Curiosity Without Borders: Nobel Systems Celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science
- Feb 11
- 6 min read
On February 11, the world celebrates the International Day of Women and Girls in Science — a global movement recognizing the women who are advancing research, engineering, innovation, and technology across industries.
At Nobel Systems, this day is more than recognition. It is a reflection. It is gratitude. It is a celebration of the women across our teams in Bangalore, the Philippines, California, and Uzbekistan who bring intelligence, creativity, persistence, and purpose to science and technology every single day.
To mark the occasion, Nobel Systems asked the women across its global offices three simple questions:
What first sparked your interest in science, technology, or engineering?
How does your work create real-world impact, especially in water and infrastructure?
What advice would you give to girls and young women curious about science?
The responses were powerful reminders that science does not begin in laboratories. It begins with curiosity.
It Starts With Curiosity
For many of the women at Nobel Systems, the spark began in childhood.
“As a commerce student and a 90s kid, I always had an interest in computers and television. I was fascinated by the design and technology that made these things work. That curiosity sparked my interest in science and technology.”
— Vani Prasanna, Finance & Admin Manager
“My interest in science and technology was sparked by watching National Geographic documentaries and by the influence of my siblings, who encouraged my curiosity and interest from an early age.”
— Stephanie Naboye, Senior Geospatial Analyst
“As a kid, I dreamed of becoming an astronaut, which first sparked my interest in science. Over time, that dream shifted toward curiosity with the Earth and the processes that shape it, which eventually led me to pursue a degree in Geology.”
— Cheska Joi Vergara, Project Analyst
For others, it was the fascination with everyday technology:
“As a child, I was fascinated by how everyday devices like cell phones and washing machines worked.”
— Shree Deeksha N, GIS Analyst
“Seeing software control real hardware—like blinking an LED with a few lines of code—felt magical and got me hooked.”
— K Harshitha, Team Lead of Data Hosting, Configuration, and Testing
And sometimes, it wasn’t a single moment, but a pattern:
“For me, it wasn’t a single spark. It was a pattern I kept noticing. As a child, I was curious about even small things like how calculators, telephones, and televisions worked. That curiosity sparked my interest in science and engineering.”
— Kavyashree D M, Software Tester
Across continents and cultures, the common thread was simple: a desire to understand how things work.
Turning Knowledge Into Impact
Science becomes powerful when curiosity meets purpose.
At Nobel Systems, that purpose often centers on water and infrastructure — systems that communities rely on every day.
“As a computer engineer, my work helps improve water and infrastructure systems by making them smarter and more efficient. Using sensors, IoT, and data analytics, we can monitor water quality, detect leaks, and optimize distribution in real time. This reduces waste, lowers costs, and ensures safer, more reliable access to water and infrastructure for communities.”
— K Harshitha, Team Lead of Data Hosting, Configuration, and Testing
“I use science and technology to fix real problems in water and infrastructure—like improving reliability, reducing waste, and making sure systems work better for the people who rely on them every day.”
— Nethravathi R, Deputy Project Manager
My work in GIS (Geographic Information Systems) helps turn complex Earth data—like rivers, lakes, rainfall, groundwater levels, and infrastructure—into easy-to-understand maps and visual tools. These maps allow communities and governments to make smarter decisions about water management and infrastructure, such as planning irrigation systems, pipelines, or water-saving projects. By monitoring and analyzing these resources, my work ensures that water is used efficiently, risks are reduced, and future generations have access to safe, reliable water.
— R Srilalitha, GIS QC Manager
The impact extends beyond technology. It reaches communities.
"To me, what makes my work meaningful is helping smaller provinces in the Philippines, move from pen-and-paper processes to fully digitized systems. Many of these areas have limited resources, so even small improvements make a big difference. By leading a project that delivers a system like GeoViewer, we help them manage their water and infrastructure data more efficiently, respond to issues faster, and reduce errors. Seeing the transformation, where districts that once relied on manual notes can now visualize their entire water system, track assets, and make data-driven decisions, is incredibly rewarding. Being part of their journey toward digitization and modern, reliable service shows the real-world impact of the work I do."
— RC Ignacio, Senior Project Manager
"I work closely with clients to connect new technologies with real water management needs. I help them understand and trust these tools so they can use data-driven solutions to make water systems more efficient and sustainable."
— Stephanie Naboye, Senior Geospatial Analyst
Even in testing and quality assurance roles, impact is tangible:
“Technology helps make real world impact by ensuring the faster & safer constructions without putting workers at risk, and it also ensures to provide better quality construction.”
— Ramya M, Senior Software Tester
Whether designing GIS systems, analyzing geospatial data, or testing software, these women contribute to safer infrastructure, smarter water management, and more resilient communities.
Science, in their hands, is not abstract. It is applied.
Advice to the Next Generation: Start Small. Stay Curious.
If there is one theme that echoes louder than any other, it is this: You do not need to know everything to begin.
“Start small and stay curious—you don’t need to know everything to begin. Believe that you belong in science, find role models or mentors, and remember that curiosity and persistence matter more than being perfect.”
— K Harshitha, Team Lead of Data Hosting, Configuration, and Testing
“You don’t have to be ‘good at science’ to start. Just be curious, ask questions, and try things. Everyone begins somewhere.”
— Nethravathi R, Deputy Project Manager
“Curiosity is enough. You don’t need to have a clear plan or feel confident from the beginning. Start with what genuinely interests you, take small steps, and allow yourself to learn as you go. If you stay curious and keep going, even when it feels uncomfortable, you’ll find your place and your purpose along the way.”
— Gemma Pelagio, Vice President of Projects
Many emphasized exploration:
“Learn from every possible source—books, the internet, exhibitions, and science expos. Seek guidance from parents and teachers and explore every available platform wisely.”
— I. Deena, GIS Engineer
“Start with what sparks your curiosity, whether it’s space, animals, or technology. Watch educational videos, join science communities, and experiment. Science is built on curiosity.”
— Roopa H S, Senior Software Tester
And perhaps most importantly, the reminder that fear should never hold you back:
“Whenever I dip my toes into something new, I always remind myself that there’s no such thing as a stupid question. There will always be at least one person willing to help; you just have to ask. And in this digital age, we’re privileged enough to have millions of resources right at our fingertips; it's important we learn how to use them. You don’t need to take a huge leap to get started in something, not just in science; sometimes it’s the small choices, the small steps, that add up to something big and meaningful. If you stay curious and keep asking, you’ll be surprised by how far you can go.”
— RC Ignacio, Senior Project Manager
“Don’t be afraid to start small. Curiosity is more important than confidence at the beginning.”
— Dilnoza Juratova, Dispatcher @ Uzbekistan
The message is universal: science belongs to the curious, not just the confident.
A Global Movement. A Shared Purpose
From Bangalore to California, from the Philippines to Uzbekistan, the women of Nobel Systems represent something larger than individual achievement.
They represent progress.
They represent equity in industries where representation still matters.
They represent the next generation of scientists, engineers, analysts, and technologists who are not only participating in science but, shaping it.
On this International Day of Women and Girls in Science, Nobel Systems celebrates their voices, their journeys, and their impact.
Because innovation does not happen in isolation.
It happens when curiosity is nurtured.
When questions are welcomed.
When opportunities are accessible.
When girls see women who look like them building the future.
At Nobel Systems, the commitment extends beyond celebration. It is about continuing to build an environment where women in science and technology can thrive — today and for generations to come.
Today, they are celebrated.
Tomorrow, they continue shaping the world.
And every day, they prove that curiosity truly knows no borders.
About Nobel Systems
Nobel Systems, Inc. is a leader in Cloud GIS and Smart Utility Solutions, delivering innovative mapping technology, data services, and strategic consulting to support sustainable public service operations. Founded in 1992 and headquartered in Redlands, California, Nobel Systems, Inc. serves clients across the United States and internationally.
Learn more at www.nobel-systems.com
