Dr Sofia Teixeira, engineer and senior researcher at Tyndall, says that by the time she was 10 years old, she knew she wanted to become an engineer. Fifteen years, six positions and countless memories have shaped her engineering career, and here she shares some insight into who and what inspired her to enter the profession, her fascinating work at Tyndall (UCC) and the proudest moments of her journey to date.

Dr Sofia Teixeira, senior researcher and engineer, Tyndall National Institute 

Why did you choose to become an engineer?

From a young age I was curious to understand and discover how things worked and how they were made. I was always intrigued by the little yet integral details behind how materials and devices were built.

Growing up, my father was a very practical person and when I became curious about a specific task or him constructing something – he would patiently explain and teach me.

He was my role model and his teaching is what truly influenced my decision to pursue a career in engineering. From a young age, I knew I would pursue a practical career.

What research area are you working on at the moment?

Currently, I am a senior researcher at Tyndall working on the development of flexible electrochemical sensors for different biopharma projects. I am involved in multiple projects that span European, national and industry themes.

In each of these projects I deliver results on time, using my management and multidisciplinary skills. Previous to my current position, I was one of three research fellows funded under the Engineering Research Network, where I was recognised in January 2015 for my excellent proposal in the field of biosensing.

Since then, I have had the opportunity to get involved in various collaborative projects between different academic institutions (national and international) and industry projects, bridging the development of biosensing platforms and medical applications.

Given my multidisciplinary background, my role has been pivotal for the implementation of biosensing technologies and clinical validation on site, offering invaluable experience and tools.

I chose Tyndall because I saw an opportunity to progress to the next stage of my career, one that I will thrive in. My main motivation is to apply my expertise in biosensing in a collaborative environment which ultimately will allow me to nurture future technological revolutions in this field.

What are the key things you find fascinating or exciting about the work you do?

The most satisfying aspect of my work is that I have been able to develop and nurture collaborative research relationships which enables multidisciplinary developments, without which, the research or applications would not have been possible.

The possibility to develop my sensors at the patient interface, ensuring that our research is tailored to clinical need, is one of the most exciting and fulfilling parts of my work, knowing that I can help with earlier screening of patients. Our mission for such devices is to provide novel solutions of diagnosing diseases – addressing key global healthcare challenges in the process.

Tell us about your proudest achievements, and your greatest learnings through failure?

My proudest achievements were completing my PhD within 36 months, with five publications of international status. When in reality, 36 months beforehand I couldn’t even speak English! 

This was one of my proudest and most challenging achievements. My experience taught me that you should never give up on something that you want because sooner or later you will achieve it, you only need time and a little bit of patience for it all to come together. So never give up!

What do you think could be done to raise the profile of women working in engineering? What could be done to encourage more girls at school to choose this path for their studies and for their career?

Currently, institutes and companies across Ireland are already engaged in engineering outreach activities as part of their STEM agenda such as organising TY Talks, motivational engineers at events and more.

I think the aim would be to attract ‘more’ companies and institutes to get involved to help raise the profile of women engineers and promote STEM on a much wider scale. As engineers it’s important we then embrace and get involved in as many opportunities as possible that come our way!

What advice would you give your younger self?

To take my time and understand what I truly want to pursue, to not be afraid to take risks and above everything, to do what makes me happy and motivated! Never give up on my dreams!