I am graduated from Science High School in Kayseri Turkey. Hence, my interest in STEM started when I was 14 years old.

My first role model was our Mathematics, Science, Literature and English teachers at Middle school, then Prof. Dr. Ahmet Dervişoğlu at university. My role models at present are Prof. Dr. Ahmet Dervişoğlu from ITU and Prof. Dr Bart Preneel from Katholieke Universiteit Leuven.

Here are some example projects:

• https://haberler.itu.edu.tr/en/newsdetail/2021/06/22/project-on-the-diversity-of-life-of-ayaza%C4%9Fa-campus
• https://haberler.itu.edu.tr/en/newsdetail/2024/01/30/our-vice-rector-prof-dr-durak-ata-is-on-100-brilliant-and-inspiring-women-in-6g-list
• https://haberler.itu.edu.tr/en/newsdetail/2024/09/26/itu-is-in-turkiye-azerbaijan-university-tau-with-its-industrial-engineering-department
• https://haberler.itu.edu.tr/en/newsdetail/2021/04/19/deepmind-the-world-leader-in-artificial-intelligence-renews-its-scholarship-program-with-itu

Starting the Embedded System Design Laboratory

Always search for new solutions from the literature, do not repeat the past and think everything is solved and there is nothing to improve. Always question the results you get, and others provide.

Be reliable, work hard, try to understand people!

Leading a group of engineers ( women and men) working for my organization.

I will be still a Professor at our university leading some European Union projects.

During my school years, I consistently performed well in mathematics and science. However, at the time and despite my aptitude, I did not find them sufficiently inspiring to envision a long-term career in those fields. It was through a series of unplanned experiences after graduating university that I came to realize how much I genuinely enjoy such type of analytical and problem-solving work.

I do not have a singular role model; rather, my inspiration comes from observing individuals who are deeply passionate about and fulfilled by their work. Their genuine enthusiasm and dedication resonate with me far more than the influence of any one person.

The company I worked for placed a strong emphasis on diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives, with one of the most significant being the mentorship of young women professionals and interns, helping them build valuable networks and empowering them in their career development.

What I take the most pride in at work are the small, daily victories—those moments when a simple, clever idea has a significant impact and makes a meaningful difference. These instances of problem-solving, though seemingly minor, often prove to be the most rewarding.

It may be a cliché, but in the IT field, with some reading and research, almost anything can be accomplished.

Passion, Openess, Integrity

To keep being curious.

I see myself growing professionally, continue learning, and confidently embracing change while taking on new challenges and responsibilities.

Initially, I was more drawn to the humanities and literary sciences. However, when I was 18, I decided to pursue an engineering path, marking a turning point in my career. This shift reflected my growing interest in scientific and technical subjects, despite not having a traditional background in STEM from the start.

My aunt played a pivotal role in shaping my career. She introduced me to applied research, a field that captivated me immediately. Although I initially considered journalism because of my love for inquiry and exploration, I found that research allowed me to ask questions and seek answers, much like journalism, but within the scientific realm.

One example that resonates with me is my experience at IMEC, where I had access to on-site childcare, allowing me to focus on my career without sacrificing my family life. At CEA, a similar approach exists, with support for women balancing their personal and professional lives. These initiatives help ensure that women can pursue their careers without guilt or having to choose between their family and professional goals.

I am particularly proud of the dual challenge I overcame early in my career—having my first child while simultaneously setting up a new technology platform and team at IMEC. I managed to balance both roles successfully, thanks to the support I sought, and achieved all my goals. Another moment of pride came after the COVID-19 pandemic, when I re-energized my teams and led them to significant scientific and partnership achievements.

I encourage young women to dare to pursue their ambitions and not let fear or societal expectations hold them back. Seize opportunities, even if they seem intimidating. It’s important to realize that success comes from prioritizing, not perfection, and to accept that no one can do everything at once.

In my role as department head, I value both humanity and high standards. It’s important to support my colleagues holistically, allowing them to express their identities and personalities while excelling in their skills. I believe in fostering an environment where people can grow and achieve their goals, in their own way.

The next major challenge I foresee is supporting the growth of photovoltaic gigafactories in Europe. This will involve guiding R&D teams through an acceleration phase, overcoming industrial barriers while upholding our societal and environmental values. It will also be important to continue promoting diversity and inclusion, ensuring that women have a strong presence in this transition.

In 2030, I hope to be actively contributing to the successful scaling of the photovoltaic industry, driving technological innovation while maintaining a focus on inclusion and sustainability. I envision playing a role in bridging industrial and societal goals, ensuring a balanced and forward-thinking approach to energy transition.

I’ve always liked manipulating objects in electronics, and I’ve always been better at math’s than French… as my studies progressed, this path came to me…

No, I have never been a fan of anyone, I just go my own way.

Our company works closely with the Résilience foundation, which helps to reintegrate injured soldiers.

What I’m most proud of is that I’ve been able to combine my professional life with my life as a mother.

You have to work hard, but I think that’s the basis of any profession, right?

Work and good Will

My future challenge is to be able to perform in English so that I can transcribe everything I do internationally.

I hope to lead a team specialising in UHF.

My interest emerged at a young age, fueled by a natural curiosity and a passion for solving complex problems. It grew through a combination of personal curiosity, formal education, practical experiences, and professional commitment.

My first role model was my computer science teacher in high school, their approach in solving problems and the way they converted everything to algorithms always fascinated me.

“Currently, I’m inspired by Andrew Ng and Yann LeCun.”

At NXP, working together is essential for collaboration, taking initiative leads to responsibility, and striving for excellence fosters growth. Trust and respect are at the core of our culture, showing everyone that we are valued and appreciated, which is crucial for creating an inclusive environment where everyone can give their best.

Not just one… Always being at the top of my class, receiving an excellence scholarship for my master’s degree and working on very complex projects.

Believe in their abilities, not be discouraged by challenges, always participate in conferences, workshops and competitions, as this will expand their network, strengthen their practical skills and expose them to the latest advancements in the field.

Collaboration by valuing teamwork and cooperation, believing that the best solutions and ideas often emerge from the diversity of perspectives.

Collaborating on new projects, improving my skills and learning new concepts.

Become an expert in my field. I am targeting a a role where I can not only apply the skills that i have developed but also mentor and guide the next generation of professionals.

My interest in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) began during my early school years, driven by a fascination with Mathematics, Physics, and Chemistry. This natural inclination led me to pursue a degree in Mechanical and Aeronautical Engineering. Throughout my studies, I was captivated by the practical applications of Mathematics and Physics, which deepened my passion for these fields. Witnessing the tangible results of applied science and engineering solidified my commitment to a career in STEM.

My first role model in the field of engineering was Margaret Law, a pioneering engineer known for her significant contributions to fire safety engineering. As one of the first women to gain recognition in this field, she worked extensively on understanding fire dynamics and improving building safety standards. Her research and innovations have had a lasting impact on fire safety practices, influencing both regulations and the design of safer structures worldwide. Law’s work remains foundational in the ongoing efforts to protect lives and property from fire hazards. Currently, I continue to be inspired by her legacy, as well as by contemporary leaders in fire engineering who push the boundaries of safety and innovation.

Currently, I am inspired by Dr. Cathelijne Stoof, whose passion and work on wildfire risk management (WFRM) are exemplary. I have had the opportunity to meet and discuss with her at conferences, as well as collaborate on European funding projects. Her dedication to advancing our understanding and management of wildfire risks continues to motivate me in my professional journey.

In our organization, gender is not a determining factor; what truly matters are skills, interests, dedication, and experience. We believe in creating an environment where everyone has an equal opportunity to contribute based on their abilities and commitment. This approach promotes fairness and encourages diversity of thought and perspective, which are essential for fostering innovation and effective decision-making.

I’m proud of the meaningful collaborations I’ve forged with engineers, researchers specializing in WFRM research and behavior modeling, as well as with firefighters and forest department officers. These interactions have allowed me to gain deep insights into their unique challenges and needs in fire management. By understanding their perspectives firsthand, I’ve been able to contribute to the development of tailored training programs and strategies aimed at enhancing their effectiveness and safety in the field. These experiences have not only broadened my understanding but also reinforced my commitment to making a positive impact in fire management practices.

Stay committed to staying current with the latest research and industry developments. This ongoing dedication will not only keep you informed but also position you as a knowledgeable and proactive contributor. Develop strong presentation skills to confidently showcase your abilities and ideas. Embrace feedback as a tool for growth, learning to incorporate constructive criticism gracefully. Familiarize yourself with technological tools essential for collaboration and communication across global networks of researchers. Actively engage in networking to build relationships and seek mentorship from experienced professionals who can provide invaluable guidance. By nurturing these skills and connections, you’ll be well-equipped to navigate and succeed in our dynamic field.

Determination, open-mindedness, communication and presentation skills, trustworthiness, modesty.

In my professional journey, a significant challenge I foresee is advocating for the integration of robust fire safety measures within the built environment sector in Cyprus. I aim to propose and implement proven practices that enhance fire prevention and management strategies. Another challenge is to elevate the importance of Wildland Fire Risk Management (WFRM), emphasizing proactive measures over reactive firefighting methods. With wildfires increasingly intensifying and impacting regions globally, achieving tangible results in prioritizing prevention and management strategies is crucial for mitigating their devastating effects.

By 2030, I envision myself furthering my career by achieving significant milestones in fulfilling my professional goals. I aspire to play a pivotal role in promoting STEM fields, particularly engineering, among women. My aim is to inspire and empower more women to actively participate and excel in these fields, contributing to innovation and driving positive change in society through their expertise and leadership.

Since I was a child, I knew I wanted to make my mark on the world in a positive and enduring way. Engineers research, invent and refine processes across a wide range of fields… so I had clear what was the best path to follow.

Definitely, my parents: their commitment to serve society through work and daily effort has inspired me from the very beginning and during my career.

Not now.

A great balance of professional and personal growth, dedicating time to my job as to my family and hobbies.

Choose the most challenging paths during your career and don’t be afraid about difficulties. The more problems you face the more resilient you’ll be.

Respect, love, service.

Publishment of opinion pieces of technology on popular newspapers.

I hope I’ll keep growing in a multinational company.

During my high school years, I went to Liceo Classico, a high school mainly focused on humanities. I choose to start my path in the field of engineering casually, driven by people, as professors and family, that believed I could do everything given my good results in all the subjects.

I was inspired by the Professor I chose to conduct my PhD research thesis with. Moreover, I had the chance to work in Sweden for four years, and the capacity of Professors to work efficiently and professionally has fascinated me. Most of the professors I met were men, since unfortunately this is mostly a men-led sector.

Two Professors from the Parma University, Federica Poli and Chiara Lasagni, organized an event called “Girls in STEM”, aimed at showcasing ten different success stories on women in STEM to high school students. During this event, I spoke about how to foster the interest of young women for the STEM field.

Generally, I found my job very exciting and each time that one of my work is published, I feel very satisfied and proud of my work.

Even if the topics seem not to be very interesting and not tangible, everything that has to do with telecommunications is surrounding us, and it’s very fascinating and actual (for example, now we are working on the famous 5G or 6G). You do not have to be discouraged; with passion everything is possible.

Passion for what you do, honesty and respect for the working environment.

I would like to set-up my own research group composed by young professionals to share my passion and what I learned in all these years.

Doing research with my own research group of young professionals, both women and men.

Accidentally, at the afterschool activity (computer courses).

Don’t have any

We have diverse teams and leadership trainings for women.

Combine work and family.

Go on, you’re welcome.

Responsibility, ownership.

Work-life balance.

I don’t know.

My interest in STEM was nurtured from a young age by my grandfather. He always encouraged me to explain what I had learned at school by creating mock exams for him, which I would then correct on a board. This playful yet educational activity not only deepened my understanding of various subjects but also sparked a genuine curiosity and love for learning. This early encouragement grew stronger as I delved deeper into physics and mathematics in high school, eventually leading me to pursue a career in engineering.

My first role model was my grandfather, who was also an engineer. He pursued his career in Paris as an engineer in airplanes. His dedication to engineering and his passion for problem-solving greatly influenced me.

Diversity at Melexis goes beyond accepting different ethnicities, orientations, and social classes; it is also about respecting each other’s opinions on any subject. In our team meetings, we see that no matter how many years of experience one has, their background, or their position, everyone’s voice is heard. This culture of inclusion is strongly promoted by our team lead, who ensures that all team members are encouraged to share their ideas and perspectives, fostering an environment where innovation thrives.

I am most proud of having the opportunity to lead the ‘Stelaxis’ project, which focuses on developing a robotic 1D joint. In my role, I perform simulations and contribute to the measurements, ensuring that our designs are both theoretically sound and practically viable. Identifying the right colleagues to assist with specific tasks is a key part of my role, leveraging their expertise to drive the project forward. Additionally, I promote our project externally by presenting at conferences and engaging with the broader engineering communities.

I also believe that women in corporate environments can and do help each other grow. Women have been remarkably successful in leading and innovating while maintaining a very human approach toward their coworkers. This supportive and collaborative attitude fosters a positive and productive work environment. Let’s embody that and break down the stereotype that says otherwise.

My core values include integrity, innovation, and inclusivity. I believe in the importance of ethical practices, continuous learning, and creating an environment where diverse perspectives are valued and respected.

I aim to contribute to significant breakthroughs in sensor technology and work towards leadership roles where I can influence positive changes in the industry.

I see myself in a senior leadership position within an innovative company, in the coming years. I plan to pursue an MBA, which I believe will significantly influence my career. Ultimately, I hope to mentor the next generation of engineers, especially encouraging more women to enter and thrive in STEM fields.