Esmeralda Pires, Digital Identity Service Manager at the FCCN Unit, shares her experience pursuing her interests and passions, talks about the work of the team she manages, and the women who inspire her in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.
During the month of March, the FCCN Unit joins the GÉANT campaign #WomenInSTEM, presenting, in an interview, the opinions of several guests in the STEM fields.
Esmeralda Pires (EP): My name is Esmeralda Pires and I work at the FCCN unit.
When and why did you become interested in STEM? Was this your dream as a child/teenager?
EP: I've always viewed math as a rewarding challenge and programming as a different way to solve problems. It's also a way to express my desire to create something. It was undoubtedly math that got me interested in computer science.
How does your work contribute to science, innovation, and knowledge creation? How does your work impact the world?
EP: At the moment, my team and I manage several authentication and authorization infrastructures aimed at both the academic and teaching communities. These infrastructures allow students, faculty, and researchers to effectively access tools and resources that are important for their activities, both in research and for collaboration and knowledge sharing.
Name a woman in STEM who inspires you because.
EP: It's hard to answer and choose just one. There are several women who inspire me in various areas, but the names that are very present in my mind are: Maria de Lurdes Goldfinch, the Marie Curie, the Malala YousafzaiHowever, there are many other women, whose names we don't know, who are just as courageous, resilient, and inspiring as the ones I mentioned earlier. The most important thing is that we all have the opportunity to be who we truly want to be.
What inspiring message or advice would you give to young girls interested in a career in STEM?
EP: I'd say challenge yourself. Explore. Don't give up. Above all, choose what inspires you, what motivates you, and I'm sure you'll create your own opportunities and be happy.
