What first made you want to pursue a career in STEM?

Obiye: Growing up I was always an inquisitive child. When the first mobile phones came out, I wanted to understand how everything works which led me to become interested in technology.

I was also inspired by my brother who is an engineer, he always sounded so smart and interesting. So, I took up computer science at secondary school and wanted to continue this passion throughout further education in my Undergraduate Degree and Masters.

I had the opportunity to major on a specific topic whilst doing my Computer Science Undergraduate Degree, and I chose Cyber Security Science. We got to explore the minds and work of hackers and look at how to use ethical hacking to protect against hackers.

Natasha:  My interest came from a desire to explore how human intelligence and digital technologies can work together, to reimagine how industries operate, ensuring that technological advancements align with the values and needs of our society.

My passion for being creative and finding solutions to complex contemporary supply chain problems started with my International Business Management Masters degree at Northumbria University. During this time, we were experiencing COVID-19 and the war in Ukraine, which both presented a significant drive for change to ensure supply chains were more agile, resilient, and a focus on societal well-being.

What do you do at the Centre for Digital Supply Chain Excellence at Northumbria University?

The Centre for Digital Supply Chain Excellence’s vision is to provide a physical and digital hub for innovation, impact and knowledge co-creation in supply chain and operations. Their mission is to achieve this via an inter-disciplinary, human-focused and data-driven approach, working with businesses of all sizes and sectors.

Obiye: I wanted to focus on something more specific after my undergraduate degree, so I looked for a Masters at Northumbria University that would complement what I had already learnt. This is where I fell in love with Data Science.

I’m now in my second year as a Data Research Fellow within the Centre, where I use data-driven insights to inform businesses on optimising their supply chain operations. My work focuses on identifying potential vulnerabilities and forecasting disruptions, allowing companies to proactively address challenges and enhance resilience. Using data, I help organisations implement improvements that foster a more agile, robust, and sustainable supply chain system.

Natasha: I’m a PhD candidate examining the opportunities, key success and failure factors of Northumbria University’s Centre for Digital Supply Chain Excellence.

The aim of the project is to investigate how an independent and human-focused Centre for Digital Supply Chain Excellence can be developed, managed and sustained within the North of England. This project will provide an operational framework with viable and practical recommendations to sustain, develop, and manage a independent and human-focused Centre.

What’s it like being a woman in STEM and what advice would you have for organisations to encourage more women to pursue a career in STEM?

Obiye: Although I’m the only woman in my team, it doesn’t present any barriers. My team are really supportive and empower me to take the lead and make decisions. Northumbria University are great at being inclusive and provide opportunities for everyone.

The most impact can be made when girls are young. It’s important that we nurture their natural curiosity and creativity by exposing them to the world of STEM and the opportunities available to them. Role models are really important. Having someone to look up to, and aspire to be, helps to remove stereotypes and opens your eyes to new opportunities. It’s great to be able to network with likeminded people at events and I like using LinkedIn to connect with inspiring women in STEM.

Fostering diverse talent promotes innovation and prepares businesses for future challenges. Investing in the next generation of STEM leaders not only enhances technological advancement but also builds a more inclusive workforce capable of addressing modern supply chain complexities. Together, these efforts contribute to a more resilient, efficient, and sustainable economic future.

Natasha: I pursued my PhD at Northumbria University as their inclusive culture appealed to me. They are helping to improve opportunities for and the representation of women in STEM subjects. Northumbria’s collaborative and interdisciplinary approach to research has enabled me to connect with experts and peers outside my immediate area of study. This culture of collaboration has enriched my research, allowing me to gain new perspectives and integrate diverse approaches into my work.

Given the growing importance of digital and analytics-driven supply chain management in today’s economy, I would love to see

You can read more about Obiye and Natasha as role models on our My Skills My Life platform.