Academic Careers for Women in Nondestructive Testing. A Perspective on Barriers and Opportunities

Maria Grozdanić, a PhD student and teaching assistant at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering and Naval Architecture, University of Zagreb, specializes in ultrasonic testing (UT) and nondestructive testing (NDT). Driven by a fascination with "seeing the invisible," this her passion for NDT sparked during undergraduate studies, leading to a PhD in ultrasonic testing. Inspired by trailblazing women who paved the way, she aims to carve her own path while advocating for NDT's significance among students as a university teaching assistant. Recognizing academia as a space where knowledge and hard work transcend gender barriers, she emphasizes the importance of supportive mentors and continuous skill refinement. Her message to young women in NDT is to seek mentors who value their contributions and treat them as equals, highlighting women's strength and capability to lead, innovate, and shape NDT's bright future. <p><i> NDT.net generated this abstract with the assistance of AI technology.</i>