Meet our #TAsThatSTEM!

                                                                                         

Maryam Habbibollahi
 

“My parents have always given me their full support and encouraged my studies in STEM.

During my undergraduate years I found the support of the TA's very encouraging. The experiences they shared gave me a clearer understanding of the road ahead. 

Since I became a TA, in addition to having the opportunity to share my knowledge and learn from fellow students, I have had the pleasure of working alongside academics and supervisors who have supported, advised and inspired me throughout my undergraduate and postgraduate studies.  

I have been fortunate to teach across a few different disciplines in engineering and meet several ambitious and hard-working girls and women who have demonstrated strong abilities in problem-solving and leadership during team activities.
 

Maryam is a PhD student in the UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering Analog and Biomedical Electronics group (ABE), a subgroup of the Sensors, Systems and Circuits group.   

Noora Almarri
 

“I remember when I was completing my undergraduate degree, I was the only girl from my year majoring in electrical engineering! Now, each time I see more girls coming up in class I feel proud and extremely happy.

I became a TA because I liked explaining complicated things in a straightforward and fun language. I have an eight-year-old brother, and we usually chat over zoom and discuss his assignments. When he was only six, he was curious to understand what I do and I would try to explain circuits using trains. 

For me, he is my biggest supporter and the person who made me pursue and enjoy teaching.

Sometimes, we think that we need to be focused on one thing to ‘fit into the puzzle’. Really, we can be part of many systems. Meaning that we can be great engineers and great artists, we can write fiction, read politics, and cook food - all if we like. 

I feel having a skill to share with others is an honourable position to be in. For me, teaching is all about reminding students of why they chose this path and how they can be sensational in the field, and that they are always doing great! Each time I worked with women, I saw and continue to see them taking the lead in a very passionate way.

UCL STEM women are our future global leaders!  I would like to thank them for inspiring me and everyone, every day.

Noora is a PhD student in UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering, working alongside the Bioelectronics Research group.

Xinyue Liu
 

Ever since I started studying electronic and electrical engineering, I’ve always been inspired and encouraged by brilliant researchers and academics.

Being a TA in the department and faculty, I have had great opportunities to share my passion and knowledge in innovating and finding solutions to technological challenges.

It has been a delightful and highly fulfilling experience to directly observe younger female engineering students demonstrate keen enthusiasm and drive, breaking the stereotypical mould that engineering is a male discipline.

I feel grateful to have had the influence of some leading female models in EEE, which has strengthened my confidence as I continue to develop as a researcher. 

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Xinyue is a PhD student in UCL Electronic and Electrical Engineering, based within the Institute of Communications and Connected Systems. 

Find out more about the International Day of Women and Girls in Science.