Assistant professor at the Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, University of Maribor
Aida Kamišalić Latifić
Short Bio
Aida Kamišalić Latifić is an assistant professor and researcher at the University of Maribor, Faculty of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, Institute of Informatics. She is a member of the Laboratory for Data Technologies and Blockchain Lab:UM team. She earned a PhD in Computer Science in 2014. Her research interests include advanced database technologies, blockchain technology and medical informatics. She has co-authored several scientific papers published in renowned journals with an impact factor in computer science and the patent application in the field of blockchain technology. She has participated in the preparation and execution of several workshops and seminars on blockchain technology and databases. She performed lectures as a visiting professor at several European universities and participated in the program committees of professional and scientific conferences. She has been involved in several applied and international projects. In 2019, she received a Faculty award for outstanding research work. In January 2020, she was awarded the prestigious title of Female engineer of the year 2019 in Slovenia.
How did you initially become interested in the fields of STEM?
I got interested in STEM, particularly computer science studies, knowing that I would not be struggling to find a job in that profession. This was my primary motivation. Since I had a strong interest in mathematics and natural science fields, I was not afraid of taking this step.
Identify the 2 most important challenges for you regarding STEM education?
The first challenge would be making STEM fields attractive early, mainly focusing on primary school.
The second challenge would be to educate counselling services at the primary and secondary schools about the importance of advising girls with good math and physics knowledge and skills to opt for STEM studies.
What are possible solutions to these challenges?
Introduction of all technical contents in the subject Technology in primary schools – setting up a compulsory course and not only an optional course. Through the course, project work should be established to solve different engineering issues and represent various engineering professions. Create joint working groups with representatives of STEM fields from different faculties and representatives of counselling services of several secondary schools – it is essential to focus on general grammar schools in this process.
What advice would you give to other younger colleagues (especially girls and women) just starting out their journey in the field of STEM?
Be brave and persistent; do not let anyone tell you the study you have chosen is not for you because of your gender.