Case Study 2

Donia – Engineering Dreams Beyond Barriers

Donia is a 21-year-old computer engineering student from Alexandria, Egypt, enrolled at the Arab Academy for Science and Technology. From an early age, she dreamt of pursuing a career in mathematics and technology. Her academic journey began in the traditional on-campus setting. Still, her life took a dramatic turn when she suffered a spinal cord injury that left her in a wheelchair with limited upper body mobility. 

Despite the severity of her injury, Donia remained determined to continue her education. She transitioned to online learning and continued her computer engineering studies while undergoing daily physiotherapy. Her resilience, dedication, and structured routine became key to balancing academic challenges with medical commitments.

Challenges in the STEM Journey

Donia faced a combination of challenges:

  • Physical limitations due to her spinal injury.
  • Gender biases, with some male peers assuming leadership in technically demanding group
    tasks.
  • Emotional trauma, including the recent loss of her father, her primary emotional and physical
    supporter.
  • Workload and mental strain are associated with demanding coursework and long project
    hours.

Yet, her passion for STEM remained unshaken. She chose to push forward for herself and in honor of her late father’s dream of seeing her walk again.

Support System and Motivation

Initially, Donia’s family had concerns about her career choice due to its intensity and male-dominated nature. However, her persistence earned their support. Her father’s unwavering belief in her capabilities was a driving force behind her perseverance. His death became a transformational moment, deepening her resolve and fueling her motivation.

Looking Ahead

Donia is optimistic about her future in technology. She acknowledges the advantages of working in a digitally enabled field with remote opportunities and aims to break barriers not just for herself, but for other women and individuals with disabilities in STEM.

Teaching Objectives

  1. Highlight the intersection of gender, disability, and resilience in STEM fields.
  2. Stimulate discussion around inclusive education and workplace environments.
  3. Reflect on personal motivation, time management, and emotional intelligence in overcoming adversity.

Discussion Questions

  1. What leadership qualities has Donia demonstrated throughout her journey?
  2. How can academic institutions better support students facing physical or emotional challenges?
  3. In what ways can STEM workplaces become more inclusive for people with disabilities?
  4. How does Donia’s case challenge common gender stereotypes in engineering?
  5. What role does family support play in career persistence, particularly for young women in demanding fields?
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