Dr. Solange Vieira’s Journey of Passion and Innovation

Welcome to the LIGENTEC Portrait Series, featuring Dr. Solange Vieira, a passionate engineer whose expertise spans telecommunications and optical metamaterials. This series invites you to explore the personal and professional journeys of exceptional individuals who inspire the next generation of innovators. By highlighting the accomplishments of female scientists like Solange, we aim to showcase the pivotal role they play in advancing science and technology. Their stories not only emphasize dedication and resilience but also encourage others to pursue their passions and make meaningful contributions to their fields.

1. What inspired you to pursue a career in science / in your discipline?

Science and its practitioners have fascinated me since childhood. While I couldn’t grasp their complex discussions then, I admired their endless curiosity, discipline, and rational thinking—qualities I aspired to develop. My constant questions about how the world works, though sometimes trying my mother’s patience, led me to seek answers independently through books, the internet, and documentaries.

2. Who are your role models?

My parents instilled ambition and a strong work ethic in me, often emphasizing that knowledge is power. My father’s passion for mathematics, combined with my admiration for figures like Pedro Nunes, Portugal’s greatest mathematician, naturally drew me toward science.

3. How did you get to where you are in your career path?

My academic journey culminated in a master’s in Telecommunications Engineering and a PhD in Optical Metamaterials—a path inspired by my PhD advisor’s captivating lectures on Waves and Propagation. Throughout my career, collaboration with exceptional engineers has enriched both my technical expertise and professional development.

4. What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?

While designing an optical telecommunication system for a major provider, I pushed the boundaries of physics through creative problem-solving and close collaboration. This challenging project taught me to thrive under pressure and embrace innovative solutions.

5. What is a “day in the life” of you like?

While project management and client communications anchor my daily routine, my work spans from PIC layout and electromagnetic simulations to Python and JavaScript development, enriched by technical collaborations with colleagues.

6. What are you seeking to accomplish in your career?

I strive to continuously grow, learn, create meaningful impact, and guide others on their journey.

7. What do you like to do when you’re not doing research?

I’m passionate about outdoor adventures – from horseback riding and surfing to skiing and hiking – and I unwind by reading and playing guitar.

8. What advice do you have for other women interested in science / in your discipline?

Work, study, and stay disciplined. View difficulties as opportunities to learn rather than setbacks. Choose to be where you can grow instead of where you’re already the expert.