Published Thu 7th Mar 2024
Senceive supports International Women’s Day 2024 as we #InspireInclusion and strive to create a gender equal world. We recognise that a gender gap still exists in STEM education and careers and that there is still work to be done across our industry. Committed to fostering change, we continuously assess our internal strategies to increase the number of women in positions in all our teams and create an inclusive environment where all employees can reach their full potential.
We recently spoke with one of our new women starters, Sadaf Shafie Zadeh, Product Analyst, about why she decided to join Senceive and what she’s been up to the first few weeks in her new role.
Please tell us a bit about your education/studies and why you decided to go into the field you chose?
During my school years, I was intrigued by how physics and mathematics could be combined to gain a more comprehensive understanding of the world around us, and perhaps even make it a more convenient place to live. It was my genuine love for these subjects that ultimately led me to choose engineering.
I studied civil engineering and found it an exciting major, as it covers various areas, including structures, transportation, geotechnical studies, earthquake engineering, water resource management, and so on!
My journey in the field of rail engineering began during my master's program at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) when I became involved with RailTEC, a rail-focused research group within the civil engineering department. Working as a research assistant in the infrastructure group, I got involved with an ongoing project focused on the use of AI-based technology for railway safety inspections and track condition change detection, sponsored by the Federal Railroad Administration, a regulatory body within the United States Department of Transportation.
Working in this dynamic research environment allowed me to collaborate with brilliant individuals. The fascinating physics behind track infrastructure and the hands-on experience working with cutting-edge technology fuelled my passion for the field. Attending conferences further exposed me to the rapid advancements in technology adoption within the rail industry and led me to pursue a career in the innovative part of this industry.
Did you have to break down any barriers as a woman in the field you chose? Did you find any difficulties?
When I decided to pursue a career in engineering, I was aware that I was stepping into a predominantly male-dominated field. This fact became apparent early on, particularly within the classroom setting, where the ratio of male students outweighed that of their female counterparts in nearly every engineering course I took.
This inherent gender gap has, at times, translated into the existence of gender-biased perceptions within the field. Unfortunately, some individuals may hold biased judgments, potentially creating an environment where women face additional challenges in being recognized and taken seriously in their professional endeavors.
However, the majority of my experiences have been positive. I have had the chance to work alongside and be guided by mentors and supporters, both women and men, who have recognized and appreciated my contributions based on merit and capability rather than gender.
The acknowledgment of talent, irrespective of gender, is gaining prominence, fostering an environment where individuals are judged based on their skills, expertise, and dedication to the field rather than biased notions about their gender. While challenges persist, the positive experiences and the growing momentum toward equality inspire hope for a more inclusive and equitable future in this field.
Why did you decide to work for Senceive?
During my master’s program, I gained a deeper understanding of technology-based solutions for real-world problems, whether they were still in the research phase or had already been commercialized and gradually adopted in the industry.
One of the things I appreciate about engineering is that it is constantly evolving. The way problems are approached today is different from a few decades ago. I believe there is a growing interest in the industry for data-driven solutions if performed accurately, as they can improve the objectivity of the tasks that have been done manually and therefore subject to human errors. This is what drew me to Senceive's wireless condition monitoring technology. As I learned more about the amazing job that Senceive has done in increasing the safety of infrastructure around the world, whether by providing early alerts in locations where continuous manual monitoring was not feasible, or by gathering long-term condition data, allowing the customers to investigate data trends and take remedial actions before a failure occurs, I decided to join the company.
Although Senceive is a relatively young company, its services are being utilized globally. This provides employees with the opportunity to work with people from different parts of the world, learn about their perspectives, and gain knowledge about common practices. I am confident that together, we can make changes and hopefully see the impact of our daily efforts in a tangible manner.
What projects have you been involved with so far at Senceive?
Currently serving as a Product Analyst in the Product Management department, I focus on driving product development and applications within the North American rail industry, contributing to the company's growth and scalability.
During my first few weeks on the job, I took the time to learn more about the products and applications we offer, as well as the challenges we face. I also familiarized myself with the company's internal structure and how ideas can potentially turn into plans. Once I completed the initial training, I got involved in ongoing projects, working closely with the US team as well as the UK-based product management team. I am excited to bring my skills and knowledge to collaborate with the team and customers to further improve our solutions.
Thank you, Sadaf, for sharing your inspiring story. Senceive recognizes and values the significant contributions of women in engineering, technology, and beyond. Let's persist in advocating for gender equality, empowering women across all sectors, and collectively striving for a more inclusive future. Happy International Women's Day 2024!
