[Women in Science] Professor Melek Önen, expert in Cryptography, Digital Security Department, EURECOM
Dr. Melek Önen, is a Professor at the Digital Security Department at EURECOM since 2017, working on applied cryptography and cloud security.
Q. Why did you choose to pursue the career of engineering?
MO. When I was a kid, I was always attracted by mathematics and mathematical puzzles. I believe that this is the reason why I ended up studying computer science. Before starting these studies, I never thought that such a topic was more interesting for men than women; I just realized that, when I entered the first year class and observed that we were few girl students there. This however never had any negative/positive effects on my studies. I do not think I was evaluated according to my gender. After my Bachelor degree, I decided to pursue my studies and do research in this field. I read “The Code Book” from Simon Singh and wanted to continue to work in some field related to cryptography.
To sum up, I chose the career of engineering and later on of a researcher and professor in applied cryptography, because of my attraction by mathematics, puzzles and science in general.
2. What obstacles did you have to overcome to achieve your goal, especially as a female professor in engineering?
MO. As previously mentioned, when I was a student I never thought of whether some obstacles/difficulties would arise because I am a woman. I just wanted to do whatever I liked and here I am. By the way, we are three sisters in my family and the three of us are engineers in different fields. I guess this was also possible thanks to the continuous support of my parents.
While, during my studies I never felt any categorisation based on gender, in the professional life, I realised that things may sometimes be a bit different. I believe that some people do think of gender first. I do not appreciate to be invited/hired/evaluated based on my gender. Since this question of gender is nowadays asked too frequently, sometimes I do feel the pressure, that I have to somehow prove to some people that I am here not because of my gender but because of my expertise and background.
3. What is the message you would like to give to young girls for following a career in science and engineering?
I do not have a specific message to young girls but I can have the following message to all students of any gender: If you try to study hard what you really enjoy, then opportunities will come on their own. I believe and hope that when you do your job well, then categorisation (based on gender, nationality, religion, etc.) becomes obsolete.
by Dora Matzakou for EURECOM
