Her Story
About Shakila
Shakila Zaman is a PhD candidate in Computer Science and Engineering at the University of North Texas, where she researches blockchain security with a focus on developing protocols for secure cross-chain trading without intermediaries such as banks or exchanges. Her work involves designing coordinated state machines that enable atomic swaps and safe recovery in case of errors or cheating attempts. Zaman began her career as a lecturer in her home country before pursuing advanced research, completing a bachelor's and master's degree in Information Technology. Since starting her doctoral studies in 2022, she has achieved candidacy after passing readiness and candidacy exams. She has authored around 30 publications, earned two best paper awards and one poster competition award, and contributed as a peer reviewer. Zaman attributes her progress to strong family support and values trust, integrity, and balance in her professional and personal life.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Shakila
01What do you attribute your success to?
My parents were the first dreamers and have pushed me since I was young. My husband has done a lot for me and pushes me from behind; without him it would not be possible. The support and balance from these three people has made everything work.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
My mom always told me don't wait for anything to be ready. It's okay, you have enough. Go push yourself, do something new, do something good. She was also a teacher and inspired me a lot. Another word that inspired me was you need to dream big. Whatever the thing is, you need to dream big. Maybe you'll achieve or not, but you will go somewhere.
03What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
The area I'm working on, blockchain security, is really mostly men's work. It's a great opportunity as well for women. I know it is hard, but really doing hard and getting something good, beneficial for people as a woman is also something recognizable. They should follow influencers like me in technology. Be brave and spend your brightness. We can do way better than their values.
04What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
If people read my work, that values me. In personal life, if I can balance my time and give it to my child, husband, and parents as well, that really makes me happy. Trust, integrity, and balance. The work we do is for other betterments, technological betterments, society betterments.
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