Celebrating International Day of Women and Girls in Science with Ouldooz Karimi

Today we celebrate International Day of Women and Girls in Science, as proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly. The day recognizes the achievements, resilience, and contributions of women and girls in science, while reaffirming a global commitment to removing barriers and expanding opportunities for full and equal participation across science fields.

At SFU School of Computing Science, women are advancing research, teaching, and leadership in meaningful ways. In recognition of this day, we are spotlighting Senior Lecturer Dr. Ouldooz Baghban Karimi, sharing her journey, leadership, and the mentorship that continues to shape the future of science and technology.

Briefly describe your research focus or area of expertise.

At a high level, my research lab (Connect Lab) is focused on solving two different but interconnected technological problems: enhancing data communication networks and equitable access to technology. We tackle these problems with a human-centric lens, addressing a range of sub-problems, from access solutions that close the digital divide and simplify network usage for everyday users and administrators, to solutions that shape the future of technology access and education, advancing equity and inclusion

What inspires you to pursue a career in STEM, specifically in your field?

The rapid pace of current technological change defines our daily lives, underscoring the importance of STEM, especially computing science, in shaping the near- and long-term future. The opportunity to influence this future is what inspires me every day: through training excellent students who are about to start their journeys in tech, collaborating with esteemed colleagues from whom I continue to learn, and conducting research that contributes to building a more inclusive and impactful technological future.

Was there a defining moment, experience, or mentor that influenced your academic or professional path?

Not one defining moment, but rather a series of small yet important decisions that shaped my journey throughout my life, decisions influenced by my academic advisors, mentors, role models, and people who saw potential in me, believed in me, and supported both me and my work.

Which female role model in STEM inspires you?

I have been inspired by many remarkable women in STEM at different stages of my life. One I would like to highlight is Jennifer Rexford, currently a professor of computer science and Provost at Princeton University. She is a strong advocate for women in STEM and one of the leading scientists in networking research. Her work and mentorship have positively shaped my life and career in technology at several pivotal moments. I first met her at ACM SIGCOMM 2011 in Toronto, where she supported me during a difficult and defining moment in my career.

What aspects of your journey as a woman in science have most influenced your career and research approach?

Finding my people. By that, I mean being in spaces where I was given opportunities, where people believed in me, and where I received support when I needed it most. These spaces also allowed me to connect with the right people and access the resources needed to do important, and often difficult work. At the School of Computing Science at SFU, my efforts to advance diversity, inclusion, and equity in technology were supported through my role as Chair of the Diversity Committee (2019–2025). I was also later selected as a Rajan Family Scholar, which provided further financial support and affirmed that equity-focused work in technology education is valued. This opportunity also connected me with a community of Rajan Scholars, brilliant women at different stages of their careers, all committed to building a more inclusive, equitable, and responsible future in tech.

What advice do you have for women and girls who want to pursue a career in STEM?

For those fortunate enough to have many choices, being intentional and selective is important. Drawing on insights from entrepreneurship, I believe that aligning one’s passion, capabilities, and access to resources provides a strong foundation for career decisions. Equally important is the deliberate cultivation of a network of people who believe in you, share your values, and support your goals. Such networks can provide guidance during difficult decisions, defining moments, and times of uncertainty. With these elements in place, the possibilities are limitless.

Learn more about Ouldooz's research and contact her HERE.