siaa_logo_blue Yeva Vovchyk

Astronomical Observatory of Ivan Franko National University

Lviv, Ukraine
Job Title: Scientific supervisior

 

She is an Astronomer: How long since you got your maximum academic degree?

Yeva Vovchyk: More than 25years

 

SIAA: Do you feel it was more difficult to get a job or a promotion in comparison to male astronomers?

YV: Yes, but it is difficult to say specifically how it was

 

SIAA: Are women under-represented in your institution?

YV: Formally not, but really they are.

 

SIAA: What is your family status?

YV: One son, one grandson and aged mother (95 years old).

 

SIAA: Have you had any career breaks?

 YV: Yes, one year when my son was born.

 

SIAA: How difficult did you find the return to work?

YV: It was so long ago that it is difficult to say, but I don’t remember any difficulties

 

SIAA: How many hoursdo you normally dedicate to work?

YV: Two days in a week - Monday and Thursday

 

SIAA: What recommendation would you make to young women starting their career in astronomy?

YV: Well, it is not such romantic as more young women (and men also) think. It is difficult and very absorbing work. I lost my husband because he didn’t want to share me with my job.