Sandra Nanfa Tiogo

Job Title:
Specialist Engineer
Company - Organization:
ION Beam Services
Experience:
4 years
Education:
Engineering degree, Mechatronics and Robotics
Universty - College:
EIGSI, General engineering school
Nationality:
Cameroonian

Your organization´s key sector and mission:
Ion Beam Services operates in the semiconductor industry. Its main activity is the manufacturing, installation and maintenance of ion implanters for research centres.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company/organization:

I participate in the mechanical assembly and electrical connection of all implanter components. I also carry out functional tests, analyse measurements and diagnose the causes of malfunctions.

Your interest in STEM

Having followed a scientific path since high school, I’ve always felt more at ease in scientific disciplines than in literature, and over time this has become a real passion.

My role models are my parents. Having only daughters, they encouraged me to follow my own path and to dare to explore fields and professions that were once the reserved for men.

Your studies

My challenge during my studies was to be one of the best in my class, so I often had to pull all-nighters and work twice as hard. My scientific baccalaureate with honours in mathematics and physics earned me a scholarship to study abroad. This opened the door to many rewarding adventures.

My advice to young girls and women who want to continue their studies in this field is to jump into it without fear, have confidence in themselves and work hard to live up to expectations.

You at work

I’m the only woman in the manufacturing team, yet I’ve never felt alone with my colleagues. I can be myself and work serenely.

The first time I was asked to do the mechanical assembly and commissioning of a sub-assembly of the ion implanter (gasbox and electrical parts), there were no errors during debugging and installation.

My advice to young girls and women who want to pursue a career in our sector is to follow your convictions; it’s also a sector that’s open to everyone, regardless of gender or background.

Your point of view

Technology gives women access to information and education, increasing their skills and independence. In addition, online platforms and digital tools enable women to find employment opportunities or start their own businesses, contributing to their economic autonomy.

My advice to young girls and women who want to work in microelectronics is to take the appropriate courses of study to acquire the necessary skills in microelectronics, to learn about the field, to master the tools and software used in microelectronics, and to have confidence in themselves and their skills.

By 2030, I would like to see :

  • A more diverse microelectronics sector, with a balanced representation of women, ethnic minorities and other under-represented groups.
  • That opportunities for employment and for advancement in microelectronics are equal for all, regardless of gender, ethnicity, socio-economic status or other factors.
  • That the microelectronics sector is inclusive and welcoming to all, fostering a respectful, open and collaborative working environment.
  • That the microelectronics sector becomes more committed to sustainable development by reducing its environmental footprint, promoting responsible production practices and contributing to sustainable technological solutions to global challenges such as climate change.

To finish with

My main values are caring, respect, responsibility and honesty.

To further develop my technical skills so that I can be more autonomous and put my know-how to good use.

By 2030, I hope to have a position that allows me to share my knowledge while continuing to explore my potential.