Fatemeh Golpayegani (she/her)

Fatemeh Golpayegani (she/her) is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science, University College Dublin. She received her BSc in Computer Engineering from Alzahra University, Iran, in 2010; MSc in Software Engineering from Sharif University of Technology, Iran, in 2012; and PhD in Computer Science from Trinity College Dublin, in June 2018.

She was a postdoctoral researcher at Distributed Systems Group and Future Cities research group at Trinity College Dublin, before joining UCD in February 2019.

Her current research focus is on developing AI-based algorithms to address problems such as climate change and sustainability. She is a co-chair of women at computer science UCD where she actively promotes Equality, Diversity and Inclusion.

1. Where’s your hometown?

Dublin

2. How did you get into STEM?

Going into STEM was never a question for me, the question for me was whether to pursue medical science or engineering. The harder my parents were trying to get me into medical science, the more convinced I was that I wanted to go into engineering. For me, solving complex problems, breaking them down to smaller bits, and assembling the partial solutions was a joy.

3. What is a piece of advice that you have found especially useful?

Think outside the box. As a female in STEM, we are living in a world that is designed by men for men. Living in this world and trying to fit in is an everyday challenge that requires us to think outside the box. We need to approach problems in innovative ways, and, in our own ways, think of solutions that are not common and bring ideas that represent us, as female engineers or computer scientists.

4. What’s a challenge you’ve faced, and how did you deal with it?

Being the only female in the room! And having the minority voice. In a project meeting or faculty meeting, we are always the minority. Do not be shy, and speak your mind! These are the two sentences I repeat to myself all the time.