What inspires a woman to dive into science and technology? We asked the women researchers at Nokia. Here’s what they said.
“I can't help but see my scientific career as a group effort, shaped and inspired by wonderful individuals. I am, in part, a product of my teachers' patience, my mentors' passion for physics, my parents' critical thinking, and the tenacity and resilience of the women in my family.”
“When I was 6 years old, my father took me to his office at the local telephone exchange. At that time, operators would connect calls between parties. My father left me near the operator board, and to my amazement, I could connect a call without any training. From that point on, I always needed to ‘ask why’ and ‘understand how’ about science and technology. ”
“My mom was a brilliant designer, and so meticulous. She could envision something in her mind, then draw it and bring it to life. I have never been inspired by ranks and titles, but I have always been inspired by any woman who dares to ask questions, follows her passion and shares her talent with the world – just like my Mom.”
“I’ve always been fascinated both by how things work, and how multiple things work together to form systems. Figuring out the drivers and connections that power everything from technology to society to individual people is endlessly fascinating!”
“In my view, science and technology are a continuous journey that help us push the frontiers of human understanding and technological progress. This has inspired me to develop a passion for intellectual curiosity and perseverance, as well as a willingness to challenge established ideas.”
“It all began with a simple conversation with my father during my school years. Despite my passion for mathematics, he suggested that I pursue a more ‘suitable’ path for a woman, like business administration. This advice only confirmed my determination to become an engineer!”
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“My first role model was my mom. As a working woman, she inspired me to focus on my education and have a career. She wanted me to be independent. My other role models include Indra Nooyi. As the CEO of Pepsi, she broke a lot of barriers, becoming the first woman CEO at one of the most iconic American companies.”
“My parents definitely had the biggest impact on me choosing the fields of science and engineering. Both are mechanical engineers. They introduced and described the world to me through the eyes of engineers.”
“I get inspiration from Mother Nature, who after billions of years of evolution perfected the systems that perpetuate life on our planet. I constantly ask myself if we humans could be as diligent as Mother Nature. Can we create technology that is just as resilient?”
“My role model is my mother. She got her PhD in mathematics when I was just 6 years old. That accomplishment inspired me immensely, and ever since then I knew that one day I would pursue a PhD of my own.”
“I have tried to learn at least one thing from every person around me. For instance, my parents inspired me with their passion for engineering. I learned from them that if you work on things that you love with people you like, you can have an impact.”
“I find Lise Meitner inspiring for her perseverance and humanity. She is known for the discovery of the element protactinium and nuclear fission, which led to the development of the first atomic bomb. But she foresaw the destructive potential of the bomb and declined to join the Manhattan Project due to her values.”
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“My role model today is Nancy Hopkins, the MIT biology professor who was featured in the documentary 'Picture a Scientist'. All she wanted to spend her time on was her science, and yet she has also tirelessly worked to help the next generation of women scientists.”
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Anne Lee has been passionate about science since she was a little girl
“When I was a child, I never got tired of searching for the truth and understanding the world. Step by step, this passion grew. From understanding prior knowledge to creating new knowledge, I could help people to live an easier and happier life!”
“I am inspired by the women who are trying their best to find places for themselves in scientific communities that are very male dominated. Despite all the hardship they face, they do not give up.”
“In school I was more fascinated by experiments in the lab than history or geography lessons. I originally dreamed about being a surgeon, but then I did a summer internship dismantling and assembling electronic circuits. That’s when I knew I needed to make a change and pursue a technology path.”
“My role model is Marie Curie, the Polish-French physicist and chemist. She is a woman of so many ‘firsts’ – the first woman awarded the Nobel Prize, the first female doctor of physical sciences, the first female teacher at the Sorbonne University. She didn't impose any barriers on herself, and she wasn't afraid to work in a man's world.”
“Science and technology, creativity and a life-long learning have always been valued in my family. I was constantly exposed to new technologies at home, and it sowed the desire to discover something new.”
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“I loved Star Trek, Captain Kirk and his crew's travels through the galaxies while defending the Federation of Planets. What truly still inspires me in science is the exploration of new ways of thinking about the world and the implications for humanity.”
“I have always admired Katherine Johnson. Despite all the difficulties being a black woman in a world of men in the 50’s, she never gave up. Her perseverance and passion were crucial for the success of the pioneering Apollo missions.”
“I spent most of my summers as a child in my grandparents' village with cousins of similar age. There, we were surrounded by fields, forests, mountains and animals. During those summers, I fell in love with the incredible beauty of nature and began questioning how everything in nature functioned.”
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Sanja Scepanovic was drawn to science through nature
“The first woman I saw as a role model in my career was Cherry Murray. I met her during lunches for women in Bell Labs when I first started here in Murray Hill. Her fearlessness inspired me to not be afraid to accept a challenge. She also showed me that it is possible to have an amazing career in science and engineering while also being a mother.”
“I never felt there was any other path for me but a career in technology. The fact that my parents encouraged me towards it made my choice – if there was any – that much easier.”
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Adriana Vasilache always wanted to figure out how things worked
“One of the mathematicians I admire is Sophie Germain. She made major advances in number theory despite being self-taught. I named my daughter after her and violinist Anne-Sophie Mutter.”
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