2025/02/11 | People | Artificial Intelligence
Every year on Februrary 11, the ARTORG Center joins in recognizing the important contributions women make in scientific fields and to raise awareness on the imbalance of genders in STEM subjects. On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, we take a look at the work our female community members do and highlight their contribution to the research within ARTORG and beyond. We asked some the students in our study programs about their experience and what advice they would give to a girl interested in pursuing science.
«Being a woman in STEM is always rewarding. While I am aware about the statistics and the challenges that many women in the field face every day, I pesonally have not felt judged or limited because of my gender during my experience. I strongly believe that hard work, perseverance and passion for innovation are the thriving forces behind becoming a good scientist and professional. At the same time, I recognize that representation matters and it is important to encourage us and support each other while raising awareness of the situation. Being a woman in STEM has made me appreciate the power of dedication and the importance of mentorship. Along my experience in academia and industry, I have had the privilege of working alongside incredible women who have not only excelled in their fields but also shaped my perspective of what it means to be a good scientist both technically and personally.»
Carla is Master's student in the Biomedical Engineering program here at ARTORG.
«When you're underrepresented, there's often pressure to be perfect, as if you need to prove you deserve to be in the same room as everyone else. But the truth is you don't need to prove anything to anyone. Asking questions is a sign of curiosity and growth, not weakness. Embrace the learning process, seek help when you need it, and know that you deserve to be in the room just as much as anyone else. There have been moments where I've felt the sting of exclusion and bias working in the tech world, but there have also been many times where I've felt empowered - building community, mastering new skills, and making a meaningful impact. The challenges are real but so are the rewards. Being a part of a marginalized group has fuelled my passion for tackling deep systemic issues, especially in healthcare. My own experience with medical gaslighting as a young woman drove me to use my STEM background to address inequities in medicine.»
Rachel is a Master's student in the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine program here at ARTORG.
«The unique and effective way we communicate concepts and ideas [is what I love about being a woman in STEM]. Being a woman has given me valuable skills such as effective communication, attention to detail, and the ability to analyse and understand the bigger picture. These strengths have allowed me to engage in interesting projects where my perspective is recognized and valued. It's been interesting to share my knowledge with audiences where men make up the majority. Exchanging ideas from different perspectives has led to the creation of great projects. [I would tell girls interested in STEM:] Pursue your dreams and passions, trust yourself and your abilities, and always stay open to learning new things. Remember, "No dream is too big, and no dreamer is too small".»
Isabella is a Master's student in the Artificial Intelligence in Medicine program here at ARTORG.
