I have been with Ansys for nearly 15 years. I earned my doctorate in electromagnetics and antenna design at the University of Mississippi and then completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Université du Québec en Outaouais.
How I’d Explain My Job to a Kindergartener
Imagine I'm a superhero who ensures that invisible waves, like those used in cellphones or Wi-Fi, travel optimally. At Ansys, I use a special computer tool (like a super-smart robot) to check how these invisible waves move through the air and objects. I make sure that the waves don’t get stuck or lost during travel, testing and fixing everything before the waves go out into the world. This helps ensure that phones, radios, and even remote-controlled cars work perfectly.
What I Actually Do
As a principal technical specialist at Ansys, I specialize in radio-frequency (RF) and electromagnetics (EM) simulations. I help engineers understand electromagnetics simulation for RF, antenna, microwave, and signal integrity applications using Ansys Electronics products.
Portrait of me
Drawing From My Past Heritage
As the daughter of an Egyptian mother and an Iraqi father, I grew up in a culturally rich environment. Exposure to the intricate engineering feats of ancient civilizations — whether the architectural marvels of the pyramids or the innovative water management systems of Mesopotamia — sparked my curiosity about how the fusion of culture and engineering can create lasting legacies. With deep respect for both my Egyptian and Iraqi roots, my approach to engineering blends traditional values with modern innovation, honoring the past while shaping the future.
Showcasing the Ansys Cloud computing platform at the innovation conference in Santa Clara, California
Why I Choose Ansys
What drew me to Ansys was the promise of continuous learning and development. Ansys offers training programs and exposure to new technologies, allowing me to develop my skills and advance my career. Working in a dynamic, evolving industry, I have the chance to be part of impactful projects and see firsthand how our tools can transform work, save time, and reduce costs.
Celebrating the Americas Ansys Customer Excellence employee award
Our ONE Ansys Culture
What I find empowering about working at Ansys is the trust placed in me to take ownership of my projects and responsibilities. Ansys encourages me to take initiative, make decisions, and contribute my ideas to shape the direction of my work. This supportive environment allows me to thrive and feel confident in my contributions.
Sense of Belonging
I would have to say the acceptance, recognition, appreciation, and sense of camaraderie are all qualities that foster a sense of belonging at work. I was recently honored at our sales conference with an Ansys Customer Excellence (ACE) Employee of the Year award, which further highlights these values.
Transitioning from a +50°C climate to snowshoeing in -30°C definitely requires courage.
Our Shared Values
While all of our Ansys values are important, if I had to choose one, it would be “Be Courageous.” This value resonates deeply with me, as it aligns with my core belief in moving forward with passion. I strive to maintain authenticity, discover new and exciting opportunities, and explore new avenues at every corner. Being courageous inspires me to take risks, innovate, and push boundaries in everything I do.
Fulfilling Our Mission
I am committed to offering holistic solutions to address our customers’ engineering challenges. By fostering collaboration with our partners, we aim to drive innovation, expedite growth, and deliver results that truly matter to customers.
My Best Advice
I recommend that any new team member ask questions, seek as many opportunities as possible to learn about the tools and customers’ technologies, and meet new people.
Getting Involved
I am a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE).
What You Might Not Know
I played piano when I was a little girl, played guitar as a young adult, and crafted pottery as a teenager. I enjoy family camping and barbecuing during summer weekends.
Barbecuing with engineering skills
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“Working in a dynamic, evolving industry, I have the chance to be part of impactful projects and see firsthand how our tools can transform work, save time, and reduce costs.”
— Laila Salman, principal application engineer, Ansys
