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What is your proudest accomplishment as a leader?
My proudest accomplishment professionally was when I was leading a complex research project that involved NASA astronauts while simulating space missions. The research took place in an underwater habitat, where the participants lived for 10 days and conducted many complex tasks and experiments. After leading the research project, I was asked by NASA to be part of the next similar space simulation mission, working together with NASA and ESA astronauts as part of the mission as well as conducting research projects. My proudest personal accomplishment as a leader is that I trained my cows to listen to me just like puppies.

What is the one piece of advice you’d give to other aspiring women leaders?
Trust your instincts and think outside of the box. Sometimes, the conventional ways to solve specific problems are not the best ways to solve them.

What inspires you most about your work or your industry?
What inspires me the most is knowing that the research that I do and the products I create change lives. Knowing that my research findings are bringing new solutions (e.g. new ways to help neuroregeneration after brain injury) or contradict with previous assumptions (e.g., manta rays` coloration changes and not permanent) keeps me motivated when difficulties arise. Feedback from my customers, how my products improved their lives in so many ways, inspires me to continue to create new products and learn about business. or just seeing their face light up when they try my products because they did not expect that they actually taste good makes all the hard work worth it.

Who is a woman from history (or your own life) who has inspired you, and why?
Amelia Earhart. She excelled in a world where mostly males dominated, did not back down in front of great challenges, she had audacious plans and accomplished great achievements that no women did before her.

In one word, how would you describe the legacy you want to leave as a leader?
Audacious

Share a favorite quote that motivates you.
“Luck favors the prepared.”