My interest in STEM begun in my school years; I found Biology, Chemistry, Physics and Maths more interesting, useful and easier to understand that other courses. I always felt that I could be part in a greater mix of scientists that could solve the cancer therapy puzzle and contribute to helping people with this disease.
Your organization field and mission
European University Cyprus (EUC) was founded in 2007 and developed out of Cyprus College, which was established in 1961. EUC places strong emphasis on linking teaching with research and carrying out public outreach activities, aiming at increasing the interest of young people and the wider public in scientific endeavors. The research activity of the university, as measured by its success in securing external research funding and authoring quality journal publications, has increased significantly in the last decade. EUC has an extensive portfolio of research and innovation projects, funded by the European Commission (e.g., Horizon Europe, Horizon2020, Erasmus+, Directorates-General), the Cyprus Research and Innovation Foundation, the Max Planck Institute, the European Space Agency, and other governmental bodies and private organizations. In 2017, the EUC was awarded the “HR Excellence in Research” logo by the European Commission, which identifies institutions and organizations that provide a favourable working environment for researchers.
Please tell us briefly about your role in the company / at your organization:
In my role as Assistant professor in Cancer Biology, I teach undergraduate and graduate Courses relevant to Molecular and Cellular Biology. I am also head of the Apoptosis and Cancer Chemoresistance Group, which aims to investigate through basic research underlying mechanisms of carcinogenesis and new approaches in cancer therapy.
Your interest in STEM
My first role model was Dr Andreas Constantinou who was my mentor and supervisor during my PhD years. Right now, I am inspired by scientists in my organization and internationally that passionately pursue research.
Your studies
During my studies in Cancer Biology at the University in Athens and Cyprus, my SWOT analysis revealed:
Strengths: Ability to adapt to new situations, problem solving, and a keen interest in cancer biology and science in general. Weaknesses: Procrastinating, impostor syndrome. Opportunities: Mentorship, access to dissemination programs such as COST, access to funding local and international. Threats: Keeping pace with rapid technological advancements, working under a limited budget, multi-tasking
Perseverance and Adaptability! Never be discouraged if a project does not go the way it was originally planned and learn to adapt to new situations. Interact with other scientists and be open to learning from them.
You at work
Yes the European University is applying good practices in DEIS. I was the recipient of the Early Career Woman Researcher award, that aims to promote and support specifically women in our organization.
Balance between my working and family roles. Also being able to inspire students to pursue their own dreams after they graduate from our University.
You can manage both a Career and a family life if that is what you want and you have support from relatives and friends. However, you can find fulfilment in one or the other and you should not feel pressured to complete a “checklist” of other people’s expectations.
Your point of view
Technology can empower women by enabling them to use the latest advancements in their field of interest; to contribute in a meaningful way to the field that has sparked their interest; to help them generate and share findings that help humanity and give them a sense of purpose in life.
This is not my field, but I believe any science field requires constant education on the cutting-edge technologies, effort in becoming skilled to the science you choose to pursue, interaction with other scientists and taking pride in what you discover.
To be fully practiced and applied. In Science, the criteria for advancement should be only Excellence, Skill and Innovation.
To finish with
Equality in science, hard work, honesty, integrity and fairness.
To delegate more, to keep training in technological advancements, to inspire and mentor my students, to provide opportunities for others to achieve excellence.
Hopefully teaching and leading important research projects, guiding a large team of young scientists.