The role of university tutors in challenges with schools
Salerno hosted one of the stops on the national tour of Coding Girls with the hackathon “Rethink. Artificial intelligence & design thinking at the service of the territory”, held at the Department of Computer Science of the University of Salerno. Around 450 students from 15 secondary schools in Campania were involved in a creative challenge, with the aim of designing services and activities capable of generating value for the community, using artificial intelligence as a strategic ally.
The hackathon was the final stage of a nine-hour training course, part of the Ital.IA Lab project promoted by Fondazione Mondo Digitale and Microsoft Italia. The initiative aims to spread awareness of the opportunities offered by generative artificial intelligence and provide skills for its sustainable and inclusive use, with a particular focus on women and southern Italy. The programme involved a total of over 600 students, 19 schools and 15 young tutors, including master's students, doctoral students and PhD students from the Universities of Salerno and Cagliari. In addition to training and competition, the project offered important opportunities for discussion with role models and local companies, creating a valuable opportunity for guidance and inspiration, with the aim of promoting more equitable access to STEM careers.
The energy of the trainers
A key element in the success of this event was the role of the young trainers, or “university tutors”, who worked alongside the students, guiding them through the design thinking method. These young mentors, many of whom were women, acted as a bridge between the academic world and high schools, passing on not only technical knowledge but also passion and an informed vision of the digital future. Their testimonials offer a deep insight into what motivated them to embark on this adventure.
The stories and perspectives of the trainers in Salerno reveal a common denominator: a deep passion for computer science and artificial intelligence, combined with a desire to share this passion and contribute to a more inclusive future.
Annamaria Basile, 24, a student of Software Engineering & IT Management at the University of Salerno, chose her course of study because of her curiosity about computer science and her desire to continuously learn, develop innovative solutions and combine logic, creativity and problem-solving. She is fascinated by the continuous evolution of computer science. She joined Coding Girls because she believes it is essential to promote the presence of women in computer science. She hopes to acquire new skills and inspire other girls. AI is already an integral part of her education and her life, and she believes that in the future its impact will be even more profound, transforming work, study and interaction with digital technology. She describes herself as curious, determined and enterprising.
Ludovica Genovese has also always loved tinkering with computers, finding the digital world fascinating, especially the way it is built through code. She is fascinated by being able to manage the birth, creation and maintenance of programmes. Her mother is her source of motivation, for her perseverance in achieving her goals.
She chose Coding Girls because the world of IT is still too closed to women and she believes that more steps need to be taken to raise awareness and bring girls closer to this world. Carmela Pia Senatore, who studies computer science with a focus on data science and machine learning, is fascinated by data analysis and the potential of AI in solving complex problems.
She likes the ability to extract knowledge from data and use intelligent algorithms to solve problems. She is inspired by figures such as Alan Turing and Geoffrey Hinton for their contribution to innovation. She joined Coding Girls to promote gender equality in technology and create a more inclusive environment. She expects to grow technically and personally and to contribute to initiatives that promote diversity. AI is already impacting her present by helping her analyse complex data and develop predictive models, and in the future it will be even more integrated into everyday life. She describes herself as curious, determined and innovative.
Martina Girolamo, 24, a Data Science & Machine Learning student, is fascinated by how computer skills can also be applied to fields such as music and art. She is inspired by Katherine Johnson for her perseverance in making a place for herself in a male-dominated world. She joined Coding Girls to become an example for other girls and show that STEM is not just “for boys”.
Margherita Maria Napolitano, 23, studies Data Science & Machine Learning and chose her path because of the many doors it would open for her. She is fascinated by the possibilities that computer science offers every day to solve everyday problems. She joined Coding Girls at the suggestion of Professor Delfina Malandrino, because of the message and goal of the project. AI is revolutionising everyone's lives, especially hers, and she hopes it will be used to improve and solve existing problems. She describes herself as determined, ambitious and responsible.
Irene Gaita, 23, a Data Science & Machine Learning student, has always had a strong inclination towards science and technology, fascinated by how data can be analysed to predict scenarios and optimise processes. She finds motivation in those who work for a more accessible and inclusive digital world, and in her teachers and colleagues. She chose Coding Girls to reduce the gender gap in STEM by teaching computer science concepts and encouraging girls to explore technology without fear. She describes herself as curious, determined and innovative.
Katia Buonocore, 24, a student of Computer Security, was driven to choose this course of study by her curiosity to explore the various fields of computer science and understand how to protect systems from threats. She joined Coding Girls to introduce students to computer science, engaging and inspiring them, and to encourage greater participation by girls. She believes that AI simplifies many activities today and will continue to bring great benefits in the future, but she thinks it is important to use it wisely. She describes herself as sociable, curious and creative.
Severino Nappi, 24, a Data Science & Machine Learning student, chose his course because of the combination of mathematics and computer science. He is fascinated by both subjects because they are dynamic and can open doors in multiple contexts, such as medicine. He is inspired by John Nash for his innovative approach to problem solving. For him, Coding Girls is a concrete way to make the STEM world more inclusive and stimulate curiosity. AI plays an important role in his life and he hopes to apply it to biomedical projects in the future. He describes himself as precise, methodical and attentive.
Alessia Ture, 24, a Data Science & Machine Learning student, has been fascinated by technology and its ability to solve problems since she was a child, choosing a path that combines creativity and logic to improve people's lives. She is excited by the power of data and AI to transform problems into opportunities by applying predictive models and deep learning in real-world contexts. She is inspired by all those who know how to turn passion into innovation. She chose Coding Girls to inspire and support other girls in the world of technology, promoting gender equality. AI is essential in her present and she believes it will become even more so in the future, helping her to make more informed decisions. She describes herself as curious, determined and innovative.
Marta Coiro, 24, a student of Information Security, chose this path because of her passion for IT and digital security, and her interest in programming and data protection. She is fascinated by how technology protects data and systems and finds subjects such as cryptography, cybersecurity and digital forensics stimulating. She is inspired by figures such as Ada Lovelace and Kevin Mitnick. She joined Coding Girls to reduce the gender gap in the technology sector by inspiring and supporting other girls. She believes that in the future, AI will play a central role in cybersecurity, making systems more secure. She describes herself as determined, curious and innovative.
Raffaella Spagnuolo, 24, a student of IT security, chose her path because she is fascinated by the balance between cryptography, ethics and innovation. She is fascinated by how cybersecurity combines theory and practice. She chose Coding Girls to break down stereotypes that discourage girls from STEM and to inspire and support other girls by showing that computer science is creativity and opportunity. She hopes to motivate more girls to explore computer science. AI is transforming her present and will have an even deeper impact in the future, but it will require ethical reflection and awareness. She describes herself as curious, determined and creative.
Roberta Galluzzo, 24, a student on the Bachelor's Degree Course in Computer Science, has been fascinated by computer science since she was a child, both for its theoretical aspects and its practical aspects, such as assembling computers. She is fascinated by the extraordinary versatility of computer science, from circuit design to web page creation. She is inspired by Alan Turing for his intelligence, versatility and sense of ethics. She believes that AI is a fundamental tool for progress, if used ethically and responsibly. She describes herself as tenacious, curious and enterprising.
Finally, Rosa Carotenuto, 23, a student of Software Engineering and IT Management, has had a strong curiosity for science since she was a child, developing a passion for software design and architecture. She is fascinated by the possibility of creating something from scratch and building systems that learn and adapt. She is inspired by her mother, from whom she learned the value of kindness, dedication to work and determination. She joined the project for two main reasons: the issue of women in STEM and the desire to challenge herself and deepen her skills. AI, when used wisely, can revolutionise many activities, but it is essential to be aware of the risks and develop a critical and responsible approach. She describes herself as curious, determined and outgoing.
These young trainers, with their different specialisations but united by the same passion, were not only guides but true role models for the students. They demonstrated that computer science and artificial intelligence are dynamic, creative fields open to everyone, regardless of gender, and that with commitment and dedication, it is possible to build one's own future while actively contributing to the progress of society. Their role was crucial in creating a stimulating and inclusive environment where the younger generation, especially girls, feel encouraged to explore the endless possibilities offered by technology.
