Professionals in CFD with Dr. Amalia Argyridi

In this edition of the Professionals in CFD series, we are happy to feature Dr. Amalia Argyridi, a software engineer for the ANSA preprocessor at Cadence. Amalia’s remarkable career is built upon a solid foundation as a civil engineer specializing in structural engineering, combined with a profound passion for programming. Her interdisciplinary expertise and drive to innovate highlight the exciting possibilities within computational mechanics. Read our conversation below to discover more about Amalia’s journey into computational mechanics and her advice for women aspiring to thrive in any technical field they choose to pursue.

Veena: Can you tell us about yourself?

Amalia: I was born in Lamia, Greece, and later moved to Athens to pursue my studies at the National Technical University of Athens (NTUA). I opted for civil engineering due to my love for mathematics and my family's engineering legacy—both my father and brother are engineers. While at the university, I concentrated on structural engineering.

After earning my diploma, I continued my studies with the Interdepartmental Postgraduate MSc Program in Analysis and Design of Structures (ADS). My diploma, master's, and PhD thesis all revolve around the topic of higher-order beam theories (HOBTs). This area is particularly significant for practicing engineers because it enables numerical analysis with lower computational costs compared to traditional simulation methods while maintaining accuracy.

Veena: What got you interested in the field of computational simulations, and how did you start your career in this field?

Amalia: My specialization in Analysis and Design of Structures has helped me recognize the significance of simulation accuracy and the associated computational costs for engineering challenges. In my research, I aimed to contribute to the scientific community by improving existing simulation methods. This inspired me to pursue a career in this field. I started in a testing role at Beta CAE (now part of Cadence), and due to my technical skills and passion for software development, I was soon offered a position as a software developer in my area of expertise.

Veena: What are your day-to-day responsibilities as a software developer at Beta CAE (now part of Cadence)?

Amalia: I am a software developer currently working on the ANSA preprocessor. My responsibilities include maintaining and enhancing existing tools, designing and developing new features, conducting code reviews, testing, and providing documentation guidelines. I also value collaboration with other departments.

Previously, I worked with the META postprocessor, focusing on evaluating beam stresses within its volume. In addition, I volunteered for research on the EPILYSIS solver, specifically related to linear buckling analysis. I find meetings with customers particularly rewarding, as they help me understand their needs and the practical engineering challenges they face.

Veena: Can you tell us about a project you are particularly proud of?

Amalia: During my PhD, I developed a higher-order beam Element to study local buckling, which classical beam elements cannot address. This element uses advanced simulations to address local buckling, reducing the number of equations to solve and computational costs while preserving accuracy.

Veena: Have you received any recognition or awards in your field?

Amalia: Throughout my academic journey, I have been fortunate to receive several accolades. Among the most significant are the scholarships I received from the Onassis Foundation, the Foundation for Education and European Culture, and the A.G. Leventis Foundation. It is a great honor to be supported by foundations with such prestigious reputations.

I am also a proud recipient of an award for my performance in the Descriptive and Projective Geometry course, recognizing me as a top female student at N.T.U.A.

Veena: If you were not in your current field, what alternative career path might you consider?

Amalia: If I weren't working in computational mechanics, I would probably have chosen a career in education or research, specifically one that encourages women to engage in STEM fields.

I've also always wanted to try acting, but I never found the time to pursue it. As a result, I can't say whether I would have been successful, as I never took the step to audition or perform on stage. The nearest I got to exploring acting was attending ballet school for ten years.

Veena: Do you have any hobbies or interests outside of work?

Amalia: I love cycling along the waterfront in Thessaloniki and playing the electric guitar. However, much of my free time is spent with my son, which I consider the most valuable and fulfilling aspect of my life. Playing with him brings me the greatest joy.

Veena: What are your thoughts on maintaining a work-life balance while working in a technical role?’

Amalia: As a parent, I have found a way to balance my professional responsibilities and my personal life, ensuring that I don't miss out on significant milestones and events that matter to me. It’s a common perception, especially for women, that once we marry or begin to raise children, people—whether in our personal circles or professional environments—often doubt our ability to handle additional challenges or high-priority tasks. This misconception stems from the belief that our family obligations will hinder our performance.

However, I believe that women often excel in these demanding situations, even when juggling multiple responsibilities. In fact, I’ve seen firsthand how this balance can lead to greater efficiency and success, proving that we can rise to the occasion, regardless of an already full plate.

Three cents from Amalia to be successful in any technical field

• Do not give up! Remember that every challenge you face is an opportunity for growth and learning. Obstacles may seem daunting, but resilience and perseverance can lead you to unexpected successes.
• "To work hard" encompasses a mindset and approach to achieving goals through dedication, effort, and perseverance. It means committing oneself fully to a task or pursuit, often requiring long hours and a strong determination to overcome challenges.
• Timing and patience are crucial elements in achieving our goals. When the time is right and you have dedicated the appropriate amount of hard work, everything tends to align in a way that brings your wishes closer to reality.

Read other Professionals in CFD blogs here.