Women in Science: Noemí Domínguez

When did you realise that you wanted to pursue a career in a science and technology field? What were your motivations to make this decision?
Since I was a teenager, I have always been curious to find out how the world in general works. I started my University studies in Chemical Engineering, but after two years I realized that it was not what I really wanted to study, so I followed my instinct and switched to physics. Without being very clear about the opportunities that physics could offer me, I discovered photonics in the last year of my career, which made me find my place in the world of science. 

Give an overview of your professional path.
Once I finished the Master in Photonics, I started working at SnellOptics as an Optical Engineer, and they offered me the opportunity to develop an industrial PhD. After 3 years, I obtained a PhD in optical engineering without set aside my job development, and, almost 6 years after the start of my professional career in the scientific environment, I continue working at SnellOptics.

Provide a short overview of your job. What are your main responsibilities?
SnellOptics is an optical engineering that develops projects at both a national and international level and encompasses different sectors such as health, automotive and telecommunications, always in the field of photonics. My role in the company is to coordinate these projects internally and manage and carry out their technical development.

What do you find the most rewarding in your job? What do you find the most challenging in your job?
The most challenging part of my work is at the same time the most rewarding since when we propose a new project or product, we do not leave aside the basic knowledge of optics to apply it to the new technologies and products that society needs today.  

What is your role within the FLOIM project? How do you expect your work in FLOIM project to contribute to your career development?
Within FLOIM project, SnellOptics participates in the design and integration of the FLOIM manufacturing line and the later commercialization of the developed line. As a project manager within SnellOptics, my role is to internally coordinate all related tasks to achieve project goals from SnellOptics side. In this way, working on projects of such a scale as FLOIM always brings new experiences and knowledge.

What would you advice to girl students that want to pursue a career in a science and technology field?
My advice to future girls students in science would be to ignore stereotypes or ill-established trends and always fight for what you want. There is no easy way, but if you fight for your goals, the result will have been worth it.