Leticia Aránzazu Gracia Grijota
A short interview with
Leticia Aránzazu Gracia Grijota
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Industrial Engineer in 1996 and PhD in Computational Mechanics from the University of Zaragoza since December 2006, with the PhD thesis "Finite element simulation of inelastic effects in elastomeric materials". I am part of the staff of ita since 1996, as researcher in the field of the prediction of the functional behaviour of materials by combining experimental and numerical techniques. In 1998, I held the position of Head of the Simulation department of the Mechanics of New Materials Area of ita and, in 2001, the position of Head of the Materials department. For 1 year (2003-2004), I was a resident engineer at TRW Automotive GmbH in Koblenz (Germany) . Until 2007, I held the position of Technical Coordinator of the Research, Development and Technological Services Area at ita and, from 2007 to 2012, the position of R&D Manager. Since 2016, my role is as Technology Coordinator of the group “Advanced Modelling and Characterisation of Materials and their Transformation Processes”. Since November 2013, I own the PMP certification by the PMI. I took part in the execution of numerous applied-research projects with competitive public funding and under contract with companies in the field of simulation and characterisation of polymeric materials. I am co-author of a dozen scientific-technical publications as well as member of the panel of experts of the Agencia Nacional de Evaluación y Prospectiva of the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation.
Can you tell us about your professional journey and how you got started in this field?
I grew up in a family of five siblings; all engineers! My father owned a company for designing and building steel structures. Since I was a kid, I could see how much he enjoyed their job and how exciting it was. At school, I was good at maths, physics and drawing. While studying at the Engineering School, FEM was a booming computational method and I found it very attractive. Engineering materials also kept my eyes. I could combine both fields in my master’s degree, being it the beginning of my career. I started working as a researcher in the field of predicting the functional behaviour of materials and since then, I have been developing myself, working closely for companies in related topics, which have challenged me to start new activities.
Have you ever doubted your abilities and why?
Yes I have, especially when faced with R&D projects that require emerging technologies or disruptive solutions. Despite my experience as an industrial engineer working in a technology centre, the fast pace of technological progress and the expectations of companies sometimes generate uncertainty. These doubts often arise because I demand myself to always stay at the cutting edge, which means constantly learning and questioning whether what I know is enough. However, these doubts have driven me to seek out new tools and knowledge, strengthening my ability to keep moving forward.
Did you ever have the impression gender was an important factor on a raise, promotion, or key assignment?
Unfortunately, I did, especially for engineer mothers, often influenced by societal expectations around family responsibilities and childcare. Engineering is still today a field where there are much more number of men than women, at least of my age. Women, in particular, are frequently perceived as bearing a greater share of these responsibilities, which can sometimes lead to biases about their availability or commitment to demanding roles and that can subtly impact opportunities for professional growth. However, I must said that society is evolving in shortening these differences and young engineers, regardless of their gender, will enjoy less inequalities in this respect.
During your career, have you ever been mentored?
No, I have not, but I am mentoring young people, girls and boys, in educational engineering projects to encourage the STEM careers.
If you could give some advice to your younger self or other girls, what would that be?
My advice would be: If you like it, try it, work hard and decide if you are right! Do not refuse to do things because of social influence, fashions, stereotypes or whatever, seek information, be honest with yourself, ask for advice from people you trust and go for what you like with determination and enthusiasm.
