Uzma Hira

General Info

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

I have expertise to synthesize inorganic oxide materials for energy conversion and storage applications by using various methods. I also have good command to perform microstructural analysis structural analysis of these materials through Rietveld analysis, GSAS, FP Suite and Jana2006 software, of X-ray diffraction, synchrotron diffraction and neutron diffraction data. Apart from the expertise mentioned above, I can also share my data analysis, manuscript writing, industrial and renewable energy project design by keeping minimum cost of raw materials, team management, leadership and networking skills to the host company.

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

1. How inorganic oxide materials can be used for energy conversion and energy storage applications.
2. Design of new materials and approaches for renewable energy applications for sustainable and green environment.
3. Networking and development of collaborations.

Mentorship Characteristic

• Focus on technical skills building
• Identify a short-term project I can work on at the partnering company
• Have exposure to basic industry techniques
• Have exposure to specialized industry techniques
• Exposes me to new tools and platforms

Ideal Company Type

I am an early career female researcher and am struggling to develop an independent research group. My home department has started an industrial chemistry M.Phil and PhD program in 2021 and we are in a phase to establish research infrastructure in Pakistan and the key feature of these programs is to develop industrial collaboration and link academia with industry. Moreover, I belong to remote area of Pakistan where females' education in the field of science and technology is not encouraged and I am trying to create awareness in my local community of the importance of female education in this field.

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

1. Curious
2. Serious
3. Reliable

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

Currently I am mentoring graduate students in my home university and therefore, the TechWomen program, will be a great opportunity for me to get international exposure and guidance from world renowned mentors and develop implementations for my own career objective. This training program will also groom my personality in a way that ultimately contributes effectively to executing good supervision of young students. All young academics undergo an annual performance review conducted by their respective education departments and focused on achieving research- and training-based targets. Therefore, collaboration with U.S. based mentors will be a great opportunity in my early years of an independent research career.

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

The TechWomen mentorship will be a great source of learning and inspiration. I have a plan to utilize my TechWomen experience to expand my business ideas and learn how to translate successful factors for innovation and development of sustainable solutions in Pakistan. I will work with my TechWomen mentors, as well as the other Emerging Leaders in Pakistan to create a support network and prioritize initiatives that can actively engage Pakistani females in science and technology. It is key to transform my community and specifically the fate of Pakistani females via high tech innovations and scientific development.

Work History

Years of Full-time Work Experience

2

Primary Professional Focus

• Civil, water or environmental specialist
• Energy, renewable technology or green technology
• Scientist and researcher

Education History