Matilde D'Arpino: Women in Technology @ OSU

Have you ever heard of an electric land speed vehicle that can reach 240 miles per hour? If not, we would like to introduce you to Buckeye Bullet(link is external). This student project team works out of Ohio State’s Center for Automotive Research(link is external) (CAR).

Matilde D’Arpino, a visiting scholar for CAR, spends a lot of her time doing research, but she also assists and collaborates with the Buckeye Bullet team. We had a chance to talk to her about her passion for STEM as part of our #OSUWomenInTech series.

Can you describe your day-to-day job?

My day-to-day job depends on the period. There are some periods in which I spend my day studying and/or researching solutions for some problems, thus I am typically working in the office. However, usually these periods are followed by an intensive experimental analysis in a laboratory. That is the part that I prefer, when you can see working something you created or modified to obtain the desired goal. Finally, I am also involved in teaching and helping students with some practical experiences.

When (and how) did you decide to work in the STEM field?

The decision came out naturally thanks to my passion for math and building things. However, my father and his scientific view of the life helped at the moment of the decision.  

What advice can you give young women who would like to take on a position in the STEM field?

There is not too much advice, however I always like to say “do what you like” even if someone says that this is not for ladies!

How do you stay up-to-date with new trends in the STEM world?

I like to study new technologies and to see what other researchers are working on. This is necessary in my work. The participation in international conferences, reading and looking on the Internet play a fundamental role in me staying up-to-date.

What has been your favorite moment/experience from working in the STEM field?

My favorite moments are right before an important deadline when everything seems to be messed-up and at the last moment that you have, your mind is able to solve the problem, especially in the electrical and electronic fields.  

What has been the hardest part of working in the technology field?

The hardest part of being a researcher is that you have to always push your mind beyond the common evidence to find a different way to solve problems. However, this is also what you like about the job.

Is there any technology that you are particularly excited about right now? Why?

Maybe banal, but I am excited about the projects I am working on like the Buckeye Bullet 3. I help and collaborate with undergraduate and graduate students to develop the world’s fastest electric vehicle. This is a great challenge for me. We have the possibility to customize our vehicle applying all the best technologies. I was studying to power the car with “innovation.” We are working hard to be successful this summer and break the 400mph speed record.  

This feature blog post is part of our #OSUWomenInTech campaign. Hear more stories from female leaders involved in technology at Ohio State by following us on Twitter @TechHubOSU(link is external) and stopping in store to see our digital signage features. Are you interested in getting involved with technology? Don’t forget to check out our Student Developer Kit(link is external) and student project development grant opportunities.