Place of residence: Xanthi, Greece

Position: Environmental Engineering Student, Member of University’s Robotics Team “Democritus Industrial Robotics”

Please describe a day in your life

During a typical day, I wake up at about 6.30, eat breakfast, and prepare for my lessons, which usually start at 9. I go for lunch at noon at the student restaurant alone or with my friends. In the afternoon, there are usually more lessons and time for studying and taekwondo training is usually held in the evening. Generally, my everyday life is packed with lessons and activities. During the weekends, I make time to study more, read books, catch up on other skills such as SCUBA diving and sometimes even spend time with friends.

How many projects are you currently working on? Please describe them: 

I am currently working on several citizen science projects on the Zooniverse platform, some of which include “Cloudspotting on Mars,” “Citizen ASSA-SN,” and “Black Hole Hunters,” where we classify scientific data. I am also a member of my university’s robotics teams, working on different kinds of robots, but mostly focusing on our model, “Talos,” which is designed and built entirely by us and participates in the annual “RoboCup” competition.

In your opinion, who is the most influential person/company in the world of technology these days?

I would say that one of the most influential companies is SpaceX, as it is pioneering in the space industry and one of the most popular private space companies worldwide. It has provided another way for humans to get to the International Space Station apart from the Soyuz capsule. It is promising for future missions on the Moon and Mars, which is exciting for me due to my future goals.

If you could pick one app/product/project existing now that you wish you were involved in, what would it be?

I would love to be involved in climate change research in Antarctica in any project and hope to find an opportunity to do so in the future. I am also fascinated by the Artemis Program, seeing that it involves not only American space agencies but also groups from all over the world, especially the European Space Agency, where I hope to work one day and apply to be an astronaut.

How do you see technology evolving in the next ten years?

I hope that in the next 10 years, we’ll be able to treat all forms of cancer and autoimmune diseases. I also look forward to seeing humans establish more research bases both on Earth and in space and other celestial bodies, such as the Moon.

What would you like the industry to look like in ten years?

I’d like to see diversity in a broader sense and people who can cooperate with their colleagues’ uniqueness; accepting that variety in internal and external characteristics can broaden a group’s horizons so that every individual can contribute to any group project in their unique way.

What are the three characteristics you have that make you successful in tech?

The three persistent characteristics that make me successful in my passion for science and technology are a) curiosity, the need for me to know, seek, and explore b) perseverance, which helps me continue my pursuits whether I highly scored or not and c) the fact that I live life like everything in a miracle. As Albert Einstein used to say, you either live like nothing in life is a miracle or everything in life is a miracle. I like cherishing every moment and every event, from boring to exciting, as a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What is the most challenging thing you had to deal with during your career?

Sometimes, it’s challenging to be in a male-led environment, which is nowadays changing, but there are still some misconceptions about what a woman can and cannot do in science and tech. I am not saying I’ve received direct remarks that I cannot work in STEM environments. Still, there have been times when my technical knowledge and skills were vaguely considered less than another classmate’s or colleague’s, simply because I’m a girl. The challenge actually is subtly beating the subconscious stereotypes that a woman’s opinion ought to be of less importance than a man’s.

What is your greatest achievement up until today?

I would consider my passion for polymathy a great achievement. My childhood dream of becoming an astronaut led me to take various courses, not only in STEM-related fields (through my university education) but also in language learning, SCUBA diving, and sports in general (currently, I am training in taekwondo and continue to advance the levels of different belts).

What is your next goal?

My next goal is to continue with my SCUBA training, as the past year has been quite intense getting to know university life and having little time during weekends. I plan to dive more and do specific SCUBA courses that allow me to be certified as an Advanced Scuba Diver.

What tips do you have for people wanting to start in the tech world?

I’d tell them never to stop asking questions and seeking answers. The truth is out there, as the main character of my favourite TV shows likes to say. Be curious, read, speak to people and don’t be afraid to be in a room where you have the least amount of knowledge and experience compared to the others.

If you could say something to your younger self, what would it be?

I would tell her that there is no need to worry that much and that she should spend more time working to achieve her goals than being anxious about the future.

Which famous person would you like to have dinner with and why?

I would love to have dinner with Alyssa Carson, an aspiring astronaut. She has been a huge inspiration for me, making me realise that everything is possible. One can start working on one’s dream at any age.

Where would you like to travel next?

For my next trip, I would like to travel to Germany or a German-speaking country. I am currently learning German and would like to talk to people and practise my skills in this language more.

Do you have a person who influences or motivates you?

Another significant influence on me has been Dr. Olympia Kyriopoulos, an aerospace engineer and space entrepreneur. She mentored me when I was a high school student on how to advance my skills and prepare to one day apply for the astronaut selection process.

What did you dream of creating/inventing/doing as a child?

My greatest dream has been and is still to walk on Mars. I am working to achieve this and hope to make my younger self (and my family) proud.