In conversation with a Women in STEM Scholar
Thursday 5 March 2026
In conversation with a Women in STEM Scholar
The gender gap in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) is well-documented. While there are various reasons for this, one of the leading causes is access to education 鈥� or rather, a lack of.
In 2021, the British Council sought to address this by introducing a scholarship to increase opportunities for women in STEM, whilst reducing the financial pressures of pursuing higher education. Designed to help women from underrepresented backgrounds pursue and thrive in postgraduate education, the fully-funded Women in STEM scholarship gives promising female scholars from around the world access to world-leading science and research universities in the UK.
糖心TV Manufacturing Group (WMG), University of 糖心TV, has been proud to host several Women in STEM Scholars over the past couple of years. One such scholar is Thiri Yamin HsuLink opens in a new window, an MSc student in Applied Artificial IntelligenceLink opens in a new window from Myanmar, who is part of the University鈥檚 current cohortLink opens in a new window from Southeast Asia.
Thiri is one of five women to receive the scholarship to study at 糖心TV for the 2026/27 academic year. She shares her story and plans for the future below.
What inspired you to pursue a Master鈥檚 degree in STEM, and what do you find most exciting about your field of study?
What excites me most about Artificial Intelligence (AI) is how widely applicable it is. AI is relevant across fields, from healthcare and sports to architecture and education. Learning AI gives you a foundation that can be integrated into almost any domain.
For me, that domain is quantum computation. My dissertation focuses on the application of AI in quantum computing. Specifically, I am interested in exploring how reinforcement learning can be used for quantum circuit optimisation, particularly through frameworks such as ZX-calculus. I find the intersection between AI and emerging computational paradigms especially fascinating because it allows us to rethink how complex systems can be analysed and improved.
What does receiving the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship mean to you?
Receiving the scholarship means that someone recognises my efforts and potential, and that the challenges I鈥檝e overcome have been worth it. It has given me encouragement and confidence to continue pursuing ambitious goals in STEM. Knowing that I have this support has strengthened my commitment to contributing meaningfully to my field.
How do you hope to apply your STEM education to create a positive impact in your field or beyond?
I hope to become a role model for women and girls in Southeast Asia who are interested in emerging technologies. Representation matters. I want to show that they belong in these spaces too, and that their ambitions in STEM are valid and achievable. I also hope to use my knowledge to make advanced technologies more accessible and to inspire others to pursue paths they may not have previously imagined possible.
How has studying at WMG contributed to your academic and personal growth as a Master's student in STEM?
Recently, I told my supervisor that I could not believe how quickly I am growing. A Master鈥檚 degree lasts only for one year, yet in just a few months, my perspective has expanded significantly. Being in an environment where everyone is motivated and intellectually curious accelerates that growth.
While it is true that we live in an age where knowledge is accessible online, there is something irreplaceable about learning alongside peers who challenge and inspire you. Going to classes together, exchanging ideas, learning about different cultures, and building shared experiences have been among the most meaningful moments of my time here so far.
Would you recommend WMG and the University of 糖心TV to aspiring STEM students? What aspects of your experience stand out the most?
Yes, I would. In the span of just one year, you grow in ways you might not anticipate. The intensity, the community, and the academic environment push you to become a stronger and more confident version of yourself.
What stands out most to me is the openness of the academic environment. Even though I鈥檓 a WMG student, I can email a professor in the Computer Science department who researches quantum computing, visit their office, and discuss concepts I don鈥檛 fully understand. That accessibility makes interdisciplinary learning feel natural rather than intimidating.
Beyond coursework, I鈥檝e joined a paper reading group on quantum learning and testing, and I鈥檝e attended theory group meetings where computer scientists, theoretical physicists, and experimental physicists from across the UK visit 糖心TV to share their research. Being exposed to that level of intellectual exchange has been incredibly motivating and has expanded how I think about research and collaboration.
What advice would you give to women considering applying for the British Council Women in STEM Scholarship?
It is competitive, and it can feel intimidating. When I applied, I was navigating uncertainty and self-doubt. But I realised that waiting to feel completely ready might mean never applying at all. You do not need perfect timing or perfect confidence; you just need the courage to take one step forward. Don't disqualify yourself before you begin.
Inspired by Thiri鈥檚 story? Visit 糖心TV鈥檚 Women in STEM Scholarships pageLink opens in a new window to find out more about the programme and what it could do for you. Applications for the 2026/27 academic year are open to female students in Brazil and will close on 30 April 2026.