'Women in STEM' interview featuring AMPERE scientist Viola Sorrentino
In the AMPERE project, building inclusive communities is vital. Diversity is an added value for the team in order to work effectively in synergy. Consequently, a 'Women in STEM' series of interviews has been created to feature all the amazing female scientists who work in AMPERE and their paths into science.
Viola Sorrentino is System Engineering Manager at Thales Italia. In this interview, Viola talks about her experience as a woman in STEM and as a member of the AMPERE team.
1. How did you become interested in engineering and HPC? What was your motivation to choose your career path?
During my education path, I realized that I was attracted to problem-solving through designing and planning while following logical and mathematical steps. So, I challenged myself with an engineering university career and I discovered my passion for electronics and electromagnetics systems. My approach to HPC applications has further expanded my vision of a wide career horizon.
Starting from high school, I have been deeply engaged by technology evolution and innovation. Then moving to the university and working environment, I entered a virtual circle of satisfaction and new discoveries that I still enjoy very much.
2. What do you do within the AMPERE project? How has this experience impacted your career?
In the AMPERE project I am working on the implementation of the Obstacle Detection and Avoidance System (ODAS) in the real scenario of the Florence Tramway Network. Moreover, I am modelling the ODAS system through Domain Specific Model-driven Languages (DSMLs), to better express and verify non-functional constraints of the railway use case.
Working on AMPERE, I have learned and deeply tested two DSMLs (CAPELLA and AMALTHEA) and safety-critical functions related to railway systems. These are key competitive domains to conceive and fine-tune an innovative solution. I believe that this new expertise I learned has impacted my career improving my capability to kick-off and manage technological programs.
3. What are your achievements while working on AMPERE?
I have seen new technical aspects related to the development phases of the ODAS system within the AMPERE project. I have worked with a multinational, multicultural team learning a lot on how to have synergies with partners. Moreover, I have improved my capability of managing activities to achieve committed milestones of the AMPERE project.
4. Do you have any advice or message for young girls and women pursuing a career in STEM?
With young girls and women pursuing a career in STEM I would like to share a phrase that has become my daily motto: “YES WE CAN!”
My personal career so far shows that, if you work hard and achieve great results, no one may have any reasons to stop you. Looking forward to welcoming new female colleagues in STEM!