Unveiling Your STEM Journey: Dr. Shirin Fataei's Guide to Authentic Success

Have you ever found yourself lost in a labyrinth? The moment you step in, a sense of disorientation takes over. There’s the risk of taking a wrong turn while others might reach the exit ahead of you. Yet, despite the uncertainty, we persist, determined to find our unique path.

A career in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) often feels like navigating through such a labyrinth – a bold journey without a clear map or instructions. For women, it’s akin to manoeuvring through a maze of challenges that not only test their skills but also prompt them to question their place in a predominantly male-dominated realm.

Introducing Dr.Shirin Fataei, a bold trailblazer who carved her unique journey by embracing authenticity. Now, she serves as our esteemed Global ESG Lead, driving a brighter future with sustainability initiatives.

Dr. Shirin Fataei’s Journey

From an early age, Shirin’s affinity for numbers set her on a path towards a career in STEM. Born and raised in Iran by engineer parents, Shirin’s passion for problem-solving and analytics runs in her blood and gives her a global perspective: “Physics and mathematics are independent of geography, and I loved that about it. It is a common language that the world somehow agrees upon”, she confesses.

Early in her career, she chose a major in math and physics in high school and later pursued civil engineering at university. After exploring her options in higher education, she moved to Dresden, Germany, for her Master’s in computational and structural engineering, which further broadened her horizons.

The challenges and obstacles inherent in the STEM field propelled her towards a significant decision: pursuing doctoral studies in concrete rheology. For Shirin, this academic pursuit wasn’t just taking up a new challenge but a bold stride towards claiming her rightful place at the table.

Shirin’s vision extends far beyond securing her own seat; it’s about redefining the entire landscape. Her dream is not about building higher fences but constructing a broader, more inclusive table where every woman has a seat and a voice.

Career Highlights and Contributions

When talking about her multiple achievements, she humbly downplays them, but her resilience and unwavering dedication to her principles shine through.

Surviving and thriving in a challenging environment, she finds pride in maintaining her authenticity: “[a] few months ago, an inspiring female colleague gave me a Christmas card with a sentence saving ‘stay as you are’; being me has never felt so good to me”, she explains.

While Shirin draws inspiration from the real people she has encountered throughout her career, rather than distant figures, she values personal connections and meaningful interactions, learning from each individual she meets.

Shirin’s mission is to change the world, and she has found sustainability the ideal starting point. While she continues to navigate this path, she imparts four pieces of invaluable advice:

• Recognise and challenge biased behaviour and communication. We need to be aware of a problem in order to fix it; it’s like climate change.

• Seek out a workplace that respects people from various backgrounds and perspectives through DE&I programs, a minimal or nonexistent gender pay gap, and a strong representation of women and diverse individuals in senior leadership positions.

• Cultivate self-awareness and embrace your authentic self: work on the origin of that internal narrative saying “I am not good enough” (imposter syndrome), be kind to yourself and accept who you are instead of trying to change to something that the gender-biased part of the society expects of you.

• Build a network of supportive individuals, find your people, and make allies who believe in you, not the gender-specific you, but only in YOU as a person.

Future of Women in STEM

Looking ahead, Shirin acknowledges the obstacles ahead of women in STEM but remains hopeful for positive change. She emphasises the need for companies to adapt their work environments to accommodate the diverse needs of employees, advocating for flexible working arrangements and equitable opportunities for all. Shirin envisions a future where industries prioritise inclusivity and innovation, embracing the unique perspectives and talents of women and minorities.

Dr. Shirin Fataei’s journey exemplifies the resilience and determination required to succeed in STEM as a woman. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, self-belief, and the importance of fostering inclusive environments where all individuals can thrive. As we continue to strive for gender equality in STEM, Shirin’s experiences offer valuable insights and inspiration for future generations of women pursuing careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.