What inspired you to pursue a career in STEM?
My path to STEM wasn’t defined by a single moment or role model. It simply felt like the right path for me. From a young age, I was curious to understand how things function, so much so that my mom had to keep the screwdrivers out of my reach. A career in STEM has allowed me to explore that curiosity and constantly learn and grow. I think that one doesn’t need a predefined roadmap or a perfect role model to belong in STEM, just some curiosity and a passion for knowledge.
What has been one of the most significant challenges you’ve faced in science, and how did you overcome it?
One of the most significant challenges I faced in science was definitely the journey to earning my doctoral degree. It wasn’t a straightforward path. Early on, I found myself working on projects and analyzing datasets that, in retrospect, weren’t the most productive for my PhD. I also took part in a lot of other projects, which, while beneficial for my overall career development, did extend the time it took to complete my doctorate.
What helped me overcome this challenge? A few key things. First, learning who to ask for help was crucial. I realized that not everyone has the expertise or resources you might expect, and it’s important to be discerning in seeking guidance.
Even more importantly, the support I received from my peers was invaluable. Connecting with other doctoral researchers, particularly those with international backgrounds who were facing similar career challenges and the emotional challenges of being far from loved ones, was essential. We drew strength from each other, supporting one another throughout the entire process.
What excites you most in the work you will be involved with in MI-TRAP / Net4Cities?
So many things! First, the collaborative spirit and dedication of the team are truly inspiring. It is incredibly motivating to work with passionate researchers and professionals with genuine commitment to the project’s goals.
From a scientific perspective, the scale of the data we’re generating is very exciting. Imagine: 11 cities, over 30 sites, capturing a wealth of information on air and noise pollution. As an atmospheric scientist, I’m particularly excited about the opportunity to analyze such data and translate it into actionable insights. We’re not just collecting numbers; we’re building the evidence base for tailored policy solutions that can make a real difference in people’s lives.
And, of course, there’s the joy of working with a new set of instruments, what we call our ‘scientific toys’. Every new setup is a learning opportunity, and every dataset tells a story about the air we breathe. We have already started installations in Limassol, and it’s fascinating to see how pollution levels and profiles differ from our measurements in Nicosia. Seeing the distinct pollution profiles underscores the complexity of urban air quality and the importance of localized solutions.
What is the oddest thing you have done in the name of science?
That’s a fun question! While I haven’t been to the most remote corners of the globe like some researchers, I’ve found myself in odd situations. Crawling under setups to fix instruments has become second nature, and during one campaign, I dealt with an instrument that crashed every two hours. Until we worked out a solution with the manufacturer, I was glued to the remote connection and even making half-zombie 3 AM runs to the measurement container to reset it.
Another memorable moment was during a citizen science project on water quality. I equipped local residents with the skills to test their water for various polluting parameters. And even though it was not part of the project, I wanted to introduce them to practical solutions so I took apart my parents’ water purification and reverse osmosis system and brought it in as a demonstration model.
What is your vision for the future of women and girls in STEM?
I look forward to the day when we no longer need to talk about ‘women and girls in STEM’ as something exceptional, when equal representation and leadership are simply the norm.
In my own experience, I’ve seen firsthand that girls and women are drawn to STEM. During my university studies at the Faculty of Sciences, women made up a significant majority of the students – sometimes even up to 80%. So, I don’t believe the primary challenge is encouraging girls to pursue STEM education. The real challenge lies in ensuring that they thrive and advance in their STEM careers.
We need to see more women not just entering the field, but also thriving in the field. This requires addressing the systemic issues that often hold women back. For example, the disproportionate burden of childcare still falls heavily on women, forcing many to choose between family and career.
It is shameful that many countries still lack adequate and truly equitable parental leave (or even maternity leave) policies. We also need to address unconscious biases, even those held by women themselves. I’ve witnessed instances of bias within the scientific community, and it’s crucial that we actively work to dismantle those. I’ve been also fortunate to work with incredible women throughout my career. We definitely need more women in leadership roles creating a supportive ecosystem to pave the way for the next generation of women and girls in STEM.
What advice would you give to young women or girls interested in science or research?
Don’t think twice about it. There will be challenges, but don’t let doubt, your own or anyone else’s, hold you back. You belong here.
What is an interesting story or anecdote you would love to share with women and girls interested in STEM?
When I applied for my first job in science, I had just finished my master’s degree and had zero hands-on experience. During the interview, a female scientist asked if I had worked with scientific instruments before. Naively, I answered: “No, but I understand the theory, and the rest is just pressing buttons”. She was not impressed. In fact, she made it clear that working with instruments was much more than pressing buttons.
To my surprise, I got the job. Later, I asked her why she chose me despite my response. She said it wasn’t my experience that convinced her—it was my willingness to try. That openness to learning and pursuing things mattered more than what I already knew. Looking back, I realize how important it is not to let fear or inexperience hold us back. No one starts as an expert. The first thing we learn in STEM is the scientific method which is supposed to be a linear process but in reality, it is a process of trial, error, and discovery. The same applies to our careers. So, my advice to young women in STEM: Be willing to try.
