Verena Geist
A short interview with
Verena Geist
-
Verena Geist works as a key researcher in the Software Science area of SCCH, where she also leads the research focus on "Complex Software Systems Analysis". She has over 19 years of experience in working as a researcher in the field of process-aware information systems, business process modelling and automation, process analysis, rigorous specifications, and knowledge representation. Some basic results of her fundamental research work on formal business process models and refinement are summarized in two books. As the project leader of numerous research and industrial projects, she has been able to apply her deep understanding of high-level concepts from business process and information system technology to several application domains, and also gained extensive experience in code analysis, software redocumentation, AI for software engineering as well as knowledge graphs. Verena is (co)author of numerous publications in scientific journals and conferences; she has made significant contribution to numerous applications for research projects funded in the past and is (co)inventor of a patent on a method for determining process sequences. Signs of peer esteem are reflected in several invitations to program committees, reviewing journal submissions, and organization of workshops and conferences.
Can you tell us about your professional journey and how you got started in this field?
When I was in elementary school, my parents—both teachers—had a then-modern MS-DOS-based computer with many fun educational games that fascinated me as a child. One day, right before my eyes, the screen started to smoke and, with a loud bang, met its dramatic end. Instead of being scared, I was completely captivated.
That moment sparked my curiosity about technology and how things work at a fundamental level. It set me on a path of exploration, leading me to study software engineering and eventually specialize in software science. Over the years, this initial fascination evolved into a deep passion for problem-solving and innovation, shaping my professional journey into what it is today.
Have you ever doubted your abilities and why?
Not really. Even when I transitioned from a secondary school focused on modern languages to the University of Applied Sciences in Hagenberg, I didn’t doubt my abilities. At first, some people looked at me with a bit of skepticism, perhaps wondering how I would adapt to the new environment. But that didn’t last long. I quickly found my footing and proved that determination and curiosity matter more than background.
Did you ever have the impression gender was an important factor on a raise, promotion, or key assignment?
I never really had the impression that being a woman gave me an advantage or a disadvantage in terms of raises, promotions, or key assignments. However, one amusing episode comes to mind: During my admission interview for the University of Applied Sciences, the professor in charge of the selection process asked me if I even knew what a computer looked like. I responded with a smile, pointing to a strange-looking box with funny buttons in the corner of the room, saying, 'That could be one.' We both laughed, and from that moment on, everything was fine.
During your career, have you ever been mentored?
At first, my parents were my biggest mentors. They always encouraged me to stay curious and pursue what truly interested me. Then, there were several teachers who supported me by challenging me to push my limits and grow. And, finally, my PhD advisor played a crucial role during my doctoral studies. He guided me without being overbearing, offering insightful discussions and valuable support along the way.
If you could give some advice to your younger self or other girls, what would that be?
My advice to my younger self and to other girls would be: Be ambitious and confident. Don’t let yourself be influenced by external pressures or doubts. And most importantly, never suppress your feminine emotional intelligence—it is a strength, not a weakness.
