Rula Alrawashdeh

General Info

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

As an associate professor, researcher, and co-director of a NATO-funded project, I bring deep technical expertise in antenna design, smart sensing systems and sustainable technologies. I am also Vice Chair of IEEE Women in Engineering Jordan and a dedicated mentor, passionate about empowering women in STEM. I hope to contribute to TechWomen through my leadership experience, innovative mindset and cultural perspective—sharing both technical knowledge and real-world insights from my region. My goal is to engage in meaningful exchange and gain new strategies to scale my impact and establish a STEM academy in my community

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

1. Earn best practices to plan, launch and manage a STEM academy for women in my community.
2. Advance expertise in innovative antenna design for wireless systems.
3. Gain skills to develop and grow technology-based startups in the STEM sector.

Mentorship Characteristic

• Focus on leadership skills building
• Focus on technical skills building
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company
• Exposes me to new tools and platforms
• Gets me involved in day-to-day activities of the mentor and partnering company.

Ideal Company Type

My ideal mentor would come from a large, innovation-driven technology company focused on developing cutting-edge consumer electronics and communication systems. The company would emphasize high-quality design, seamless integration of hardware and software, and forward-thinking solutions in wireless technologies and smart devices. I value a culture that encourages creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration and user-centered design, with a strong commitment to sustainability, variety and continuous learning. A fast-paced, visionary environment that bridges engineering with real-world impact would be ideal. This mentor would help me navigate challenges in STEM entrepreneurship, expand my professional network and scale impactful education initiatives in my community.

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

1. Dedicated
2. Innovative
3. Eager to learn

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

I hope the 15-day mentorship with a U.S.-based mentor will deepen my understanding of how large tech companies drive innovation at the intersection of hardware, software and user experience. I aim to gain insights into best practices in product development, wireless communication systems and smart technology integration. This experience will help me apply advanced industry methodologies to my research in sensor antennas and IoT systems, enhance my leadership skills and explore ways to bridge academic innovation with real-world applications that create meaningful change.

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

After TechWomen, I will apply the knowledge and skills gained to establish a STEM academy dedicated to training and empowering women in my community. I plan to lead initiatives that promote sustainable technologies, such as energy harvesting and smart sensing systems, while fostering innovation and entrepreneurship among young professionals. By sharing best practices and expanding my professional network, I aim to create opportunities for collaboration and mentorship locally, helping to close the gender gap in STEM and drive positive change in my country.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

14

Primary Professional Focus

• Electronics or telecommunications
• Energy, renewable technology or green technology
• Scientist and researcher in technical science and/or engineering discipline

Education History