Role models, unlocking creativity, and shedding stereotypes

From Star Wars to Avatar... you can find pieces of Dr Zahra Montazeri (she/her) and her work throughout some of your favourite films. Today she explains not only how she employs science to create such magical results, but how important it is to believe in your abilities on your journey. From Iran to Turkey, and from California to the UK – Zahra knows talent, hard work, and self-belief can take you anywhere and everywhere.

No one knows this better than Cagla Velidedeoglu (she/her) – a final year Civil Engineering student whose journey has already taken her from Turkey to the UK. Driven by adapting our built environment for a changing world, she is motivated by helping socities become more resilient to climate change temperatures and conditions. Our host, Jasmine, described Cagla as ‘one of the most self-motivated, together, and inspiring students I have ever met’.

From animated films to futureproof cityscapes, we believe creativity comes in all shapes and sizes and no topic is off the table today. Role models, the feminine urge to over-burden we, nurturing curiosity, rejecting stereotypes – we can’t wait to share this one with you.

So put your headphones on, get comfy, and join us as we sit down and share our stories, perspectives, and have a good old laugh too. If you thought you didn’t have sisters to turn to for advice, yes you do.

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Follow us on Instagram: @bigsistersinstem

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/aTglnAVpBxY

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About the guests

Not only is Zahra Montazeri (she/her) a beloved lecturer in Computer Science here at The University of Manchester, but you can also find her name in the credits for Star Wars! A true advocate for just how creative STEM can be, Zahra’s career speaks for itself – having worked for industry leaders including Disney, Pixar, and DreamWorks. Now, she continues to push boundaries as she develops computer graphics from an academic perspective, recently winning the Best Paper Award for her modelling work, as used in Avatar: Way of Water. You might also recognise her voice today, from her appearance on BBC Radio on International Women’s Day!

Cagla (she/her) is a final year Civil Engineering student who will undoubtedly go on to make an impact. Whilst studying here at Manchester, Cagla has consistently sought-out ways to adapt our cities, roads, and built world for the environmental effects of climate change. Beyond this, she works outside of her subject, representing the University at events and online, to share just how important civil engineering work is going to be as we rebuild and design our planet for a changed future. One of the first students she met when joining the University, there aren’t many people our host, Jasmine, talks more highly of: ‘Cagla’s love for her subject is infectious, and important. I wish everyone could have a Cagla by their side at University.’