As part of the MASTER project’s series highlighting women contributing to XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More, robotics, and advanced manufacturing, we continue our conversations with the engineers and experts shaping the future of immersive technologies.
In this interview, we speak with Konstantina Salagianni, mechanical engineer at the Teaching Factory Competence Center. With a background spanning mechanical engineering, biomedical engineering, industrial facilities, telecom network design, and research project management, Konstantina brings a multidisciplinary perspective to innovation.
Within MASTER, she plays a key role in evaluating the project’s XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More technologies through structured user studies, by ensuring that immersive solutions truly meet the needs of students, educators, and manufacturing professionals.
Could you introduce yourself and tell us about your background?
KS: “My name is Konstantina, and I am a mechanical engineer with a diploma in Mechanical Engineering & Aeronautics and a MSc in Biomedical Engineering from the University of Patras. Over the years, I’ve worked in different areas of engineering, starting from telecom network design, industrial facilities engineering, to research and project management. I currently work at the Teaching Factory Competence Center, supporting the development of activities and methods that aim to connect academia and industry.”
What sparked your interest in science & technology?
KS: “I’ve always enjoyed understanding how things work, and how technology can optimise processes. Engineering felt like a natural path because it combines problem‑solving with creativity. What keeps me motivated is the idea that even small improvements can have a positive impact on people and workplaces.”
Were there any role models or experiences that inspired you to pursue this path?
KS: “What inspired me most was the curiosity I felt before and during my studies. Every project or assignment opened a new window into how technology works, and that kept me motivated to continue. It was the time when many of my ‘how’ and ‘why’ questions finally had answers.”
What is your role within the MASTER project?
KS: “In the MASTER project, we at Teaching Factory are focusing on the user studies that evaluate the project results. In collaboration with all partners, we have set the evaluation framework to acquire users feedback when they test the technologies and scenarios of MASTER’s core partners and Open Call participants. It is a great opportunity to hear their reactions and find out how you could refine the developments for them.”
What excites you most about working on MASTER?
KS: “What I appreciate most is the project’s mission to support and train manufacturing employees and students exploiting the power of XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More technology. In a gamified way, they dive into a realistic experience, prepare themselves, and become confident towards new industrial scenarios or a new industrial workplace with robots.”
What does being a woman in STEM mean to you?
KS: “In recent years, more women have been joining STEM, and it’s encouraging to see that access and support are improving. There are still moments when you need to stand strong and prove yourself simply because you are a woman, and that can be challenging. But there are also people who recognise this, who care, and who stand by you, and their support makes a real difference.”
What advice would you give to young women considering a career in STEM or XR?
KS: “I would encourage them freely to explore their interests and not feel limited by stereotypes. STEM is open to anyone who is curious and willing to learn. Engineering and STEM are fields where women can also feel welcome and thrive. What’s important is for society to support all young people, women and men, by giving them equal access to knowledge and support. Beyond that, it’s their skills, creativity and motivation that should lead the way.”
Why is collaboration and inclusive environments essential for progress in STEM?
KS: “Progress in STEM comes from collaboration, openness, and giving people the chance to grow. When we create environments where everyone feels supported and respected, the results are better for all of us. I’m grateful to be part of projects that bring research and industry closer together, and I hope more young people feel encouraged to explore these fields in their own way.”
Konstantina’s perspective highlights an essential element of innovation: progress does not happen in isolation. It is built through collaboration, openness, and environments where people feel supported and respected. Her work within MASTER reflects this philosophy: connecting research and industry, listening to user feedback, and refining XRExtended reality (XR) refers to real-and-virtual combined environment, including virtual reality (VR), augmented reality (AR), and mixed reality (MR). More technologies to make them more effective and accessible.
By bringing together technical development and human experience, MASTER shows that meaningful innovation happens when technology is shaped not only by what is possible, but by what people truly need.