Ivana Ogando González, a telecommunications engineer, is the protagonist of this new edition of Tecnólogas del siglo XXI. Born in the town of Vilaboa in Pontevedra, she has always had a passion for mathematics and technical drawing, so much so that between the ages of 7 and 17 she wanted to be an architect, until she discovered computer forensics at a summer science camp. Now she is working on her TFG on spectral monitoring based on deep learning and signal processing techniques while working on the PROPHET project. He combines this work in the communications area of Gradiant with one of his hobbies: associationism. She participates in the DAAT, the Foro Tecnolóxico de Emprego o Debate.
What did you want to do when you were a child?
When I was a little girl, I used to say that I wanted to have a job where I could walk around in high heels. Later, when I was 7, I decided I wanted to be an architect. I loved drawing house plans in notebooks (I still have many of them).
Why did you have a career in technology?
I always liked math and technical drawing when I was little, so I went to a technical high school, even though I hated anything to do with programming.
When I was 17, I discovered what “computer forensics” was at a summer science camp. That’s when I left architecture and started researching computer and telecommunications engineering.
Where did you choose to study? And why did you choose it?
In the second year of high school I considered doing Computer Engineering, the negative was that it was in another city and I was clear that I wanted to be at home to help and be with my my grandparents, since they were older. Another reason why I decided to do my degree in Vigo, was that just when I was preparing for the exams, they published that they would start the degree, but with teaching in English, and since I love languages, I thought it was a good idea to strengthen my English and learn vocabulary, since all the documentation was in English.
What are you currently working on?
At the moment, I am working in the Advanced Communications Division of Gradiant. My summer internship was in radio frequency signal detection and classification for spectrum awareness. Now I’m doing my TFG in the PROPHET project. What I am proposing will help to create a tool based on deep learning and signal processing techniques that will monitor anomalies and threats related to the unauthorized use of the radio spectrum. For example, this tool will be able to protect public or private cellular networks from attacks or ensure that no unauthorized devices are in a restricted area.
What is the best part of your job for you?
It may sound like a cliché, but what I like most about my job is being able to put into practice what I have learned during my studies. Above all, I have learned to “find my own way”, to see what a real project is like from the inside. I am aware that I am only at the beginning of my career and that I still have a lot to learn.
Who would you say is your female role model in the world of technology?
All my role models in life are people I admire. My female role model in technology has always been Leticia Antepazo. She is the daughter of some of my mother’s friends. She graduated from USC with a degree in chemical engineering and is currently the Site & Operations Manager at Avient Corporation in Italy. I looked up to her so much since I was a little girl that I wanted to name my sister after her.
How do you read the situation of women in your field?
I think that, in general, we want no distinction to be made between men and women, we want to be treated as the people and professionals that we are, to have the same opportunities. I hope that one day this equality will be achieved.
What would you say to the technologists of the future?
Studying engineering can be more or less difficult, but it should be seen as an investment in the future: they are the foundations of a future learning almost daily, since the evolution of society is linked to technological advances, where each of us does our bit.
What is your opinion on the situation of women in your field of work?
I think in general we want there to be no distinction between men and women, we want to be treated as the people and professionals that we are, to have the same opportunities. I hope that one day this equality will be achieved.
What would your advice be to future engineers?
Studying engineering can be more or less difficult, but it should be seen as an investment in the future. It is the foundation of a future that is learning almost every day, because the evolution of society is linked to technological progress, in which each of us plays a part.
