Perspectives on Women's Careers in Engineering and Veterinary Science: Challenges and Opportunities across Academia, Professional Practice, and Industry Women_in_Science_Session_last SESSION ORGANIZERS Federica Pirrone, ADMV - Association of Women Veterinarians, Italy Erika Pittella, IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE) Italy Member PROGRAM OF THE SESSION Session chair: Erika Pittella, Sapienza University of Rome & IEEE WIE Italy Member 16:30 - Welcome Prof. Erika Pittella, Prof. Federica Pirrone Prof. Paola Saccomandi, Vice Chair, IEEE WIE Italy Section Dr. Mara di Noia, DVM, Vice President, ADMV 16:40 - Shaping a career as a veterinarian: growth, change and new challenges in the private sector Dr. Sara Nicolini, Freelancer consultant 16:55 - From student to professor in veterinary medicine: a career experience of challenges and milestones in Italian academia Prof. Federica Pirrone, University of Milan 17:10 - Engineering the future of parasite control: women pioneering innovation in Veterinary Science Dr. Martina Nocerino, University of Naples Federico II 17:25 - Harnessing interdisciplinary collaborations to advance your career while pursuing future grant opportunities Dr. Andrea Pacheco, Politecnico di Milano 17:40 - Discussion and closing of the session INVITED SPEAKERS Sara Nicolini is a veterinarian with a multidisciplinary background. She previously worked with a British NGO, engaging with major European food companies to promote higher animal welfare across supply chains. She holds postgraduate degrees in veterinary public health, food quality and safety, and scientific communication, as well as diplomas in international cooperation. She now works as a freelance consultant, contributing to projects at the intersection of the above-mentioned fields. Her experience also includes official veterinary roles in the UK and science education. Federica Pirrone is an Associate Professor in Veterinary Ethology at the University of Milan. She holds a degree in Veterinary Medicine and a Ph.D. in Biotechnologies Applied to Veterinary and Zootechnical Science, with a focus on inflammation-related processes. Her current research interests include biodetection dogs, emotional processes, and the impact of inflammaging on cognition in senior cats and dogs. Martina Nocerino is an Environmental Engineer who earned her PhD in Veterinary Science from the University of Naples Federico II. Specialized in database management, mapping, and modeling through Geographic Information Systems (GIS), she has contributed to various national and international research projects in the field of veterinary medicine. Her research focuses on the combined use of geospatial technology and innovative devices to support parasite control strategies. Andrea Pacheco is a Colombian physicist with a Ph.D. in Biophotonics from University College Cork (Ireland). She joined the LambdaLab at the Politecnico di Milano in 2024 as a recipient of the prestigious Marie Skłodowska-Curie Actions Postdoctoral Fellowship. Driven by a vision to bridge biomedical engineering and veterinary sciences, her research focuses on advancing the clinical translation of photonic technologies.