21st Century Women Technologists: Victoria M. Cal

We introduce you our colleague Victoria or, as we usually know her, Viki. Telecommunications Engineer specialized in Telematics and Signal Theory and Communications, this purebred Galician is passionate about writing and among her hobbies are the Latin dances and the archery. She is currently working in the field of clinical decision support technologies at eHealth area at Gradiant, but she also keeps an eye on the great final of Eurovision contest, to be held in Lisbon next May where she is attending for sure.

What did you want to do when you were younger?

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a hairdresser and a writer. I rejected the first option after some childish failures, but the second is still pending.

Why did you choose technology for your future?

My first choice at high school was easy: I am unable to memorize large amounts of information. On the contrary, sciences are based on logic and principles much easier to memorize than, for example, a list of pieces of art.

Where did you plan to do your career? Why?

I would have liked to do Physics, but the economic situation at that time was not good. Among the options I had in Vigo, I chose Telecommunication Engineering because it covers a bit of everything. Nowadays, I am happy with my choice, I do not know if finally, Physics would have fulfilled my expectations, but Telecommunication Engineering not only was not disappointing but also surprised me in all respects. I strongly recommend this career to those who have scientific-technological concerns and do not know what to choose for their future.

What are you currently working on?

I am working ​​eHealth department, particularly in clinical decision support technologies. We have published a couple of posts on Gradiant’ blog on this topic, for those who have an interest.

What do you like most about your job?

I like to see technology directly applied to real cases. When you work in technology innovation it is very common to be immersed in projects that are abstract in some degree, and whose results have wide applications and, sometimes, not directly visible. In this sense, the eHealth department is very rewarding. You are very clear about what you are doing and how that will benefit society.

Who is your feminine reference in tech world?

More than a reference in tech world, I would like to choose a reference in research world: Rosalind Franklin. What make a big impression to me is that she proved that life is not fair. To achieve a goal you have to invest a lot of effort on it and, even so, you may not reach it or your effort may not be properly recognized. Therefore, from Rosalind Franklin I have learned that the most important thing is to work on what you like and do your best, just for your own satisfaction.

What would you say to future technologists?

“With great power comes great responsibility”.