Name: Justė Rožėnė

Country: Lithuania

Highest level of education: PHD

Major or field of study: Materials Science

Current position: Associate Professor at the Department of Robotics, Mechatronics and Digital Manufacturing; Director of the Admissions and Information Center

Justė Rožėnė from Lithuania holds a PhD in Materials Science. She is currently an Associate Professor at the Department of Robotics, Mechatronics and Digital Manufacturing and also serves as the Director of the Admissions and Information Center. Her responsibilities likely involve teaching and research in her field, as well as overseeing admissions processes and providing information to prospective students.

ObstaclesJustė encountered throughout her educational and professional journey

Navigating her educational and professional trajectory, Justė encountered several notable obstacles. Initially, she faced a societal misperception and a personal underestimation of her aptitudes, where both her surroundings and she herself believed her inclinations were solely in the humanities. Subsequently, she confronted prevailing gender stereotypes that discouraged women’s involvement in engineering disciplines, particularly in areas like manufacturing, welding, and materials science. Early in her academic career, Justė also had to overcome students’ skepticism about her capabilities as a lecturer due to her young age of 25. Later, she experienced resistance when leading a department where she was the youngest member. Currently, a significant challenge lies in guiding secondary school students who lack clarity regarding their future aspirations and career choices. These experiences underscore Justė’s resilience and determination in overcoming both external biases and systemic challenges throughout her academic and professional life.

Strategies and actions adopted byJustė to overcome these obstacles

To navigate these obstacles, Justė adopted a proactive and determined approach. Firstly, she consciously avoided settling into a comfort zone, consistently pushing herself to pursue excellence in every endeavor. She actively sought out diverse opportunities and additional responsibilities to maximise her learning and experience. Secondly, she resolved to challenge societal biases through the consistent delivery of high-quality work, allowing her professional achievements to gradually shift perceptions. Furthermore, Justė made a deliberate effort to share her personal journey and accomplishments widely, aiming to inspire others and demonstrate that aspirations are attainable with sufficient dedication and desire. This combination of personal drive, professional excellence, and impactful communication proved instrumental in overcoming the challenges she encountered.

Key lessons and insights gained from Justė’s experience

From her experiences, Justė gleaned valuable lessons. One key insight was the realisation that external validation is unnecessary; the focus should be on personal exploration and discovery. Furthermore, she learned the profound importance of wholeheartedly pursuing one’s passions once they are identified. This suggests a personal philosophy centered on intrinsic motivation and the power of genuine dedication to one’s chosen path.

The importance of increasing female representation in STEM education and careers

In Justė’s view, the increased presence of women and girls in STEM education and careers is crucial because they bring diverse perspectives and unique abilities to these fields. To achieve truly innovative and impactful outcomes, a variety of viewpoints and problem-solving approaches are essential, and the inclusion of women is vital to fostering this richness of thought.

Encouraging more girls and women to pursue careers in STEM

Justė believes that several factors significantly influence girls and women’s decisions to pursue STEM careers. These include prevailing societal norms, the encouragement and guidance received from family and teachers, and the visibility of relatable role models and success stories in STEM fields.

Initiatives and Programs Driving Women’s Empowerment in STEM

Justė highlights initiatives at her university that have positively influenced women’s involvement in STEM. One such program is the “Girls TECH” project, which provides a platform for women in STEM to share their experiences and journeys with female students. Additionally, the “Future Engineering” project, where student teams engage in practical project work, likely fosters interest and builds confidence in STEM fields for all participants, including young women.

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

“Try as many things as possible and don’t be afraid to change when you feel that your activity is not pleasing to your heart.”