Name: Evelin Gruden

Country: Slovenia

Highest level of education: PHD

Major or field of study: Chemistry

Current position: Assistant with PhD at Jozef Stefan Institute

Evelin Gruden is an Assistant with PhD at the Jožef Stefan Institute in Slovenia. She holds a PhD in Chemistry and specialises in advancing research within the field. Evelin is passionate about both scientific discovery and mentoring, contributing to the institute’s work while furthering her expertise in chemistry.

Obstacles Evelin encountered throughout her educational and professional journey

During Evelin’s PhD, she found herself in a male-dominated environment, which presented unique challenges—especially when working with individuals who believed that women were less committed to their work than men. This gender bias took a toll on Evelin’s confidence, leading her to doubt her abilities and feel inadequate for her position. In an effort to prove herself, she worked long hours and took on additional tasks, but this only negatively impacted her well-being, academic performance, and work-life balance. Many of these tasks pushed her outside her comfort zone, particularly those that involved performing in front of an audience or camera. As a young scientist, Evelin often feared being judged and not being taken seriously when presenting her work at conferences or talks. She also experienced anxiety when communicating science to the public. Over time, however, Evelin has come to realise the importance of science communication and has developed a deep passion for it.

Strategies and actions adopted by Evelin to overcome these obstacles

To overcome the challenges of gender bias, Evelin reached out to other women in her workplace. Connecting with others who shared similar experiences provided the support and encouragement she needed to stay on her career path. She also adopted a positive mindset, focusing on maintaining motivation for her research and celebrating every success, no matter how small. To achieve a healthier work-life balance, she began prioritising her tasks and setting clear boundaries between her academic and personal life. By putting self-care first, she was able to safeguard her well-being. Lastly, Evelin actively honed her communication skills through public speaking. She viewed each opportunity to present her work as a valuable chance to grow and refine her abilities.

Key lessons and insights gained from Evelin’s experience

Throughout Evelin’s journey, she has learned that balance is essential for success. Every challenge presents an opportunity for personal growth and development. Evelin believes it is crucial to stay true to one’s beliefs and persevere, as in the end, it is the small successes that truly make a difference.

The importance of increasing female representation in STEM education and careers

There is no STEM field that is inherently better suited to men or women. A balanced representation of both genders is essential in any educational or professional setting. While many STEM fields remain male-dominated, increasing the presence of women and girls in these areas is both necessary and valuable.

Encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM

Evelin believes that to encourage women to pursue careers in STEM, we must start by sparking interest in STEM fields at an early age. By introducing young girls to technical skills and analytical thinking through activities like games, experiments, lectures, and shows, we can demonstrate that STEM subjects are both exciting and worthwhile. As they grow, these girls will be more likely to choose STEM majors and pursue careers in these fields.

Initiatives and Programs Driving Women’s Empowerment in STEM

Evelin is involved in the School of Experimental Chemistry, a program designed to engage primary school children and inspire them to explore chemistry. Through hands-on experiments, she and her team show the children that science can be fun and exciting while teaching them practical skills in laboratory work and safety. Many children develop a strong interest in chemistry and continue attending the program for as long as possible, with some even choosing to study chemistry later on. Additionally, science outreach initiatives like the European Researchers’ Night provide valuable opportunities for people of all ages to connect with scientists and learn more about STEM fields.

Evelin’s advice to young girls considering a career in STEM

“Do not be afraid to try a career in STEM. If you work in a field you are passionate about, you can achieve great things.”