ACM-W Above and Beyond: Anastasia Athanasiou

By Allyson Tan and Jessica Yauney

This month’s feature highlights Anastasia Athanasiou, who focuses on structural dynamics, winds and earthquakes, and multi-hazard performance-based engineering of tall buildings. Earlier in her research career, Anastasia used optimization methods and genetic algorithms to study earthquake-resistant structures. Her experience at the Genetic and Evolutionary Computation Conference (GECCO) in 2013 introduced her to the computer science research community and influenced the way she approaches engineering research today. The computational and problem solving skills she developed through optimization and genetic algorithms continue to shape her research on structural behavior, natural hazards, and other key challenges in structural engineering.

Fall 2025, with my wonderful team in Weimar, Germany

What has been a highlight of attending the conference (utilizing the ACM-W Scholarship)? 

Attending GECCO in Amsterdam allowed me to step out of my comfort zone, as it was my first and only computer science conference. One of the most valuable aspects of the experience was the opportunity to interact with researchers from diverse backgrounds and to attend sessions focused on topics such as genetic algorithms and optimization. Coming from a civil engineering background, I found the conference environment markedly different from what I was accustomed to. I was particularly inspired by the coherence and consistency within the computer science community. In particular, I was interested in how researchers used benchmark problems to systematically compare different algorithms and approaches. Although the experience challenged me to rethink how I communicate research, it broadened my perspective and remains a positive part of my research journey. The experience challenged me to rethink how I communicate research, and it broadened my perspective while remaining a positive part of my research journey.

How did attending the ACM-W-sponsored conference impact your career? Did it lead to any important connections in your field? 

Although my research later shifted away from genetic algorithms and optimization, the conference had a lasting influence on my career. It deepened my understanding of optimization methods, which became an important part of my PhD research and helped me learn how to formulate problems more effectively, define constraints, and evaluate solutions. While I did not continue collaborating with researchers from the conference, I instead applied the optimization tools I acquired to advance my own research in structural engineering, rather than focusing on developing the algorithms themselves. The computational mindset I developed through optimization subsequently enabled me to engage with other computer science techniques and explore machine learning. These experiences have shaped how I analyze structural systems and solve engineering problems. Overall, the ACM-W scholarship broadened my perspective, increased the visibility of my work, and strengthened my problem-solving mindset.

What has been your career highlight? What are you most proud of?

One of the highlights of my career was becoming an Assistant Professor in Germany in 2023, at the age of 39. Looking back, I am proud of the patience and persistence that helped me reach where I am today. Throughout my career, I applied for many postdoctoral and assistant professor positions and faced numerous rejections, yet I remained persistent. I recognize that I was fortunate to have supportive supervisors who encouraged my growth by providing opportunities to attend conferences around the world, including in Japan, Chile, US (Stanford), and Amsterdam. These experiences motivated me to continue and expand my perspective. A turning point was moving to Canada in 2018, which allowed me to become more independent as a researcher and explore new interests at the intersection of two engineering subfields – wind and seismic engineering – as well as engineering education. Through this journey, I have embraced the values taught by my supervisors, such as hard work and honesty.

What aspects of your career have you found challenging?

One of the most memorable challenges I faced came after presenting at my first computer science conference, when I received what I can only describe as the worst feedback of my life. I was told it was the worst presentation they had ever seen. I remember how heartbroken I was, and how much it shook the confidence I had worked so hard to build as a young researcher.

That wasn’t the only setback. Throughout my career, I faced many rejections, including for positions where I genuinely thought I had interviewed well. During my PhD, I experienced periods of loneliness, anxiety, and imposter syndrome. Early on, I was even told that I had no realistic chance of ever obtaining a full-time professorship.

Looking back, I’m glad I didn’t let those experiences define me. I kept going, continued to believe in my work, and eventually became an Assistant Professor in Germany. Those experiences taught me that rejection and self-doubt are part of many academic journeys, and they should not determine your potential. Instead, setbacks can become opportunities to grow, build resilience, and keep moving towards your goals.

Was the connection to ACM-W helpful or important in any immediate and lasting way?

I think the scholarship was incredibly important because it gave me the opportunity to attend GECCO at a time when I had no other funding available. It brought visibility to my work and introduced me to a new research community. Although I didn’t go on to collaborate with the researchers I met there, I have remained connected to ACM-W, and I’m grateful for that opportunity. Looking back, I can see that it helped shape not only my research career but also my mindset as a researcher.

As a millennial who didn’t have access to a computer until I started university, I understand how transformative access to technology and opportunities can be. That’s why I would wholeheartedly encourage my students to apply for the ACM-W scholarship in the future.

I also think it’s important to remind young people of the value of perseverance. Throughout my career, I’ve experienced many rejections and moments of self-doubt, but I’ve learned that people (including ourselves) are often capable of much more than we expect. Rather than judging others or placing them into boxes based on assumptions, we should remain curious, share knowledge generously, and continue to learn from the people, nature, and humanity around us.

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