Profile

Read Panagiota's inspiring story below!

Expertise
What is your role, job title, and field of expertise?

I am a Computer Engineering Lecturer at UCLan Cyprus, specializing in computer architecture and optimizing computing systems for reliability, efficiency, cost and sustainability.

Inspiration
What sparked your interest in this technology field and what path led you here?

My fascination with how software and hardware work together led me to the field of computer architecture. Specifically, I enjoy finding ways to optimize hardware using software solutions, making systems faster, more efficient, sustainable, and cost-effective.

Career Growth
What skills and strategies have helped you succeed in this field?

To succeed in this field, I had to be a problem-solver, passionate about what I am doing, and adaptable. It is also especially important in these related fields to stay updated with emerging technologies and maintain continuous learning.

Memorable Achievements
Share a project or moment that reflects the impact of your work.

I have recently focused on optimizing datacenter efficiency and sustainability, which has contributed to reducing power consumption and processing time, thereby improving sustainability at scale. This is particularly crucial for large-scale datacenters like those operated by Google, Meta, etc. The projects I am involved in can offer valuable insights to these datacenters, introducing new practices for more sustainable and cost-efficient operations.

Challenges
How do you stay ahead in a competitive field, and what obstacles have you overcome?

Being in a male-dominated field, I had to prove my capabilities and stay determined. I overcome challenges by never hesitating to ask questions, continuously learning from others, and staying focused on my initial goals to maintain my motivation.

Work-Life Balance
How do you manage the demands of career and personal life?

To be honest it is not so easy. Balancing the demands of career and personal life is challenging, especially as a parent. To manage this, I prioritize my tasks, stay organized, and make dedicated time for family. My passion for my work also helps me maintain a healthy balance between my professional responsibilities and personal commitments.

Personal motive
What’s your personal motto or favourite quote that can also inspire the younger generation to follow studies and a career in an ICT field?

“Don’t be afraid to fail and learn. Every mistake is a step closer to solving a problem.”

Future
How do you envision the future of technology and what role can gender diversity and inclusion play?

Technology is moving towards sustainability and AI-driven innovations. Diversity and inclusion are crucial for bringing fresh perspectives and driving creativity in problem-solving. The future of technology/engineering needs more women and diversity to shape it!