Interview with Matilde Dugoni, winner of the STEM competition 2022
In a world where diversity and inclusion are increasingly essential in every sector, especially in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics), young talents like Matilde are shining examples of the boundless potential that exists among aspiring women in these fields. As the winner of the ENHANCE Girls in STEM competition hosted in Warsaw, Matilde Dugoni embarked on a remarkable journey to Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg. Her adventure was made possible through the prize of an Interrail ticket, where she had the unique opportunity to immerse herself in the world of STEM education and research.
After winning the STEM competition in 2022, Matilde started a study in Environmental Engineering – at the ENHANCE member university, Politecnico di Milano (PoliMi).
In this interview, we dive into Matilde’s experience at Chalmers University and explore how this visit impacted her perspective on STEM and environmental issues. Furthermore, Matilde shares her insights on leveraging her newfound knowledge and experiences to inspire and empower young girls in her community to pursue STEM studies. Matilde’s story is a source of inspiration, illustrating the endless possibilities that await those who dare to dream and pursue a path in STEM. The interview was done by our ombudsman for diversity within ENHANCE Alliance, Melih Özkardes.
Interview:
Melih: Dear Matilde, congratulations on winning the ENHANCE Girls in STEM competition! You visited Chalmers University of Technology in Gothenburg using your Interrail ticket that you won. Can you share your experience and what you learned during your visit to Chalmers?
Matilde: Thank you! Yes, I visited Chalmers University of Technology in August (thank you for this opportunity!). There, I had an amazing time! I had the opportunity to visit the University’s laboratories and to meet students and teachers studying and working in that environment. Considering the short time I spent at the University, I can’t say that I’ve learned new academic concepts/topics, but I can certainly affirm that I returned home enriched with new experiences and contacts, not only useful for an academic and professional path but also my future life in general.
Melih: How did your visit to Chalmers University impact your perspective on STEM and environmental conservation? Were there any specific experiences or conversations that left a lasting impression on you?
Matilde: Even though it was just a quick experience in Chalmers, I can say that it has absolutely confirmed my interest in this field and has made me eager to continue my studies around this topic, perhaps even abroad. If I had to choose a specific conversation, I would opt for the one I had with a student from Chalmers. It made me realize that even though the approach between countries or universities may differ, the final aim of learning and improving ourselves remains the same everywhere!
Melih: As the winner of the ENHANCE Girls in STEM competition, you’re an inspiration to many young girls interested in STEM fields. How do you plan to use your experiences and knowledge gained from Chalmers to inspire and empower other girls in your community to pursue STEM studies?
Matilde: The only thing I feel I can do is talk to other girls I meet, both at university and outside, telling them my experience just to let them understand that they can do it too, and they will find great satisfaction in it. To girls who aren’t sure whether to pursue a STEM path or not, I would just say: trust yourselves and your abilities, then everything else will come naturally.
Melih: We wish you continued success in your educational pursuits and your mission to inspire the next generation of women in STEM. Thank you, Matilde, for sharing your inspiring journey with us.
Do you want to explore more about Matilde’s winning idea of our STEM competition? Visit this page to see a video interview of her and other participants: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evtsXnlBBPU&list=PLUNAWe21GB2QMSZZ_GTWavFgNtUBHa3NP
