Irene Hernández Palmero is a doctoral student in the Laser and Photonics Applications (ALF) Research Group at the University of Salamanca and the Pulsed Lasers Center. Her research focuses on the nonlinear propagation of high-power, ultrashort laser pulses.
This interview was originally conducted in Spanish and translated using an automatic translator. Original here
My current line of research seeks to take advantage of the effects induced by nonlinear propagation in a material to obtain shorter and therefore more intense pulses.
Ever since I was little I felt very curious about how things worked and astronomy in particular fascinated me, so I always knew I wanted to study Physics.
What I like most is learning new things and facing challenges.
The hardest part is stopping to rest.
Not yet, I’ll feel it when I get my doctorate even though I’m working.
Imposter syndrome tends to be stronger in women and is exacerbated because you often feel your opinion isn’t valued. Furthermore, gender roles are evident in the assignment of tasks.
Quotas. It’s not pleasant to be included in a project because they need women, but I believe they are necessary and beneficial for future female scientists.
Don’t listen to people who say that (women) are worse at it because it’s not true, and even if you have to endure obstacles like these, the reward of dedicating yourself to science is worth it.
Science is the source for those thirsty for knowledge
