Women in Science: Maiara Bollauf, Lecturer in Coding Theory and Cryptography

From 10-16 February 2025, the University of Tartu will host a themed week to celebrate the "Women in Science" day. During this week, we aim to highlight the work and achievements of our researchers and have invited them to answer three questions. This time, Maiara Bollauf, Lecturer in Coding Theory and Cryptography shares her thoughts.

Please describe briefly your field of research

My research is on coding theory, which focuses on applying mathematical tools to ensure that our data is being communicated securely and efficiently. In this area, you could work with extremely theoretical mathematical problems but also more practically-oriented solutions. Lately, I have been working with physical layer security, which uses the physical characteristics of a communication channel to provide unbreakable security. This topic lies on the more theoretical side, but it involves the use of techniques that have the potential to be applied also in cryptography, which is my main goal moving forward.

What do you especially like about being a scientist?

In my opinion, the best part of being a scientist is that there is never a boring day at work! There is always excitement in continuous learning, mentoring, solving problems, and interacting with people from diverse backgrounds and even different parts of the world. However, there are also days when things do not go as expected. A big part of doing research is developing resilience and being kind to yourself during challenging times. This contributes to the extensive set of skills that a research career helps you develop, such as teamwork, creativity, and time management.

Why would you recommend that young people study IT and consider a career as a researcher?

I believe people should be encouraged to pursue what they feel motivated to do. So, if you have a curious mind and a natural interest in topics related to computer science or applied mathematics, you have what it takes. One of the main reasons for underrepresentation in our field is the misconception that some people believe they cannot succeed. The good news is that you can. If you are determined and inspired by open questions in science, a research career might be exactly what you are looking for. It can be very rewarding and fulfilling.