In this edition of Shine Bytes, we interview Raquel Chin, awarded one of the E-REDES Top Women Scholarships in 2023.

Tell us a little about yourself and your journey at IST

Hello, I'm Raquel, 23 years old, and this merit scholarship marks a significant chapter in my journey at IST. When I applied, I was in the final moments of my Master's in Computer Science and Engineering. Now, with joy, I share that I have completed the program with distinction, and this scholarship represents not only academic recognition but also the impactful closure of my time at Técnico.

My experience at IST was focused on the master's degree, where I specialized in games and interaction, as well as visualization. Despite the brevity of my time there, I encountered excellent professors and mentors who enriched my academic journey and strengthened my passion for the field. This award not only reflects my efforts but also the valuable support I received throughout this journey.

What did winning this award personally mean to you?

Winning this merit scholarship is, above all, a significant personal achievement for me. This accomplishment represents the recognition of all the effort and dedication invested over the past two years. I am honored to receive this award, which not only celebrates my academic journey but also emphasizes the importance of supporting and promoting gender diversity in crucial areas such as Computer Science and Engineering.

Why are awards like this important?

Awards like this not only encourage female students to achieve higher results but also play a crucial role in addressing gender inequality at IST and in engineering fields in general, sending the message that women have a vital and valuable place in engineering and technology.

By highlighting and rewarding women's achievements, we encourage more young individuals to consider careers in STEM, thereby building a richer and more diverse community. Additionally, these awards benefit companies by allowing them to identify talent among the top female students from reputable institutions, thus promoting diversity and innovation in the professional environment.

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

To attract women to science, it is important to promote inclusive environments and awareness campaigns from an early age that show young girls that this field is accessible and rewarding. Of course, this should be accompanied by efforts from both the professional and academic sectors to create policies that promote gender equality, encouraging and rewarding the presence of successful female role models.

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

My advice to future female students is simple: embrace curiosity and choose what seems most interesting and enjoyable to you, but above all, never underestimate your potential. In my case, my undergraduate GPA was not exceptional, but by focusing on topics that genuinely sparked my interest, I achieved exceptional results. Passion for what we do not only makes the journey more rewarding but also serves as a powerful boost for academic success. So, don't be afraid to explore the areas that truly fascinate you and let that passion guide your path.