ACM Scholar Spotlights: Maitane Gómez
Welcome to ACM Scholar Spotlights, a series where we shine a light on the inspiring paths of women in computing who received the 2024 ACM-W scholarship. Through their own words, we hear how they found their place in tech, what motivates them, and how they’re making an impact. These stories reflect not only technical achievement, but also courage, curiosity, and community.
In this edition, we feature Maitane Gómez, a recent Computer Science graduate whose research on sex differences in Parkinson’s disease and passion for data ethics shaped her inspiring experience at the womENcourage conference.
Introduction
Hi! I’m Maitane Gomez, a recently graduated Computer Science engineer. Until a few weeks ago, I was researching sex differences in Parkinson’s disease and the impact of hormonal therapy on women with menopause and Parkinson’s. Recently, I had the incredible opportunity to attend the womENcourage conference in Madrid, and I’d love to share my experience with you.
2024 womENcourage Experience
Attending the womENcourage conference was truly a unique and enriching experience that I will always cherish. It provided me with the incredible opportunity to connect with inspiring individuals and learn from really interesting people in the industry.
One of the highlights of the conference for me was the workshop by Vandana Singh, a professor from the University of Tennessee. She delved into the hidden biases that can exist in data collection and analysis, and how these biases can affect outcomes in ways we might not immediately realize. Vandana also talked about how we can avoid these biases and emphasized that we have more responsibility than we think. Her insights were not only educational but also deeply inspiring, motivating me to think more critically about the data I work with.
I also had the opportunity to present my poster on the FOX Insight database and its viability for analyzing sex differences in Parkinson’s disease. The feedback I received was incredibly helpful, and I felt super welcomed by everyone at the conference. It was a great chance to share my work and gain valuable insights from others in the field.
Another exciting part of the conference was participating in the hackathon. It was an intense but incredibly rewarding experience. Working alongside talented and passionate individuals, we tackled real-world problems and came up with innovative solutions. The collaboration and creativity I witnessed during the hackathon were simply amazing. If you ever get the chance to participate in a hackathon, I highly recommend it!
This conference has profoundly changed the way I see my field and my role within it. I’ve realized the importance of addressing biases in our work and the significant impact we can have by being more conscientious and thoughtful in our approaches. The womENcourage conference has not only broadened my knowledge but also deepened my commitment to making a positive difference through my work.
Overall, the womENcourage conference was an event like no other. The knowledge I gained, the people I met, and the experiences I had were invaluable. If you have the opportunity to attend, don’t hesitate – it’s an experience you won’t want to miss!