Ana Isabel Gálvez Gutiérrez

Persistence, effort, and critical rigor are some of the key lessons I learned during my time at ETSi. Undoubtedly, the demanding program fostered the development of my analytical and proactive skills, enabling me to independently and effectively address any problem that might arise. Furthermore, as a GIA and MIA delegate, I learned the importance of effective communication and team coordination. Therefore, I can say that this experience has been a source of intellectual, professional, and personal growth, providing me with great friends and valuable qualities that directly impact my daily work.  

In secondary school, I had the opportunity to participate in the ESTALMAT project on Saturdays, which, through those advanced math sessions, made it clear that I wanted to study a STEM degree—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. My curiosity about space and the mechanics of flight, along with my passion for mathematics and design, led me to step outside my comfort zone and study Aerospace Engineering to answer those "why" questions. The exclusivity of the degree, its high prestige, and its proximity to my hometown (Lanjarón, Granada) played crucial roles in my choice of the ETSI (School of Aerospace Engineering) as my faculty. I specialized in Aerospace Vehicles and continued my studies with the Master's in Aeronautical Engineering offered by the School. Furthermore, thanks to the program of School mobilityI participated in the International Double Degree Program, studying for a Master's degree in Aerospace Engineering at IST Lisbon, specializing in Space. I was one of the few women with this opportunity, which allowed me to broaden my understanding, learn and develop my language skills, and enjoy a multicultural experience that enriched me as a person. 

However, in engineering, studying is just as important as knowing how to work in a team. The School promotes various volunteer activities throughout the course, and there are also opportunities to participate in Teaching Research Projects, Collaboration grants, and conferences such as IngeniaDron. Furthermore, I have participated in and co-directed the Engineering Gala from the ETSI. This is a cultural event that is altruistically organized by the students, from which I highlight the camaraderie, the development of creative and communicative ability, team coordination and the learning of management of a public event, both of a technical, financial and administrative nature.

Currently, I am developing my Master's thesis between both faculties. At the same time, thanks to the opportunity provided by the Wonnow awards organized by CaixaBank and Microsoft Ibérica to reward the academic excellence of female university students in STEM fields, I am working and learning on the Intelligent Systems in Processes project. In parallel, over the next few months I will have the opportunity to continue my training within the Microsoft mentoring program. Aside from this, I was recently one of four recipients (the only Spaniard) of the scholarship Feedzai - Women in Science, promoted by the company Feedzai and the Higher Technical Institute of Lisbon, to reward the best female records linked to the scientific areas of Artificial Intelligence.

I take this opportunity to inform future students about these possibilities available to them, and to encourage all those who are considering pursuing a technical degree, because being able to do so means wanting to achieve it without fearing how difficult the path may be.

LinkedIn profile of Ana Isabel Gálvez Gutiérrez,
WonNow Award winner