Testimonials from STEM grantees attending the SIE Congress

Student in bio-engineering

Sponsored by the Union of Belgium

Grantee Alessandra Lucini Paioni

Physical Chemistry Student

Sponsored by the Club of Crema – Union of Italy

Grantee Caroline Lambin

Industrial Engineering Student

Sponsored by the Union of Belgium

Grantee Dèsirèe Bellan

Physical Engineering student

Sponsored by the Club of Valsesia, Union of Italy

Grantee Victoria Sosnovtseva

Physics student

Sponsored by the Union of Denmark

I began studying physics because, as a child, when I looked up at the sky, I felt deeply frustrated at not knowing how the universe had come into being. Later, at university, I was struck by the deep beauty of quantum mechanics, and its society-changing applications in quantum computing. I am currently undertaking exciting research on new materials that could be used as the basis for quantum computing.

Being one of the few women in my physics classes has opened my eyes to the under-representation of women in STEM. I am therefore very excited to be attending this year’s SIE Congress that focuses on inspiring women in STEM. I have myself tried to be a role model for younger women and hope to do my bit to inspire others and hopefully increase the percentage of women studying physics and other sciences. I strongly believe that young women need role models and support in order to fearlessly pursue careers in the sciences, to gain confidence and to stop doubting themselves.