies
During my studies at the polytechnic university, my biggest challenges within the SWOT framework were managing the high academic workload and navigating a heavily male-dominated field.
* **Weaknesses (Internal Challenge):** Initially, balancing the rigorous theoretical demands of advanced mathematics with the fast-paced, hands-on requirements of computer science was a major test of my time-management skills.
* **Threats (External Challenge):** Coming into a STEM field where women were significantly underrepresented felt intimidating at first. However, I chose to view this “threat” as an **Opportunity**. It motivated me to work harder, build resilience, and excel academically, which ultimately paved the way for my transition into the demanding fields of Cryptography and Cyber Security.
My advice to girls and women aspiring to enter the fields of Cryptography and Cyber Security is simple: “Go for it without hesitation.” This is a highly dynamic sector with incredible market demand and excellent career opportunities worldwide. Digital security is more critical than ever, and the industry is actively looking for skilled professionals. As women, your unique perspectives, analytical thinking, and problem-solving skills are not just welcome—they are necessary. Do not let stereotypes hold you back. You have the potential to truly stand out, innovate, and **make a real difference** in shaping the future of technology.
You at work
While institutions have established official committees and Gender Equality Plans, the actual job market often remains far more hostile, and the daily reality on the ground is starkly different from bureaucratic paperwork. Despite the presence of these committees on paper, their existence rarely reflects or mitigates the real-world biases, subtle exclusions, and systematic challenges that women still face every single day in the workforce.
As an academic and researcher, it is incredibly rewarding to see abstract concepts in **Cryptography and Cyber Security** transform into practical solutions that protect digital infrastructure. I am proud to actively contribute to this evolution through innovative research projects at both the University of Ioannina and ISI/INBIS in Patras.
Equally important to me is my work in the classroom. Training the next generation of engineers and scientists—and explicitly encouraging women to claim their space in a traditionally hostile and male-dominated market—feels like making a tangible, lasting difference in the STEM field.
What about you? What achievement in your own career or studies brings you the most pride?
Your point of view
Technology has the power to democratize opportunities, provide flexible career paths, and give women the tools to lead global innovations. However, a worrying trend has emerged in recent years: women are increasingly distancing themselves from Information Technology.
As we enter the era of Artificial Intelligence, AI literacy is fast becoming the new baseline for basic literacy; tomorrow, lacking AI skills will be the equivalent of being illiterate. For technology to truly empower women, we must urgently reverse this trend. By actively mastering AI and tech tools, women can ensure they are not left behind in a shifting job market, but are instead positioned to drive the technological revolution and close the gender gap from the inside out.
As we enter the era of Artificial Intelligence, lacking advanced digital skills will soon be the equivalent of being illiterate. While the daily reality of the job market can still be tough and hostile on paper, do not let that deter you. This sector offers incredible career prospects and immense market demand. By mastering tech, AI, and cybersecurity, you are not just securing a powerful future—you are bringing a vital perspective that will disrupt stereotypes and **make a real difference** in shaping the digital world.
By 2030, I want to see DEIS evolve from bureaucratic paperwork and formal committees into a tangible, daily reality.
Specifically, I hope to see:
* **Massive Tech Reclamation:** A definitive end to women distancing themselves from IT. As AI skills become the new baseline for basic literacy, women must actively master these tools to avoid being left behind.
* **A Fairer Job Market:** A shift away from the hostile biases that still exist on the ground, making women in highly demanding fields like Cryptography and Cyber Security the norm rather than the exception.
Ultimately, my vision for 2030 is an environment where women are not just included, but are actively leading the digital revolution.
To finish with
* **Real Impact over Bureaucracy:** I value tangible progress on the ground over formal paperwork. True inclusivity and practical research in Cyber Security matter far more than institutional checkboxes and committees.
* **Empowerment Through Tech Literacy:** In the era of AI, digital skills are the ultimate equalizer. I am committed to helping the next generation—especially women—master these tools so they are never left behind.
* **Resilience and Disruption:** I believe in facing a challenging market head-on, encouraging women to claim their space in STEM, and disrupting stereotypes by becoming leaders in technology.
The AI Evolution: Continuously adapting my research and teaching in Cryptography and Cyber Security to ensure students master fast-evolving AI skills before they become obsolete.
Balancing Dual Roles: Managing my teaching load at the University of Ioannina while consistently securing and executing high-impact research projects at ISI/INBIS in Patras.
By 2030, I hope to advance in my academic rank while expanding my research at the University of Ioannina and ISI/INBIS into large-scale, AI-driven cybersecurity projects. Ultimately, I aim to lead a thriving, diverse research team that bridges theoretical innovation with industrial applications, while establishing tangible, on-the-ground inclusivity for women in tech.
The current activity has been implemented in the framework of the Project: Code4Europe,
GA Number: 101158834. Official project website : https://codeweek.eu/