From a Passion for Physics to Research: Silvia Andronic Inspires the Next Generation of Women in STEAM

Today, more and more girls are choosing to build their futures in STEAM fields—science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics. For Silvia Andronic, a researcher and university lecturer in physics at the Technical University of Moldova, this shift is both encouraging and essential. She believes that access to education, supportive teachers, and strong female role models can play a decisive role in shaping a young woman’s path toward a career in STEAM.

Silvia’s passion for physics and the exact sciences began during her school years and eventually led her to pursue an academic path initially focused on teaching.

"My interest in physics emerged in the early years of school, when I began discovering natural phenomena and asking questions about how the world around us works. The fact that I could understand and describe reality through mathematics gave me immense satisfaction and made me think: this is something I truly enjoy," she recalls.

Although she originally envisioned a career centered on teaching, her growing involvement in scientific activities and the experiences she gained along the way gradually drew her toward research—the field where she ultimately discovered her true passion. Today, Silvia successfully combines both dimensions of academic life, contributing to numerous research projects while also mentoring and inspiring a new generation of young women interested in pursuing careers in STEAM.

"When I was a student, I did not clearly imagine that I would become a researcher and university lecturer. However, throughout my university studies, my interest in research continued to grow. A career in academia came naturally, as an extension of my passion for physics and my desire to share knowledge with others," she says.

Silvia graduated in 2007 from Alexandru Donici Theoretical High School in Ciuciuleni, Hîncești district, before continuing her studies at the Faculty of Physics of Moldova State University. After completing her bachelor's and master's degrees, she pursued doctoral studies at the Technical University of Moldova, earning a PhD in Physical Sciences in 2016.

For Silvia, physics has always been more than a school subject. The teachers and mentors she encountered throughout her education played a crucial role in nurturing her curiosity and encouraging her desire to better understand the world.

"My teachers and mentors were instrumental in shaping my career path. Through their passion and dedication, they shared not only knowledge, but also a genuine love for physics. Their example and constant support contributed significantly to my professional development and reinforced my commitment to this field," says the physicist.

Her experience highlights how access to quality education, supportive educators, and mentorship opportunities can influence the way young women envision their futures. Silvia believes that encouraging girls to explore science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics is essential for increasing women’s participation in these sectors and challenging persistent stereotypes about their abilities in the exact sciences.

In the Republic of Moldova, gender norms and stereotypes continue to influence educational choices, contributing to gender segregation across different fields of study and employment. According to data from the National Bureau of Statistics, women account for more than 80 percent of the workforce in education and healthcare, while sectors such as information and communications technology (38.7%), transport (21.6%), and construction (6.8%) remain predominantly male-dominated.

This is why it is so important for girls to have access to inspiring role models, mentorship opportunities, and hands-on experiences that encourage them to explore STEAM fields and build confidence in their own abilities.

To help address these disparities, UN Women Moldova implements a range of initiatives aimed at encouraging girls and women to pursue education and careers in STEAM. Through competitions, mentorship programmes, career guidance activities, and networking opportunities, these interventions seek to bring young women closer to science and technology while strengthening their confidence in their own potential.

One such initiative is Her Journey, which highlights the stories of women who have succeeded in fields where women are often underrepresented, including agriculture, information and communication technologies, and real estate. During a recent Her Journey session, Silvia shared her academic and professional experience with more than 200 girls passionate about physics from 14 districts across the country. She spoke about the challenges, opportunities, and lessons that have shaped her career, offering participants valuable insights into STEAM fields and the pathways available to build a career in science.

"I believe it is important for young women to see examples that show them a career in science is possible. When you see women succeeding in these fields, it gives you greater confidence that such a path is accessible to you as well," says the researcher.

By sharing their experiences and achievements, women like Silvia are helping to advance gender equality in STEAM and inspiring a new generation of girls to pursue their ambitions without being limited by stereotypes.

This article was produced as part of the Her Journey initiative, implemented by UN Women Moldova with the financial support of Sweden.