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April 16, 2026

IEEE Senior Member Vanessa Schramm’s path into technology was shaped early by a simple idea: education can change the trajectory of a life. It was a less that was instilled in her by her father. 

As part of the first generation in her family to attend university, she saw pursuing technology not just as a career choice, but as a way to expand what was possible.

What do you work on today?

I am an associate professor at a federal university in Brazil, where I teach undergraduate and graduate courses in operations research. My work focuses on analytical methods and decision-support tools to address complex problems.

This field sits at the intersection of engineering and management sciences, and I am especially motivated by its potential to create social, economic and environmental impact.

What early career experiences guide you today?

In my first job, I worked for a multinational company with globally distributed teams. I was based in South America. I ensured the quality of software developed in Asia that was embedded into hardware manufactured in China and integrated into a product designed in the United States.

That experience showed me how interconnected our work is. Success depends on collaboration, mutual respect and recognizing that everyone is part of the same system.

What advice would you give the next generation?

Innovation has no single nationality, and excellence is not confined to geography. Believe in yourself and where you come from.

Don’t be afraid to set ambitious goals. Your ideas, talent and determination can take you further than you imagine.

Interested in becoming an IEEE member?

Vanessa Schramm headshot

Vanessa Schramm

IEEE Senior Member, IEEE Systems, Man, and Cybernetics Society

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