Building Belonging: My Experience in Informatics and the Makerspace
As a woman studying in the University of Edinburgh’s School of Informatics, I’ve often felt like the odd one out. Informatics, and especially computer science, is still a field largely dominated by men, and this can sometimes feel isolating. There have been times when I’ve felt that my voice wasn’t heard as much, or that my opinions weren’t as valued by my male peers. It’s not always easy to speak up in a space with so few women, and there are moments when I’ve questioned whether I belong.
However, some things that have helped me navigate these challenges are getting involved in the Makerspace and becoming an ambassador for Scottish Women in Informatics. Over the summer, I had the opportunity to complete an Edinburgh Award in the Makerspace, where I was able to get hands-on experience with various technologies and projects. The Makerspace is an incredible environment for creativity and learning. It’s a place where students can get involved with exciting projects, such as 3D printing, laser cutting, and robotics. These can be projects that students are working on as part of their degree, or simply a personal project they are passionate about.
Students can drop by the Makerspace on level 3 of Appleton Tower, at any time to see what’s going on, get involved, or even just chat with the friendly team. The Makerspace team is always enthusiastic about new projects and loves helping students develop their skills. It’s also a great space to explore opportunities like the Edinburgh Award, which makes a great addition to the CV. During my time in the Makerspace, I worked on various projects, including learning to use the new 3D Bambu printers that print in multiple colours. I was given the creative freedom to choose what I wanted to print while learning how to operate the printers, and among other things, I chose to print a log cabin and a highland cow. (Photos of these are included below!) Getting involved with the Makerspace has allowed me to meet and collaborate with people from different backgrounds, including other women in the field. This experience has helped me build confidence in my technical skills and has given me a greater sense of belonging within the Informatics community.
Being an ambassador for Scottish Women in Informatics has also been an empowering experience. As an ambassador, I get to engage with prospective students and help create a more welcoming and inclusive environment for women who are interested in studying in the School of Informatics at the University. It’s inspiring to see how many women are passionate about technology and eager to get involved in this field. I’ve also learned the importance of supporting and encouraging each other, especially in a space where women are still underrepresented.
Through these experiences, I’ve learned the value of respecting and being confident in my own opinions. It’s easy to second-guess yourself in a male-dominated space, but I’ve come to realise that my perspective is just as valuable as anyone else’s. I’ve also learned that there is strength in numbers, and getting involved in societies and embracing opportunities like those from engaging with the Makerspace can help you find your voice and connect with others who share your passions and challenges.
I want to encourage other women in Informatics, or those considering the field, to get involved in spaces like the Makerspace or consider becoming an ambassador to meet like-minded people and grow confidence. For those interested, you can find the Makerspace on level 3 of Appleton Tower or visit the Makerspace SharePoint to access a range of resources and contact information. Additionally, becoming an ambassador offers a great opportunity to build connections and develop your leadership skills. It’s important to build support networks and remember that you belong here just as much as anyone else. While the journey may sometimes feel isolating, there are communities and opportunities that can help you grow and thrive. The key is to respect your voice, trust in your abilities, and connect with others who share similar experiences.

One of the Bambu mini printers in action, printing with 4 colours.

The log cabin and highland cow I printed for fun!