Azzam "Rising Star"
ECE postdoctoral researcher Shaimaa Azzam invited to the prestigious Rising Stars Workshop designed for women interested in academic careers in electrical engineering and computer science
Azzam is among the roughly 150 women nationwide who have been invited to the workshop. The annual event unites outstanding electrical engineers and computer scientists who are interested in pursuing academic careers. Participants were selected based on their academic excellence, their interest in a faculty career, and their commitment to advancing equity and inclusion. Attendees will present their research, interact with faculty from top-tier universities, and receive advice for career advancement. MIT will host the annual EECS Rising Stars Workshop virtually October 14-15.
“I am honored to be selected, and I look forward to all of the opportunities the event offers,” said Azzam, a researcher in the Quantum Photonics Lab (QPL) of Galan Moody, an assistant professor of electrical and computer engineering.
A recipient of the Elings Prize Postdoctoral Fellowship, Azzam completed her PhD in electrical engineering at Purdue University, after receiving her master's and bachelor’s degrees in electrical engineering from Mansoura University in Egypt. Her research at UCSB is focused on integrating photonic structures with two-dimensional (2D) materials to realize some of the building blocks of quantum photonic integrated circuits. Photonic devices are used to guide and manipulate light as an information carrier. Azzam’s work couples the “special” light emitted from 2D materials to devices that can guide, enhance, and eventually outcouple the light from the chip.
In addition to connecting with other graduate students and postdocs at the workshop, Azzam is especially excited to interact with and learn from female faculty.
“I am a big believer in the importance of role models, especially when it comes to minorities and underrepresented groups,” said Azzam. “That is why I believe getting specialized advice from successful women in academia on navigating the job market and academic life is crucial for aspiring female academics.”
Azzam will also be joined at the Rising Stars Workshop by UCSB 5th year computer science PhD student Sujaya Maiyya.
COE News – "Rising Stars" (full article)
