Maria Barra Burillo

Job Title:
Post-Doctoral Researcher
Company - Organization:
CIC nanoGUNE BRTA
Experience:
Education:
Master’ Degree
Universty - College:
Universidad Internacional de La Rioja (UNIR)
Nationality:
Spain

Your organization´s key sector and mission:
Research in nanoscience and technology to bring advances that society can benefit from.

Please tell us briefly about your role in the company/organization:
I design and optimize fabrication processes for the preparation of high-quality samples, to explore the properties of materials at the nanoscale.

Your interest in STEM

I have always wondered how nature works, and that quickly translated into my scientific vocation.

My first role models were my parents, that pushed me to exploit all my potential, no matter in which sector. Then probably, my master thesis supervisor: she opened my eyes to what a scientist was and encouraged me to pursue research. Currently, I admire the women that preceded me in the STEM field, overcame the difficulties and stayed true to their vision.

Your studies

Discovering that some aspects that I thought I would like were not what I thought and having to reinvent myself and my goals and dreams.

Go for it! Don’t give it much thought. If you are interested and you think you might like it, just go ahead and dive in. Don’t fall for your insecurities; and don’t forget to enjoy your achievements.

You at work

Yes! There is a Gender Equality Committee that developed a Gender Equality Plan. There’s also an anti-harassment protocol and the hiring process is inclusive and open to anybody.

Having been able to find my way, contribute to projects and be happy about the person I have become.

Don’t be discouraged from the challenges, there’s plenty of opportunities.

Your point of view

Technology is the future. Only by playing and active role in its development, women will be equal participants and benefit from it.

It’s a fascinating sector with many things yet to be done, where everybody has something to bring to the table.

That it has been naturally integrated in the sector and there is no longer need for implementations or actions.

To finish with

I consider crucial the well-being of the people around me, and I think that everybody has many things to add to discussions and projects. I will always put people first.

Finding a project that challenges and aligns with my values and allows my professional development to its full potential.

Hopefully, well established in a nice company, maybe leading some projects.