EW BrightSparks 2023: Vasiliki Xiradaki Shines at University of Birmingham with EnSilica

Now in its sixth year of awards, EW BrightSparks continues to shine a spotlight on the brightest and most talented young engineers in the UK. Among the latest cohort of EW BrightSparks of 2023 is Vasiliki Xiradaki, a remarkable student at the University of Birmingham and a Digital Design Engineer at EnSilica.

Vasiliki's journey in the field of Electronic and Electrical Engineering began when she moved from Greece to the UK to pursue her studies at the University of Birmingham. Despite facing the challenges of adapting to a new educational system and culture, she demonstrated exceptional dedication by working two jobs while excelling in her academic pursuits.

Within less than two years of her academic journey, Vasiliki's hard work and talent were recognized through multiple internship offers from semiconductor companies and a prestigious scholarship from the UK Electronic Skills Foundation (UKESF). Her outstanding academic performance further solidified her position as a rising star in the field.

During a successful 13-month placement at EnSilica, Vasiliki delved into various aspects of IC design, gaining hands-on experience in projects such as satellite communications chip development. Her proficiency in SystemVerilog, directed testbench design, and Universal Verification Methodology (UVM) blossomed during this period, showcasing her rapid growth and adaptability in the industry.

Embracing challenges with enthusiasm, Vasiliki transitioned to module design tasks within EnSilica's Satellite-On-The-Move (SOTM) chip project, demonstrating her ability to tackle complex design requirements with precision. Her involvement in developing synthesizable SystemVerilog and implementing advanced testing methodologies underscored her technical prowess and innovative approach to design.

Furthermore, Vasiliki's contributions extended beyond design tasks as she actively engaged in internal tool scripting flow development, utilizing her skills in scripting languages like BASH, Python, and TCL to enhance company workflows and integrate new tools effectively. Her proactive attitude and commitment to continuous improvement were key factors in her professional growth.

As Vasiliki embarks on her final year at university, she has chosen to broaden her skill set by focusing on analogue design for her final year project. By exploring both analogue and digital design domains, she aims to offer unique and optimal solutions in her future endeavors, showcasing a versatile skill set that sets her apart in the engineering landscape.

Outside her academic and professional pursuits, Vasiliki remains dedicated to promoting diversity and inclusion in engineering. Through her active involvement in outreach activities and advocacy for women in engineering, she has made a significant impact by inspiring and educating students from diverse backgrounds about the opportunities in the field.

With a passion for volunteering and a commitment to empowering the next generation of engineers, Vasiliki's journey exemplifies resilience, innovation, and a steadfast dedication to making a positive difference in the engineering community.