iHEALTH researchers share academic experiences with students at the institute

On Monday, May 26, the first edition of Café with Women Academics took place—an event organized by the Gender Equity and Diversity Initiative of the Millennium Institute iHEALTH. The gathering brought together students and researchers from the institute for an intimate and reflective conversation.

The event, held at the Copper Café on the San Joaquín Campus of the Pontificia Universidad Católica de Chile, was a space specifically designed for women within the iHEALTH community—including undergraduate and graduate students, as well as predoctoral researchers—with the aim of discussing the opportunities and challenges of building an academic career in engineering and health.

Two distinguished academics from the institute were invited as special guests: Dr. María Rodríguez, Associate Professor at the Institute of Biological and Medical Engineering and principal investigator at iHEALTH; and Dr. Claudia Prieto, Full Professor at the Department of Electrical Engineering and the Institute of Mathematical and Computational Engineering, as well as Director of the institute. Their presence was key in fostering an open and meaningful dialogue with the students.

Throughout the event, participants shared experiences, asked questions, and strengthened both personal and professional bonds in a safe and welcoming environment. The activity was especially appreciated for its inspiring atmosphere and the opportunity it provided to connect directly with prominent female role models at the institute.

“It was a very rewarding experience. Having the opportunity to hear our professors and researchers share their stories was incredibly enriching. These types of gatherings are ideal for encouraging closeness and mutual support among women at the institute, allowing us to learn in a relaxed setting while having distinguished academics as role models,” said Carlota Rivera, PhD student in Biological and Medical Engineering at UC.

Dabne Barrera, a master’s student in Engineering Sciences, highlighted the sense of connection generated during the event:

“The coffee with professors allowed me to feel closer to the academic figures I admire. [...] It reminded me why I’m here and how lucky I am to be a woman and to pursue what I love, alongside such important and influential women in my field of research.”

For Dr. María Rodríguez—who, in addition to being an invited academic, was one of the key organizers of the gathering—this type of space

“not only strengthens ties between faculty and students, but also enables an open and approachable dialogue where we can share experiences, address questions, and connect on both a human and professional level.”

This initiative is part of iHEALTH’s ongoing commitment to fostering a more equitable, diverse, and collaborative scientific community.