Aya Elghajiji

General Info

What will be your most valuable contribution to your TechWomen mentorship?

Having spent the majority of my career, so far, in research, I have developed quite an analytical approach to solving problems. In addition, being immersed in the field of academia, I have been able to enhance my critical thinking skills which would allow me to work creatively on projects set by host company. However, my most valuable contribution would be my ability to work on multidisciplinary projects, my experience in the field of bioelectronics has equipped with the ability to collaborate with people from different disciplines.

The Top Three Things I Would Like to Learn or Experience During my Mentorship

1. Innovative, long-term STEM-based planning
2. Biotech lab-based skills
3. Assertiveness, empowerment and leadership

Mentorship Characteristic

• Have exposure to the company culture
• Focus on leadership skills building
• Focus on technical skills building
• Have exposure to specialized industry techniques
• Exposes me to new tools and platforms

Ideal Company Type

My ideal industry would be a place that combines biotechnology/bioengineering related research, interdisciplinary collaborative projects and entrepreneurship (turning technologies into usable innovations). This could be a biotechnology start-up or a research center. I would like to experience how ideas can be turned into beneficial innovations. How these innovations can be managed sustainably. As for the culture, I would prefer the ability to work in a place that values multidisciplinary thinking and where teams from different educational backgrounds can collaborate freely.

What are three adjectives that best describe you in the work place?

1. Innovative
2. Caring
3. Emotionally intelligent

What impact will your mentorship have on your career and professional path?

This opportunity would allow me to focus my career path. It would allow me to experience a side of research and innovation that I would not have been able to gain exposure to otherwise. The ability to enhance my skills in biotech management and development as well as sustainable long term business planning in the biotechnology research field. In addition, the chance to be surrounded by inspiring mentors and fellow emerging leaders would help pave the way into developing a career path that aims to be beneficial and helpful.

After participating in the TechWomen program, how will you leverage your mentorship experience to make an impact in your home country?

I aim to utilise my experience to build networks that would support the enhancement of the biotechnology scene back home as well as the improvement of bio-related research. In addition, the chance of passing what I would learn from the programme to girls aspiring to enter STEM fields would be immeasurable towards their empowerment.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

2.5

Primary Professional Focus

• Bio or medical technology
• Scientist and researcher in technical science and/or engineering discipline

Education History