Innovate, Inspire, Impact 

Meet Professor Natalie Stingelin, a renowned researcher and academic in the field of materials science and engineering. With a focus on organic functional materials, she holds the Chair position at the School of Materials Science and Engineering at Georgia Tech. Her notable achievements include receiving the ERC Starting Independent Researcher Award and leading the EC Marie-Curie Training Network 'INFORM.' Professor Stingelin's research interests encompass organic electronics, hybrid materials, advanced optical systems, and bioelectronics.

Professor Stingelin's journey into materials science and engineering was fortuitous. Growing up in a small town in the Swiss mountains, where pursuing higher education was uncommon, she decided to study at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH) Zurich due to its proximity and her aptitude for mathematics, as recommended by her gymnasium teachers. Opting for materials science as the smallest engineering program, with only 20 men and herself as the sole woman compared to 120 men in mechanical engineering, she discovered her passion for the field. Her enthusiasm stems from the pervasive nature of materials and their applications in healthcare, quantum computing, space exploration, energy storage, sustainability, and beyond.

Her career trajectory progressed swiftly after completing her undergraduate studies. Encouraged by a professor, she pursued a Ph.D. at ETH, followed by a postdoctoral position at Cambridge University in England. After gaining industry experience at Philips Research in Eindhoven, the Netherlands, she made the decision to return to academia and began her journey as an assistant professor. She started at the University of London Queen Mary and later transitioned to Imperial College London, where she steadily climbed the ranks to become a full professor. In 2016, she accepted an offer to join Georgia Tech.

During her time as a professor in Materials Science and Engineering at Imperial College London, Professor Stingelin led a European-funded training network focusing on organic electronics and photonics. The primary objective was to gain a fundamental understanding of devices like transistors, solar cells, and light-emitting diodes that utilized novel plastic materials. These devices had the potential to be semi-transparent, enabling their integration into various applications such as windows, facades, car roofs, and bags for solar energy harvesting. The network consisted of 11 research groups from across Europe, with approximately 15 Ph.D. students directly funded by the network and an additional 15 students from other sources. As the scientific leader and main coordinator, Professor Stingelin actively promoted the inclusion of women researchers and professors as key partners. Collaborating with this diverse team of women researchers was an enriching experience that bolstered her confidence in leading large-scale research projects, even when she was the sole woman professor in subsequent networks.

However, in Switzerland, Professor Stingelin encountered numerous biases and stereotypes, particularly during her early career as a junior researcher and even while pursuing her engineering degree. People struggled to comprehend why a woman would choose to study engineering, making it challenging for her to justify her decision at the time. However, she was fortunate to have the support of her grandmother, professors, and fellow students who provided encouragement and motivated her to persevere. Their belief in her abilities played a crucial role in her journey.

Regarding challenges faced by women in the field, Professor Stingelin emphasizes the issue of being taken seriously, particularly in leadership roles. Although scientific competence is generally recognized, there is an unconscious bias that often favors the advice and opinions of men over women. Overcoming this bias can be difficult, but she believes that maintaining scientific excellence, staying well-informed, delivering results, and ensuring her voice is heard are crucial approaches. She remains determined and resilient, refusing to give up and striving to make a lasting impact.

One effective way to address this challenge is through the presence of role models who can mentor and support younger women in STEM. She believes the best is to have role models and expose women from very early on that a career in STEM is an option. And with early she emphasizes from kindergarten on. Having successful women in leadership positions can inspire confidence and provide guidance. Additionally, providing leadership training and assistance in amplifying their voices can empower women to assert themselves and make their contributions known. It is important to create inclusive networks that actively involve junior members, allowing them to connect with established professionals and participate in relevant scientific communities. Women should build their own networks and support each other in integrating into broader scientific networks, as men often have a stronger presence in networking circles. By fostering self-confidence, providing mentorship, leadership training, and facilitating networking opportunities, women in STEM can overcome barriers and empower themselves to succeed in their chosen fields. Encouraging a supportive and inclusive environment is essential for enabling women to thrive and make their voices heard.

Another valuable piece of advice she shares is to identify and rely on the opinions of a select group of 3 to 5 individuals whom the young women value. If these trusted individuals believe in her capabilities, it can provide a strong foundation. It is important to understand that it is impossible to please everyone or make everyone understand one's choices fully. However, having a handful of people who believe in her can be an excellent starting point. These individuals will be there to provide support during moments of self-doubt or when facing resistance. They can help instill confidence and reinforce her belief in herself and the path she has chosen.

To sum it up, Dr. Stringelin explains while self-confidence is a significant barrier for women in STEM fields, women should not always doubt themselves and be overly self-critical. While these traits can be beneficial at times, it is crucial for women to learn to assert themselves, believe in their abilities, and overcome self-doubt. She reminds us that without mentorship and a sense of community, all women should be encouraged to help create a supportive community in all areas of STEM.