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Sandra Sanchez-Gordon
Professor
Escuela Politécnica Nacional
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Every girl can become an engineer or a scientist. And boys can too.
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WHAT DO YOU DO?
I am a software engineer. Since 2012, I have participated in several research projects in the field of computer science. The results of its research activity have been published in nine articles in scientific journals with JCR impact, thirty-five articles in scientific congresses and eight book chapters.
Another important metric for a researcher is the number of scientific publications reviewed. I have 111 verified reviews registered on the Publons platform. In 2018, I received recognition on Publons for being in the top 1% of reviewers worldwide in Computer Science who performed the highest number of verified reviews.
WHY DID YOU CHOOSE THIS FIELD?
I chose to be a software engineer because of the impact that software has in basically all human activities. It is utterly important that the software that help the world run is of good quality. It is particularly important that software is usable and accessible to persons with disabilities. This is the reason why I am advocate for software accessibility. I thank all engineers and computer scientists from all over the world, from the past, the present and the future who strive for inclusion. an,
HOW DO/DID YOU TACKLE OBSTACLES?
When I feel insecure about my ability to overcome obstacles, I meditate. Sitting still, with my spine erect, in silence, I can reconnect with my inner wisdom and I am able to devise the best solution for any obstacle I might have.
WHAT DO YOU LOOK AT & THINK, "I WISH YOUNGER ME WOULD HAVE KNOWN THIS WAS POSSIBLE?"
If I could travel to the past and talk to younger me, I would tell that little girl that she cannot and must not be afraid of trying and taking risks, that if she does things with love and kindness to serve others, the right doors will open themselves.
WHY DO YOU LOVE WORKING IN STEM?
I love working in STEM because through science research and applied technology we can solve a lot of problems for the benefit of humanity. I work specially to serve the fields of education and health.
BEST ADVICE FOR NEXT GENERATION?
Every girl can become an engineer or a scientist. And boys can too.
In Spanish: Toda niña puede convertirse en ingeniera o científica. Y los niños también.
Kichwapi: Tukuy warmi wawakunaka yachaysapa tukuytami ushapan. Kari wawakunapash.
INSPIRATION
One woman that inspires me is Matilde Hidalgo. Matilde is an Ecuadorian physician, poet, and rights activist. Matilde was the first woman to finish High School, study Medicine and hold elected office in Ecuador. Matilde fought for the right to vote for Ecuadorian women until she became the first woman to vote in Ecuador (and Latin America).