Every month we ask one individual in our network a few questions about their way into tech, their motivation and their lessons learned.
Let’s start from the beginning. Tell us about where you’re from!
I am from Switzerland, more specifically the canton of Zurich, out in the countryside. I grew up with three sisters. Both my parents worked. My mother worked as a finance officer, and my father a machinery mechanic – both very hands-on, practical people.
My mother often recalls how someone used to call her “Herr Steuersekretär”, unable to imagine a woman in that role – and that story has always stuck with me. Her resilience in overcoming such biases, along with my father’s technical determination, instilled in me a strong sense of practicality, tenacity, and the importance of challenging the status quo.
As I progressed through school, these values guided me in my path toward further education, eventually leading me to study Computer Science (MSc in Computer Science with concentration in Information Systems/Business Informatics) at the University of Zurich (MSc and PhD).
Throughout my career, I have moved between academia and industry – as a researcher, software engineer, and technical project lead – bridging innovation with real-world application. That blend made my current role of Professor in Data Science at FHNW School of Computer Science an ideal fit, where research and education meet industry through applied research projects that bring innovation to companies
What valuable advice did you get from your parents?
From my mother and grandmother, I learned the power of financial independence – they taught me that earning your own money is not just practical, it is a way to create freedom and possibility, especially for women. My grandmother sometimes took us with her to work, and I loved every moment of it. She was the one who got me my very first job at 14, all because I wanted a snowboard and she suggested buying it myself through earning money. Her simple yet powerful idea: earn it yourself. From that moment on, I always worked alongside school and later during my studies. That early encouragement to take initiative and create my opportunities has stayed with me ever since.
How did you become interested in tech?
In our family, we did a lot of do-it-ourselves, especially when it came to building or working on the house. Since we were four sisters, we had little bias on stereotypical work, everyone did hands-on work in the house and the garage. All of us learned how to use screwdrivers, drills, and so on. (I loved making crafts, in particular hand-made jewelry, including making the beads myself.) But also, everyone learned cooking and doing the housework.
My dad played a key role in sparking my interest in computers. Through him, I got access to a computer as a young girl. My father used to explain to me how to use the computer, and we were allowed to play games, which was fun, and on vacations, we took turns with my sisters in playing. Thanks to him, I was always one of the first in class who knew about computers, and in my “pre-computer science career,” I created magazines of sports clubs I was part of, including layout and editorial responsibilities – designed and edited digitally on the computer.
After the matura, I had a hard time choosing what to study. I liked so many things. Painting and arts, sports, math, and biology. and at one point someone told me: why don’t you study computer science, in the future all the graphics/visualizations will be on the computer/digital. That is how I chose to study Computer Science.
How do you recall the early stage of your study when learning programming and “getting comfortable with tech”?
Another female friend from my Matura class started the studies together with me, and I still remember the first time we were trying to do our programming exercise. We did not even know how to run and execute our code. I felt like having two “left hands”. At the beginning of studying, I did the math exercises for a friend, and he helped me with the programming. Later, I started to like programming, but it required a certain amount of practice. It kept me motivated to learn programming by allowing me to work on fun, creative projects. For example, the virtual reconstruction of fossils using medical imaging approaches sparked my interest, and during my studies, I even reconstructed a virtual bog body for a museum project.
In your current role as a professor in Data Science, what trends in data science are you most excited about, and how are you preparing your students to address these trends?
Since my studies, I have been fascinated by medical imaging. With advances in AI and the growing availability of high-quality data, automated analysis of such images has become more accurate and impactful. Automation has also been a consistent thread in my professional life, especially in the context of digital transformation.
Currently, I am involved in several projects and teaching activities focused on using AI methods to segment and quantify structures in (medical) images. In parallel, I lead projects focused on building digitization, developing digital twins that allow automated heat demand analysis for energy certification and renovation planning. Inspired by my family’s hands-on approach to improving their own homes, this work feels like a natural extension of that mindset, now brought into the digital realm.
As someone with experience in both academia and the tech industry, how do you think diversity, particularly gender diversity, impacts the field of data science and digital health?
Today, I spoke with a female colleague who emphasized that women in tech leadership roles should not mimic traditional, male-dominated structures, but instead shape a more inclusive and authentic work culture. This means moving away from rigid hierarchies toward collaborative, value-driven approaches, where sharing, openness, and empathy lead to stronger teams and better outcomes.
A former colleague once told me that the team spirit improved after I joined, and many male colleagues have expressed a desire for more women in tech, though they are unsure how to support that change. At the same time, many women leave tech due to unwelcoming work environments.
What steps can be taken to create more inclusive environments for underrepresented groups in these fields?
When working toward inclusion, it is essential to actively listen to underrepresented groups – ask about their perspectives, needs, and experiences. True understanding begins with genuine curiosity and a willingness to ask questions. Create space for their voices to be heard and valued.
At the same time, fostering a sense of belonging can start with small, meaningful gestures – like discovering shared interests or inviting someone to lunch or an event. These personal connections help build trust and demonstrate that inclusion is not just a concept, but something lived through everyday interactions.
Have you ever had a role model that inspired you on your path?
For me, my mother and grandmother (see above) were important role models. They were both actively working but still had a family and kids. They were and still are strong women. Also, one of my female friends who studied with me (see above) is a role model for me. She is very successful in work and life.
One female role model I found inspiring to read about is Dame Stephanie Shirley. In the 1960s, she founded Freelance Programmers, a software company in the UK, where she fostered a business culture built on trust, flexibility, and the belief that success should be shared. She created space for women in tech through remote, flexible work long before it was mainstream. Her values of inclusion and giving back shaped a company where purpose and collaboration thrived – and where sharing success was just as important as achieving it. She initially signed her name as “Steve” in business correspondence to overcome gender bias. She successfully sold her company later and became a philanthropist.
What aspects of your work are you proudest of?
What I am most proud of is the way my journey has allowed me to become an enabler – someone who helps others grow in their professional lives and through technology. As a Professor in Data Science, I guide students and young professionals alike, and there is deep joy in watching them develop confidence and skills.
My career was not planned step by step; many opportunities arose from chance encounters (happenstance) – like meeting someone on the street who led me to a new job, or receiving a recommendation to apply for a role I had not considered, which I then pursued and got. I have always chosen paths where I could keep learning, even when they pushed me far outside my comfort zone. For example, one of my former bosses once asked me: “Susanne, would you take over this project? It is in trouble, and we need someone to get it back on track”. I did not want the project at first – I was not familiar with the technology they used – but I knew it was my responsibility to step in and get it back on track. Together with a great team, we managed to satisfy the customer again, and once it was running smoothly, I handed it over to someone else.
I am also proud of my dissertation, where I managed to introduce a specific framework for compression and real-time reconstruction of interactive 3D visualization in a new way. I could explore different aspects of that framework and nicely connect them to a “Gesamtwerk”. I was never a student with good grades, I just made sure I passed. But this time, I got the highest grade and won the annual dissertation award from the faculty.
I am also proud of the strong, authentic network I have built throughout my life, especially because networking once intimidated me. As a young person, I set myself a simple rule to connect with just one person at each event. Over time, that grew into a meaningful community, shaped not just by intention but by shared experiences from study, sports, and work. Most importantly, it feels good every time I can connect to people with shared interests.
Finally, what makes me especially proud is when I can inspire young people, especially girls, to engage with technology. Just recently, my 2.5-year-old daughter asked if she could play again with “that thing from work” – a small robot I use in my teaching. Moments like that remind me why my work matters.
What drives you at work?
During a multimedia presentation in my studies, they demonstrated how a fossil could be virtually reconstructed from an empty stone, using computed tomography to reveal the shape of a bone that had long since disappeared. That moment sparked something in me – I knew I wanted to explore this field myself. From then on, I actively looked for opportunities to work on such projects myself during my studies and work. Still now, I have a passion and fascination with medical tomography imaging. That is my favorite field (specialty), and I have worked with many different types of such images so far. I love imaging and visualization topics.
I have always been someone who is passionate about a field – not tied to an institution, but driven by curiosity and the desire to turn innovation into practice. I am very much a hands-on, learning-by-doing person. What I truly love about my job is its multifaceted and interconnected nature – research fuels teaching, and teaching feeds back into research. I constantly learn from the people around me: companies, hospitals, collaborators, colleagues, employees, or students alike.
At FHNW, we offer a modern approach to studying Data Science at the bachelor’s level. Students receive assignments and study materials, working independently or in groups to explore the content. Instead of traditional lectures, contact hours are used for targeted inputs, open discussions, and in-depth questions, fostering a more active and engaged learning experience. Recently, we have introduced a “mixed zone,” where students and staff share the same space for work and collaboration. This setup lowers barriers and encourages spontaneous, timely conversations – right when support is most needed – while promoting a collaborative, coaching-style exchange at eye level. To me, this style of learning closely mirrors real-world industry practice, and I truly enjoy the dynamic exchange it fosters.
What has been your toughest challenge you faced while working in tech?
Below, I share a few experiences from my journey as a woman in computer science that highlight some of the challenges along the way.
Early on in my career, we worked on a project together with four people: two women, two men. In the end, a TV documentary about our project was made. How exciting. But then, the female editor wanted only to record the two men, not the females. I even had to instruct my male colleague on how he had to navigate through my tools such that he could demonstrate it for the camera. It even felt odd for my colleague.
One memorable – and somewhat amusing – moment: I was presenting an algorithm at a conference, and the moderator introduced my talk by saying, “Now, Mr. Suter will present…” There was a noticeable ripple of surprise in the room when a woman stepped up to the podium.
Women are less frequently considered/thought of as experts if they are specialized in a field. A former work colleague once told me he made a hidden experiment. He asked colleagues to name someone knowledgeable about a specific topic – one in which he knew I had expertise – he was curious to see how many would mention my name. The result? Almost no one did, and if anyone did, it was only as a second thought.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast?
I am a heavy audio-book listener, but I usually listen to non-techie stuff.
One book that significantly influenced how I approach networking is Never Eat Alone by Keith Ferrazzi and Tahl Raz.
The memoir of Dame Stephanie Shirley, Let It Go, offers a powerful reflection on the journey, resilience, and legacy of an early female tech pioneer.
What advice would you give other women in tech?
I highly recommend connecting with female communities and attending events – it has always felt incredibly empowering to be surrounded by other women in tech. For example, communities like WE SHAPE TECH or the WeTechTogether conference have given me a strong sense of belonging. Being in these spaces makes it easier for me to connect, to share opportunities – like recommending women for roles I know about – and to feel less like an outlier in a still male-dominated field. There is something uniquely encouraging about exchanging experiences with others who understand the challenges and share similar goals.
I also encourage actively hosting and engaging in female tech communities. It is a great way to build networks and increase visibility. I used to host Women in Digital Health events when I worked for Supercomputing Systems. Everyone enjoyed the exchange, and at the same time, got to know the company – a true win-win situation.
I also learned a lot through a workshop facilitated by Schweizerische Vereinigung der Ingenieurinnen SVIN where they taught us how to navigate the male-dominated tech field and what matters to women.
And what advice would you give women not yet working in tech that want to enter the field?
Attending tech events or exhibitions can help you discover which tech field or application domain truly excites you. Seeing what others in the tech community are working on can be incredibly inspiring and may reveal the area that really draws you in. Many women are especially motivated by the purpose or domain where technology is applied—so take note of the areas where you’d like to make an impact through tech. In my own work, I actually spend more time with people than with computers, because it is just as important to understand what people need from technology, how they interact with it, and how to guide them in using it effectively.
Volunteering at events like WeTechTogether is also a great way to connect with peers and hear about their paths, or to get up close with prominent role models, often by supporting them directly before their talks. These personal conversations can be deeply motivating. And if you are curious about learning to code, communities like Code Excursion offer a welcoming, female-driven environment to get started.
