Professor Marta Bez

Marta Bez holds a PhD in Informatics in Education from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Sul – UFRGS (2013), with a Masters in Computer Science from the Pontifical Catholic University of Rio Grande do Sul – PUCRS (2001) and a degree in Technology in Data Processing from the Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos – UNISINOS (1991). She is a professor at Feevale University in the Computer Science and Information Systems Degree Programs, in Medicine, and in the Professional Masters in Creative Industry, and is currently a fellowship holder in Productivity in Technological Development and Innovative Extension from the CNPq – Level 2. 

Her interest in research focuses on Technologies in Health and in Education, carrying out several projects in the area of pedagogical material development mediated by technology and of new technologies applied to teaching in Health. 

Throughout her career, she has received several acknowledgments and awards for her researches, such as the Destaque da Revista Brasileira de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde (“Highlight of the Brazilian Journal of Technological Innovation in Health), from the Federal University of Rio Grande do Norte (2020); the Melhor Artigo da Revista Brasileira de Inovação Tecnológica em Saúde (Best Article from the Brazilian Journal  of Technological Innovation in Health) award (2020); the Melhor Artigo do Congresso Ibero-americano Interdisciplinar de Economia Criativa (Best Article from the Interdisciplinary Ibero-American Congress on Creative Economy) award (2020); the Best Article from the Innovation Tech Knowledge award (2020, among others. 

Marta explains that she took an interest in these areas when she was still very young, and personal computers and laptops didn’t exist. According to her, “the constant challenge made me study all the time and specialize. I believe that the challenge moves me, encourages me, and to this day makes me want to be constantly studying. In academia, I can pass on some of my knowledge, encouraging girls to become interested in the area, to realize they can grow as professionals and humans. Each girl we can bring into the field is a victory, they challenge themselves and feel empowered.” 

Regarding the presence of more women in STEM areas, Marta considers that, for many years, these areas were intended mostly for men, which was a mistake, because “[…] men and women are competent and have important characteristics.” The professor stresses the important of the presence of both in STEM areas, because “[…] they complement each other and can develop together an excellent work.” In addition, when showing the importance of women in STEM, more girls can be encouraged to study and work in these areas.