Cadence Design Syst­ems, Inc. produces software, hardware and silicon structures for designing integrated circuits, systems on chips (SoCs) and printed circuit boards. The company’s Diversity in Technology Scholarship supports underrepresented groups in their pursuit of careers in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields.

Athena's research focuses on developing a fundamental understanding of the mechanism of neuromorphic devices and tailoring the device characteristics through material optimization and electrical testing engineering. She works at the Marcus Inorganic Cleanroom at Georgia Tech for semiconductor device fabrication and collaborates with industry partners to improve the performance of analog neuromorphic chips for deep learning applications.

“I am humbled to receive this scholarship, and it would not have been possible without the generous support from my advisor, Professor Eric M. Vogel,” said Athena. “I would also like to express my gratitude to Professor Samuel Graham, Jr. at the University of Maryland for his generous support. Finally, thanks to ECE for their support during my Ph.D.”

Outside the lab, Athena is active in Women in Electrical and Computer Engineering (WECE) and Women in Material Science and Engineering (WiMSE). She is actively involved in arranging outreach events to increase the involvement of women and minorities in technology, including a STEM workshop organized by WECE with support from the international rescue committee at Clarkston High School for students from refugee communities. She hopes to encourage minorities and females in STEM and semiconductor research.

All recipients of a Cadence scholarship are currently pursuing a technology-related degree, such as computer science, computer engineering, electrical engineering, and electronic engineering, and came highly recommended by their professors and advisors.