This year, we spoke with Pinar Yasar Orten, Principal Satellite Communication (SATCOM) Engineer in our Chief Technology Office, to learn more about her journey in the STEM sphere.
What is your role at the NCI Agency?
I work in the NCI Agency's Space Technology Adoption and Resilience (STAR) team based in The Hague, Netherlands. We are a newly established team comprised of experienced, dedicated team members, and our goal is to manage the technology development of the NCI Agency and pave the path for innovation. The main focus of our work is innovation in space-domain technology including communication, earth observation satellites, in collaboration with industry and academia. I am responsible for the future of SATCOM in the Agency, including the terminals on all platforms and space segments and its technology roadmap.
What drew you to a career at NATO?
I worked in the defence industry in Türkiye for over a decade. I started my career by designing electronic warfare systems and continued with leading designs of SATCOM systems. One day, while I was doing research, I came across an article in a military SATCOM magazine. It was an interesting read about the next generation of NATO SATCOM technology and this led me to look deeper into the work at NATO. The NCI Agency's role in connecting Allied forces through communication and information technology was a great motivation for me to apply and the opportunity to work in an international environment attracted me as well.
When did you know you wanted to become an engineer?
I had always been interested in mathematics and science but I think the engineering spark arose during middle school when I attempted to fix household appliances in my home. I knew then that I would be working in a STEM field and at the beginning of high school, I was very certain that it would be engineering. Maths was a part of my daily life and I always liked the idea of applying it in every aspect of life. When you look at the universe and everything within it, it is all based on maths. From how the leaves on a tree are lined up to adjusting ingredients while baking, I like to see how the theory comes into existence and how I can contribute to making things happen with my work.
Who is your biggest inspiration?
I have many inspirations in my life but one of the biggest is Sabiha Gökçen. In 1936, at the age of 23, Gökçen became the world's first female fighter pilot. I read her biography when I was a teenager and she was an example of how women could achieve difficult tasks in spaces where they were not yet represented or even welcomed. I am always inspired by how women encounter difficulties yet still pursue their goals even when they do not have the equal opportunities afforded to their male counterparts. Whenever I see a woman looking after her kids and trying to take care of her home after a long and lengthy working day, I also view her as a hero and an inspiration.
How can we engage more women and girls in STEM?
I think it starts at home. I have two kids and one of them is a girl who has a great interest in science and mathematics. When I look at how she gained it, I do not think it is simply because she has two parents who are engineers. I think it is also because from an early age, we made science and maths part of our daily lives and played games with her in which she could apply it daily. For example, even when cutting a cake, there is an opportunity to teach a child how to make equal slices by using geometry. If young girls encounter STEM early on, then we can go beyond usual patterns, break glass ceilings and we will see more and more women in STEM.
Research shows that in 50 years we could have an equal representation of women and men in biology. However, the gap in engineering is still too big to close in the next century. This is a projection, meaning that we all can change it for the better. Hence, there is a big responsibility for parents and teachers to give girls the idea, from an early age, that STEM is for all and mathematics and science are not boring at all. When it comes to the working environments, there is a big role for men to go beyond the traditional mindset and create an inclusive environment that is supportive of their female colleagues, their work and their contributions.
Career Opportunities: The Agency takes diversity seriously and is actively seeking more women to support its work. If you would like the challenge of supporting NATO's mission to protect nearly 1 billion citizens, please bookmark our Vacancies page here. We would love to have you on board!