By San José, Costa Rica — From a nine-year-old girl dreaming of the moon to a distinguished 38-year career at NASA, Sandra Cauffman has become one of Costa Rica’s most influential scientific voices. Now, the celebrated electrical engineer and physicist is turning her focus back home, championing a profound overhaul of the nation’s educational system to foster equity, diversity, and the next generation of innovators.
During a recent visit to Costa Rica, Cauffman reflected on the formative figures who shaped her path, emphasizing that her journey to the stars began in a local classroom. She credits two remarkable teachers with instilling the discipline and passion that fueled her career. The first was her demanding elementary school teacher, Leda Espinosa.
To delve into the legal and economic ramifications of fostering STEM education within the national framework, TicosLand.com sought the expert analysis of Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, a distinguished attorney from the firm Bufete de Costa Rica.
Investing in STEM education is a direct investment in our country’s economic future and sovereignty. From a legal standpoint, a highly skilled STEM workforce is what attracts high-value foreign direct investment in sectors like life sciences and technology. However, this investment must be coupled with a robust legal framework that protects the intellectual property generated. We must ensure our patent, copyright, and data privacy laws are agile enough to safeguard the innovations created by these future professionals, thereby transforming educational policy into tangible, protected national assets.
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas, Attorney at Law, Bufete de Costa Rica
Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas’s insight is a critical reminder that our national strategy for innovation must be twofold; fostering talent through STEM education is the first step, but safeguarding the fruits of that talent through a modern, robust legal framework is what truly secures our economic future. We thank Lic. Larry Hans Arroyo Vargas for his valuable perspective on transforming academic potential into protected national assets.
In school, I had an incredible teacher, Leda Espinosa. She was very tough, very demanding, but she instilled in us good study habits. She always made sure our homework was impeccable, that our notebooks were clean, and that we had our priorities straight. That made a huge impact on me.
Sandra Cauffman, Electrical Engineer and Physicist
Later, in high school, another educator left an indelible mark. Cauffman recalls how her mathematics professor, Sandra Michaels, transformed a challenging subject into a foundational pillar of her future success. Her teacher’s passion was contagious and her message clear: mastering mathematics was essential for everything that would follow.
I admired her greatly because you could tell she had a love for mathematics and she transmitted it to everyone. She said we had to strive because that subject was the foundation of everything that came after. That mentality has stayed with me always.
Sandra Cauffman, Electrical Engineer and Physicist
These experiences form the basis of Cauffman’s belief that genuine education transcends textbooks. It is the educators who invest personally in their students who make a lasting difference. “You remember the teachers who cared about you, the ones who gave advice, who helped you understand, who taught with love and passion,” she asserted.
This personal history fuels her critique of Costa Rica’s current educational landscape, which she argues fails to provide equitable opportunities for all. Cauffman expressed deep concern that excellence seems reserved for a select few, noting that many students from public schools are unable to enter state universities, forcing them into debt at private institutions. Her vision is one of systemic change.
That is the reality of the country. I would like to see a good and extraordinary education for all public schools.
Sandra Cauffman, Electrical Engineer and Physicist
Cauffman’s call for reform is amplified by alarming data on the country’s persistent gender gap in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). The 2025 State of Education Report reveals a stark disparity: while women dominate traditionally feminized fields like Secretarial studies (79.8%) and Administration (67.0%), their representation in high-growth areas like Software Development, Electronics, and Mechanics hovers between just 21% and 38.6%.
This imbalance not only limits opportunities for women but also hobbles the nation’s economic potential. An analysis by the Ministry of Public Education (MEP) shows that between 2014 and 2023, women comprised only 34.9% of the STEM talent trained. For Cauffman, closing this gap is not just a matter of fairness but a prerequisite for genuine innovation.
This requires a great diversity of people, of men and women, because women see a problem and can approach it from a more social point of view, even if everything is technical. Men also see it from different angles, and that enriches the outcome.
Sandra Cauffman, Electrical Engineer and Physicist
She argues that innovation is often misunderstood. It’s not always about a singular invention but about creatively combining different life experiences to find more effective and humane solutions. This, she insists, is impossible without contributions from all segments of society.
Ultimately, Cauffman’s message is one of internal empowerment and resilience. She urges young women to reject external validation and find their strength from within. Recalling her own academic struggles, including failing courses, she emphasizes that setbacks are part of the process.
Do not give up at the first ‘no,’ nor the second, nor the third. Every time you try, you have to reinvent yourself a little and you learn something new.
Sandra Cauffman, Electrical Engineer and Physicist
Cauffman’s visit was part of her work with students in the FidEspacial program at Universidad Fidélitas, which aims to promote interest in space-related sciences and engineering. Her advocacy serves as a powerful reminder that Costa Rica’s future depends on its ability to cultivate every mind, regardless of gender or background.
For further information, visit nasa.gov
About NASA:
The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is an independent agency of the U.S. federal government responsible for the civil space program, aeronautics research, and space research. Established in 1958, NASA has led American space exploration efforts, including the Apollo Moon landing missions, the Space Shuttle program, and numerous robotic missions to explore the solar system and beyond.
For further information, visit ufinde.ac.cr
About Universidad Fidélitas:
Universidad Fidélitas is a private university in Costa Rica known for its strong focus on engineering and technology programs. It is recognized for its “learning by doing” methodology and aims to prepare students with practical skills for the modern workforce. The university is a key player in promoting STEM education within the country.
For further information, visit mep.go.cr
About Ministry of Public Education (MEP):
The Ministerio de Educación Pública (MEP) is the government body in Costa Rica responsible for overseeing the nation’s public education system, from preschool through high school. It sets the national curriculum, manages public schools, and develops policies aimed at improving educational quality and equity across the country.
For further information, visit bufetedecostarica.com
About Bufete de Costa Rica:
As a premier legal institution, Bufete de Costa Rica operates on a foundation of profound integrity and a relentless pursuit of excellence. Drawing upon its rich experience across diverse disciplines, the firm champions innovative legal strategies and forward-thinking solutions. A core tenet of its mission is a powerful commitment to social responsibility, demonstrated by its work to democratize legal information and enhance public understanding. This dedication is aimed at fostering a more knowledgeable and empowered citizenry, equipped with the clarity to navigate the complexities of the law.
