The International Day of Women and Girls in Science draws global attention to the importance of equal opportunities, visibility, and diversity in research and technology. To mark the occasion, a TUM professor, female students, and the daughter of a professor from Canada share their thoughts at TUM. They offer their personal perspectives on what science means to them, what paths have shaped them, and what future they see in it. Their voices show that science thrives on curiosity, courage, and different perspectives — across generations.
Prof. Dr. Johanna Pirker, TUM Professor for N-Dimensional User Experiences
Prof. Dr. Johanna Pirker is a computer scientist whose research focuses on games, virtual reality, artificial intelligence, and data science. She has been Professor of N-Dimensional User Experience at TUM since July 2025. After studying in Graz and at MIT, she earned her doctorate with a thesis on immersive forms of virtual learning and developed “Maroon,” an interactive VR physics lab. In addition to her research, she is committed to science communication, open science, and the visibility of women in the tech and gaming industries. On International Day of Women and Girls in Science, she talks about her personal path to computer science, structural challenges, and why it is crucial to take curiosity seriously from an early age.
What was your path to science? What motivated you personally to pursue a career in science?
Prof. Dr. Johanna Pirker: "I've always loved solving puzzles, experimenting, trying things out, and immersing myself in different, colorful game worlds. At the same time, I wanted to do something that would make a positive contribution.
I never could have imagined that this would lead to a career in science – especially in computer science. At first, I didn't even know exactly what computer science was. And the idea that one day I would be a professor of computer science, combining all these interests, was completely beyond my imagination.
Looking back, I believe we often ask the wrong questions. Instead of asking, “What do you want to be when you grow up?”, we should ask more often, “What do you enjoy doing?” That's exactly where my path to science began."
What were the biggest challenges you faced as a woman in your field?
Prof. Dr. Johanna Pirker: "We all carry certain images and expectations within us: what someone ‘typically’ looks like, who fits in where, and who takes on which role. Such assumptions—often subtle—are encountered time and again.
I would like us to question the images we have in our heads more consciously. I would like it to no longer be a surprise when I say that I am a computer scientist—and I am not automatically perceived as an “accompaniment” or “+1” at technology events.
It's less about individual situations and more about the many small attributions that add up over time. And ultimately, these mechanisms affect us all.“
What would you say to a girl who is considering going into your field?
Prof. Dr. Johanna Pirker: ”Computer science is an incredibly exciting and creative discipline. There are many misconceptions about what it is – and who it is supposedly for.
In fact, computer science opens up enormous creative possibilities: developing applications, processes, and tools that tangibly improve our world. It plays a central role in medicine—for example, in diagnostics and personalized therapies—in education through new digital access, and also in climate protection, from simulations to data-based decisions.
In my case, it's virtual worlds, simulations, and games—but the possibilities are almost limitless.
My most important advice: never let anyone tell you what you can or cannot be. Create your own world—technically, creatively, and socially."
Abril Veliz Camayo, Master's Student in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology
Abril Veliz Camayo (23) is studying for a master's degree in Electrical Engineering and Information Technology at the School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT). Her path to engineering has been shaped by curiosity, a willingness to embrace change, and the search for role models — across continents.
What motivated you to study electrical engineering and information technology?
Abril Veliz Camayo: "I've always been a very curious person. I wanted to study something that would allow me to be creative and at the same time design things that you really have to understand. I'm fascinated by the fact that in electrical engineering you can develop something you can see and touch – i.e., hardware – and at the same time work with physical rules that are invisible to us, such as electromagnetic fields. This combination of creativity, design, and a deep understanding of physics won me over.“
Was there a key experience that sparked your enthusiasm for science and technology?
Abril Veliz Camayo: ”When I was 17, I took part in the Technovation Girls competition. My task was not only to develop a start-up idea, but also to implement it technically and program an app. The moment I realized how challenging it was for me to build this app myself, I knew: I want to study engineering so that I can realize such projects on my own.
Later, I initially began studying nanoscience. In a physics course, a professor particularly inspired me with his enthusiasm for electromagnetic waves and fields. That semester, I had the opportunity to explore the subject purely out of curiosity, without any pressure. This intensive exploration sparked my enthusiasm for electrical engineering – and ultimately led me to change my major."
Which people or experiences have had a particular influence on your path?
Abril Veliz Camayo: "My computer science teacher at school played an important role by giving me access to the Technovation Girls network. Richard Feynman also had a strong influence on me through his books. He not only helped me understand electromagnetic fields, but also showed me that electrical engineering can be fun if you find the right approach.
In addition, I have been supported by several mentors, many of whom I met at UnternehmerTUM events, particularly as part of ‘Women of UnternehmerTUM’. I would say it was less a single person and more the entire Munich ecosystem – combined with my own desire to actively seek out role models.
I come from Bolivia, where there are comparatively few women who study a technical subject and later work in this field. My mother herself began studying a technical subject, but was persuaded to choose something more ‘creative’ – because the image of a woman in an engineering profession did not suit some people. Yet it is precisely the creativity of engineers that drives innovation.
For me, it was and is therefore particularly important to find female role models who have followed a similar path and shown that you can have a very positive impact in a technical career."
Palmer Lebel, High School Student and daughter of Dr. Katie Lebel, Assistant Professor at the University of Guelph, Canada
Palmer Lebel is a high school student and daughter of Dr. Katie Lebel, Assistant Professor at the University of Guelph in Canada, who conducts research on sports economics with a focus on gender equality. Palmer's perspective shows how curiosity, creativity, and a strong sense of justice develop early on—long before a scientific career begins.
What do you like most about school—and why?
Palmer Lebel: “I love playing with my friends because we can be creative and have lots of fun. Together we invent new games and ideas – that's what makes school special for me.”
Is there anything in the world you would like to understand better?
Palmer Lebel: "I would like to understand why adults don't always notice when something is unfair – even though children see it immediately. Kids often ask ‘Why?’, and sometimes the answer is just ‘Because’. But that doesn't feel like a real answer.“
Which invention do you think is particularly cool?
Palmer Lebel: ”I think trampolines are great because they turn falls into flights. You go down – and boing! – you're back up again. When you fall, you're thrown back up instead of just staying down. It's like the ground is saying, ‘Try again!’“
If you could invent a machine, what would it be for?
Palmer Lebel: ”I would invent a cloning machine for Dr. Daniela Schwarz, the TUM women's representative. You press a button and poof – there's another Daniela. She would be friendly, courageous, and say what she thinks. She would stand up for others while still making jokes and making everything a little bit more fun. I think the world would be better with more Danielas. One is great – but lots of them would be even better."
Sanna Blidh, Electrical Engineering Student
Sanna Blidh (22) studies electrical engineering at the TUM School of Computation, Information and Technology (CIT). Her path to engineering was shaped by an early enthusiasm for science, a desire for socially effective technology, and an openness to trying out different subject areas.
What motivated you to study electrical engineering at CIT?
Sanna Blidh: “After finishing school, I wasn't sure what career path I wanted to pursue. I had many interests, but I knew that I was particularly good at math and science. Since teaching was not an option for me, studying engineering seemed like a more practical and versatile path. Electrical engineering appealed to me above all because of its broad scope: it combines a solid foundation in science with concrete technical applications and opens up numerous development opportunities."
Was there a key experience that sparked your enthusiasm for science and technology?
Sanna Blidh: "A formative experience was a television report about an exoskeleton that helped a paraplegic man walk again. I was very impressed by the combination of technology and immediate social benefit. That's when I developed a desire to work on such solutions myself, especially in the field of prosthetics. That initially motivated me to study medical technology.
However, during my studies, I realized how diverse the field of engineering is overall. I didn't want to commit to a very narrow field too early on, so I deliberately chose a broader course of study. Looking back, that was a very good decision, as it gave me a comprehensive overview of engineering sciences. Today, I know that my particular interest lies in the field of automotive engineering."
Which people or experiences have particularly influenced your path?
Sanna Blidh: "I come from a family with a strong background in science, which certainly influenced my educational path. My father works in IT and physics, my mother in pharmacy, and my sister studied computer engineering. Scientific and technical topics were always present in our home and were naturally encouraged.
This environment showed me early on how versatile and exciting technical professions can be and encouraged me to pursue a career in this field myself."
Malena Funk, Master's Student in Chemistry
Malena Funk (26) is studying chemistry at the TUM School of Natural Sciences (NAT). Her enthusiasm for science has been with her since childhood—shaped by curiosity, a love of nature, and the joy of understanding complex relationships.
What motivated you to study chemistry?
Malena Funk: "I have always been very interested in science. From an early age, I spent a lot of time outdoors and tried to observe and understand as much as possible. My particular interest in chemistry developed at school. From the outset, I found the subject logical and structured, and I always enjoyed solving the problems.
Before starting my studies, I deliberately took some time off and did a year of voluntary work to make sure that chemistry was really the right path for me. During my school years, I also completed two student internships at different chemistry departments at the university. These insights into research further strengthened my enthusiasm."
Was there a key experience that had a particular impact on you?
Malena Funk: “There wasn't really a single key experience—my interest in science has always been there and has developed continuously over the years.”
Which people or experiences have influenced your path?
Malena Funk: “My family supported my decision from the very beginning. My chemistry teacher at school also had a particularly strong influence on me. He was very motivated in class, and his enthusiasm for the subject rubbed off on me.”
Marina Ruoff, Biochemistry Student
Marina Ruoff (24) studies biochemistry at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. Her enthusiasm for science developed early on in school, particularly through inspiring experiments and dedicated teachers.
What motivated you to study biochemistry?
Marina Ruoff: “I particularly enjoyed biology and chemistry classes at school. That's why I chose biochemistry – for me, it combines both subjects perfectly. Chemistry would also have been a good alternative for me.”
Was there a key experience that sparked your enthusiasm for science?
Marina Ruoff: “Yes, my first experiment in chemistry class immediately inspired me. Seeing theoretical knowledge become visible in practice was a defining moment for me.”
Which people or experiences have particularly influenced your path?
Marina Ruoff: “My chemistry teacher in 8th and 9th grade had a particularly strong influence on me. Her enthusiasm for the subject was contagious and motivated me in the long term.”
Veronika Hobmeier, Chemistry Student
Veronika Hobmeier (21) studies chemistry at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. Her interest was sparked early on by vivid lessons and her own experiments.
What motivated you to study chemistry?
Veronika Hobmeier: “I was particularly enthusiastic about chemistry lessons in high school—I found the topic of plastics especially exciting.”
Was there a key experience that sparked your enthusiasm for science?
Veronika Hobmeier: “At the university's open house, I saw the ‘elephant toothpaste’ experiment. This experience made a lasting impression on me and was my personal key moment.”
Which people or experiences have had a particular influence on your path?
Veronika Hobmeier: “My family is very interested in science. My brother in particular influenced me—we did a lot of experimenting together as children.”
Simona Hanuliaková, Chemistry Student
Simona Hanuliaková (23) studies chemistry at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. Her enthusiasm for experiments and competitions led her to chemistry at an early age.
What motivated you to study chemistry?
Simona Hanuliaková: "I enjoyed experimenting from an early age and enthusiastically took part in competitions such as ‘ExperimenteAntworten’ (Experiment Answers). When I started chemistry classes and the associated practical exercises, I knew immediately that I wanted to work on experiments myself later on.“
Was there a key experience that sparked your enthusiasm for science?
Simona Hanuliaková: ”There wasn't one specific experience, but one of my first successful syntheses in my undergraduate studies confirmed that studying chemistry was the right path for me. It's always a special feeling when your own synthesis works and you get the desired product.“
Which people or experiences have particularly influenced your path?
Simona Hanuliaková: ”Definitely my chemistry teacher. Without her enthusiasm for the practical side of chemistry and our frequent visits to the student laboratory, I would probably never have seriously considered studying chemistry. I am very grateful for this support."
Lina Witti, Physics Student
Lina Witti (20) studies physics at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. She is driven by the fundamental question of how the universe works — and how we can better understand it.
What motivated you to study physics?
Lina Witti: “I am primarily driven by curiosity: How does the universe work, and how can we better understand and describe it?”
Was there a key experience that sparked your enthusiasm for science?
Lina Witti: “There wasn't one specific key moment for me—my interest developed gradually over time.”
Which people or experiences have had a particular influence on your path?
Lina Witti: “Detailed conversations with my dad about astrophysics and motivated teachers sparked my interest and enthusiasm for physics.”
Mirjam Fischer, Physics Student
Mirjam Fischer (23) studies physics at the TUM School of Natural Sciences. Her path was shaped by an early fascination with scientific questions and inspiring role models.
What motivated you to study physics?
Mirjam Fischer: “Science documentaries I saw on television as a child sparked my interest. Added to that was the desire to better understand the world and to have a daily intellectual challenge.”
Was there a key experience that sparked your enthusiasm for science?
Mirjam Fischer: “There wasn't a single key experience for me—rather, it was a steadily growing enthusiasm.”
Which people or experiences have particularly influenced your path?
Mirjam Fischer: “Prof. Hommelhoff from FAU had a particular influence on me. He exemplified that scientific questions cannot always be answered immediately—and that good answers often require time to think.”