To promote the full and equal access and participation of females in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM), the International Day of Women and Girls in Science takes place on 11 February every year. Within CAPTUS are many inspiring women who are contributing to the project’s progress. One of them is Dr. Esther Santos: At APRIA Systems S.L. she works as a R&D Project Manager. The following interview gives an impression of Esther’s work, inspirations, and ambitions, offering a glimpse into her journey in STEM.
What is your academic background and why have you decided to pursue science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) and more specifically your field of work?
I am a chemical engineer with a master’s degree in Sustainable Production and Consumption and a Ph.D. in Chemical and Process Engineering. Throughout my academic and professional journey, I have developed strong engineering principles, focusing on sustainability and efficient resource use. I am passionate about advancing technologies that contribute to a greener and more sustainable future, leveraging my knowledge to drive innovation and improve processes in the field of chemical engineering. The decision to pursue STEM, and specifically chemical engineering, came from my interest on how science and technology can offer the tools to address and solve real-world problems.
What are you doing at APRIA and what is your role in CAPTUS?
I am working as R&D project manager and I am responsible for the successful development and implementation of several strategic corporate projects, highly focused on innovative processes for gas/liquid streams separation and purification, sustainable energy or waste valorization. Our role in CAPTUS includes the engineering of Demo 3 for the electrochemical reduction of CO2 to produce formic acid in a cement plant.
What motivates you to work in CAPTUS?
Working at CAPTUS means personal and professional growth. It gives me a sense of fulfillment that comes from working on a project that is aligned with my own personal values and has climate change mitigation as meaningful end goal with the potential to contribute to cutting-edge technologies with a significant impact on our society and daily lives. From professional point of view, it gives me the opportunity to share expertise and capabilities with a skilled team allowing me to learn from different STEM field experts and advance in my career.
Are there female role models that inspired you throughout your training or your career?
I have been inspired mainly by Marie Curie, pioneering woman in science with ground-breaking ideas still valid in today’s society. She was the first woman to win a Nobel Prize and remains one of the most significant figures in the history of chemistry and physics. Also by Katherine Johnson the mathematician whose calculations were crucial to the success of NASA’s early space missions. Each of these women has demonstrated extraordinary strength and perseverance, and their stories continue to inspire girls to break barriers and achieve greatness in their respective STEAM fields.
What are your expectations and wishes for the future regarding the role of women in science? What advice can you give girls interested in a career in STEM?
One of the major goals is to see gender parity in both STEM education and in professional spaces, with more women rising to leadership positions in scientific research and industry. My hope for the future is one where the scientific community reflects the diversity of the world and where women can fully realize their potential without the added obstacles of gender bias. The more inclusive the field becomes, the more likely we are to see accelerated innovation and a more equitable society overall. Also I would encourage for a better structural support for work-life balance(like parental leave, flexible hours or time off for family and dependent care) integrated into academic and research institutions as well as in R&D private companies.
My advice to girls interested in STEM career is persistence, hard work, and self-belief as main pillars, but also don’t forget to be fun, motivated and love what you do!
Every girl has the potential to make amazing contributions in STEM. The field is waiting for diverse ideas and fresh perspectives to shape the future of technology, science, and innovation.