Virtual Communications Executive 2008-2009

PhD Candidate, School of Computer Science
MSc in Artificial Intelligence, University of Edinburgh, UK
Specialism in Statistical Methods, Center for Mathematics Research (CIMAT), Aguascalientes, Mexico.
Bachelor in Computer Science Engineering, Universidad Bonaterra, Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Email: nvillanu AT scs.carleton.ca
Website: http://scs.carleton.ca/~nvillanu/

About me

I'm currently on my last year of the PhD program in Carleton University and I'm (finally!) enjoying it a lot. My current research focuses on the application of Semantic Web in (but not limited to) bioinformatics. Before coming to Ottawa, I did my MSc in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Edinburgh, Scotland and I have a Bachelor in Computer Science Engineering, which is a nice balance between Engineering and Science in the Panamerican University, campus Bonaterra in my beloved home town Aguascalientes, Mexico.

Education and Professional experience

My choice

I belong to a family of engineers, and particularly, female engineers. Solving problems, dealing with logic and numbers was also part of my life. I always thought I would be a scientist in a chemistry lab. I participated in National Contests of Science and I am a Clinical Lab Technician (simultaneous program with High School studies). By the time I ended High School, I was tired of Chemistry and suddenly, movies of robots and computers taking over the world and having feelings were famous. I was thrilled with the idea of making "smart" machines, that's where my love for Artificial Intelligence (AI) and my quest for knowledge started.
I enrolled in the Computer Science program because it was the nearest thing to AI I could get. I enjoyed it a lot, even with the lack of sleep at the end. I had my first part-time job during my last two years of undergraduate studies; it gave me some experience about the "real world".

Graduate studies

I did two internships in an AI lab in Mexico City as part of the "Scientific Research Summer". My passion for AI increased and it was clear that I wanted to continue learning about it and become a researcher.I worked full-time for a little more than a year, while I was also studying an Specialism in Statistical Methods, my goal was to learn all the statistics I needed for research. Following the advice of my bachelor's thesis supervisor (whom I met in my internships) I applied for the CONACYT scholarship for Master studies, I was awarded with it and accepted in the University of Edinburgh, it was time to leave Mexico for the first time.
I spent one year of learning AI related courses. While my major and minor were Knowledge Engineering and Robotics respectively, I worked on Planning using Genetic Programming. I was sure that I wanted to do a PhD, but I was not certain about the topic. I came back to Mexico, taught undergraduate AI courses in my home University and I had the privilege of being part of the team that started a new University in my town: the "Aguascalientes Polytechnic University". Starting a university has been one of the most challenging and rewarding activities I have participated in. Being part of the Curricula design committees, buying computers, hiring people, etc. gave me a lot of experience. Again, I was very happy in my job, but I knew it was time to leave again to finish my studies.
By the time I came to Carleton University, the Semantic Web was being proposed and the standards being developed. I strongly believe that my research contributions should not only be scientific, but also impact positively my community. The application of semantic web in bioinformatics and other areas was obvious to me, therefore, I started my research on this topic and I've loved it since then.

My goals

While my short term goal is to finish my PhD (and lately the consolidation of CU-WISE), my long term goal is to return to Mexico, continue with my research and promote the inclusion of women in these fields, particularly (but not limited to) those in my country.
I hope that my research will contribute to make the information and knowledge available to everyone, in every place in the world.

Women in Science and Engineering

My feelings about being a woman in computer science

One of my first memories is singing the times tables while my grandmother walked me to kindergarten. She was one of the first female entrepreneurs in my home town Aguascalientes, an uncommon job for a housewife in Mexico 70 years ago. As a self-taught teacher, she also taught me to read and write when I was 3 years old. The next generation of women in my family also pursued uncommon careers: my oldest aunt was the first women graduating from Engineering in Aguascalientes, and later on, my mom, was one of the first graduated women from Electronics Engineering, in the Mexican National Polytechnic Institute.
I knew from my family experience that being a female engineer was not popular and I confirmed this when I became one of the eight female students in the Faculty of Engineering, from which four graduated and only two (including me) are currently working. I got used to being the only female Head of a Department at the Ministry of Education of Aguascalientes and the only female Director in the Polytechnic University of Aguascalientes (UPA). The situation was not very different at Universities in Europe or Canada. I got used to having more male friends than females; I don't think it was an issue for me given my background.

Why I joined WISE?

When I heard about the Women in Science and Engineering (WISE) group in Ottawa, I immediately became a member, and short after, an executive member of CU-WISE. I think it's in my genes. CU-WISE has been a source of motivation and inspiration.

Why I recommend joining WISE?

To meet people that will very likely enjoy the same things that you enjoy, that struggles with the same things that you struggle with. WISE and CU-WISE are spaces created for you, so why not take advantage from them?

Other interests

• I'm a Mexican. Mexicans love Mexican food, therefore I love Mexican food (and cooking it!).
• Camping. I've been a Scout for about 18 years.
• Travelling!