Women in Research #LINO24: Sapir Bitton

Sapir from Israel is a PhD student at the Technion – Israel Institute of Technology in Haifa, Israel.

Her research focuses on organic electronic devices based on electronic-ionic conduction. She has studied the effects of halides and their chemical reactions on the performance and stability of perovskite solar cells. Additionally, she has explored the impact of counterions on the performance and current distribution in organic electrochemical transistors.

Sapir participated in the 73^rd Lindau Nobel Laureate Meeting.

Enjoy the interview with Sapir and get inspired:

What inspired you to pursue a career in science / in your discipline?

From a young age, I’ve been fascinated by the world around me, always eager to understand how things work. The world felt like a puzzle I needed to solve. I chose to study electrical engineering because it offers a diverse and comprehensive foundation in various fields, such as physics, signals, communications, software, and hardware. After completing the basic courses, I specialized in nanoelectronics. What particularly captivates me about nanoelectronics is its focus, among other things, on developing medical and environmental solutions aimed at improving quality of life and preserving our planet.

Who are your role models?

Several women truly inspire me. When I think of strong women, my grandmothers immediately come to mind. My grandmother, Hanna Hausman, was born in Lithuania and survived the Holocaust by hiding under a false identity while saving her little sister. Despite the immense tragedy of losing her entire extended family, she showed incredible resilience. My other grandmother, Miriam Bitton, faced her own challenges, immigrating to Israel alone from Morocco at just 15 years old due to the persecution of Jews. Both of them raised wonderful families and accomplished so much through their strength and spirit. They are strong women who succeeded in life despite all the obstacles, paving the way for future generations.
In the scientific field, Ada Yonath, the Israeli Nobel Prize winner in Chemistry in 2009, is a major inspiration. I was 17 years old when she won the Nobel, and as an Israeli girl aspiring to a scientific career, I was thrilled to hear about her win. Yonath’s research on the structure and function of the ribosome is both fascinating and crucial.

How did you get to where you are in your career path?

From a young age, I have always been passionate about science. My journey began with participating in scientific activities in elementary school and focusing on physics and computer science in high school. I knew my future lay in science, but I wasn’t sure which direction to take until I watched a captivating TED Talk on future technologies in electronic clothing and nanodevices. This talk sparked my interest, and I wanted to understand how these technologies work and be part of their development. A Google search revealed that the relevant field was nanoelectronics, and to pursue this interest, I was recommended to study electrical engineering. Motivated by this new goal, I earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering from the Technion. During my bachelor’s studies, I gained valuable industry experience working as a physical design engineer at Apple.

After completing my undergraduate degree, I pursued an advanced degree under the supervision of the remarkable Professor Nir Tessler, focusing on electronic devices made from organic materials. I then proceeded to the direct PhD track, specializing in simulations of devices based on electronic-ionic conduction.

What is the coolest project you have worked on and why?

I easily fall in love with every project I take part in. The research on the next generation of solar cells and OECTs fascinates me.

Beyond the research, guiding students to fabricate and characterize electronic devices is incredibly exciting. In the laboratory, students encounter electronic devices in a tangible way for the first time, having previously studied them only in theory. When they measure the currents in a transistor or see the light emitted from an LED, it’s truly thrilling! Watching the theory and equations come to life through the fabrication of the devices is undoubtedly the coolest part of the lab.

What’s a time you felt immense pride in yourself / your work?

It’s hard for me to measure the quality of my work, and I don’t often feel particularly proud of myself. However, I do experience moments of happiness when I discover an interesting phenomenon in the results, one that hasn’t been explained before.

What is a “day in the life” of you like?

My daily schedule depends on the stage of my research, which involves building simulations, analyzing results, drawing conclusions, reviewing literature, and writing papers. This work requires long hours in front of the computer. My weekly routine also includes guiding labs and teaching as a TA, as well as various volunteering activities, such as tutoring undergraduate students in physics and mathematics and organizing enrichment activities for the graduate students in my faculty.

What are you seeking to accomplish in your career?

I hope that every role I undertake will be filled with interest and purpose. The world of research is abundant with unsolved and intriguing questions, the answers to which can significantly improve our world. I aim to continue my research and contribute to the development of electronic devices that help preserve our planet and enhance human longevity.

What do you like to do when you’re not doing research?

I enjoy going for walks, especially in nature. I love spending time with my partner and our one-year-old son, watching him slowly discover the world and laugh heartily at the little things. Additionally, I enjoy spending time with friends, having a beer, engaging in conversations, and playing fun board games.

What advice do you have for other women interested in science / in your discipline?

I believe the path to academic success requires a significant investment of time and self-confidence. It’s important to understand that encountering difficulties is normal; the world of research is full of ups and downs, and this is the reality for most of us. Stay confident in your path, work hard, and eventually, the results will come.

In your opinion, what will be the next great breakthrough in science / in your discipline?

I anticipate that the next breakthrough in electronic devices will involve the development of stable devices based on electronic-ionic conduction. These devices hold immense potential for advancements in biomedicine and neuromorphic applications. For example, they could serve as biological sensors to monitor cardiac or brain activities, track blood components, and even optimize hardware for neural networks in AI, thereby reducing energy consumption.

What should be done to increase the number of female scientists and professors?

Unfortunately, electrical engineering still carries the stereotype of being a male-dominated profession, resulting in a low percentage of women pursuing studies in this field. This disparity largely stems from a lack of awareness about the subject matter and societal tendencies to steer women toward ‘softer’ professions that emphasize interpersonal skills. These biases begin early in childhood when girls are often encouraged to play with dolls while boys are given toy cars. Studies also indicate that elementary school teachers often treat male and female students differently in mathematics. Achieving gender equality and increasing the number of women in electrical engineering requires a significant shift in societal attitudes. Encouraging female students from an early age to explore and excel in mathematics and science subjects is crucial. Although progress has been made, there is still much to be done. In the meantime, exposing female students to scientific content and providing them with role models in the field can spark their interest and demonstrate that a career in science can be both fulfilling and enjoyable.

As a woman in the science field, I feel a strong obligation to pass my passion on to other young females. Along with other women in science, I share my experiences with female students, starting from the fifth grade to the critical stage just before they choose subjects for their matriculation exams. The interest and motivation we inspire in these students make me optimistic about the future of women in science.