In this edition of Shine Bytes we interview Joana Costa, a winner of the Prémio de Mérito Joy in Motion.

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey at IST

My name is Joana Costa, I am 23 years old and I am in the first year of the Master's in Telecommunications and Informatics Engineering at IST. I joined the Master's program and am specializing in the area of telecommunications, with a particular interest in radio signals and satellites, which will be the focus of my thesis. Although I haven’t been at Técnico for long, it has been a very positive experience. I have learned a lot, met people with different backgrounds, and taken part in projects that have helped me grow, like the one that led me to receive this award.

What did winning this competition mean to you personally?

Winning the Joy in Motion Merit Award was more than just a recognition. It represented all the teamwork, effort, and dedication we put into the project. Seeing that our work can help people in their daily lives makes me happy and gives me even more motivation to keep learning and contributing.

Why are awards like this important?

I believe that awards like this are important because they give us extra motivation. They show that it's worth dedicating time to new ideas and working with colleagues on something that can make an impact. For me, it was also a way to step out of my comfort zone and apply what I’ve been learning in a more real-world context.

In your opinion (aside from awards ;) ), what can and should be done to attract more women to science?

In my opinion, to attract more women to science, it’s essential to give visibility to the work that many are already doing in these fields. Most of the references are still male, which can create the false impression that this path isn’t for us. Sharing examples of women who have made, and continue to make, a difference, like Ada Lovelace, can inspire others to follow similar paths and to feel that they belong in this space.

Do you have any advice for future female students in Computer Science and Engineering at Técnico?

Finally, my biggest advice for future students of Informatics and Telecommunications Engineering at Técnico is: don’t be afraid to take risks. We have all the tools at our disposal to grow, innovate, and stand out. Each of us brings a unique perspective, and that’s a huge asset. Be curious, persistent, and believe that you can, and should, make a difference.