This International Women in Engineering Day, we’re celebrating three students from the University of Michigan (U-M) Department of Industrial and Operations Engineering (IOE) who are paving the way for future female engineers.
Education:
Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?
I’ve always been a curious person interested in the “whys” and “hows.” Initially, I was interested in business administration. I met a Microsoft employee in high school and told him that I liked business, problem-solving and people. He introduced me to industrial engineering, inspired me to learn more and set me on this career trajectory.
What’s your research focus and what impact do you hope it will have?
I explore extended reality, human-automation interaction and trust. I hope to positively impact how future systems are designed by centering the human experience, safety and comfort.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how have you navigated them?
Some people are surprised that I’m an engineer. Some male engineers assume I don’t understand a particular topic and over-explain it to the point of nauseum. In those instances, I remain polite, say, “Yes, I am an engineer,” and continue with what I was saying. If someone over-explains, I just explain the concept back to them.
Are you involved in any clubs or student groups? And how have they enhanced your U-M IOE experience?
The Human Factors & Ergonomics Society (HFES) helped me build community here, especially during my first year. It has been wonderful to learn about my peers, their research and their approach to engineering. Black Industrial Engineers (BINDx) is a community where I have learned about career options as a grad student, networking tips and resources on campus.
What advice would you give to women who are just starting out or are interested in pursuing a career in engineering?
DO IT. Ask questions, attend STEM events and explore various disciplines. Industrial engineers exist in every industry. Remain curious, do not limit yourself and write down all of your interests and passions because they may overlap more than you think.
Who are the female engineers or mentors who have helped you?
My undergraduate advisor, Dr. Jacqueline Chestnut, inspired and supported me during my time at North Carolina A&T and throughout my internships. Dr. Antoinette Maldonado-Devincci believed in my ability to learn and to lead and taught me about empirical research. Dr. Dianne Wellington taught me how to navigate academia, reminding me that I can be smart and bold.
Education:
Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?
In high school, I was good at math and science, so engineering seemed like a clear next step. ENGR 110 introduced me to U-M IOE, where I enjoyed problem-solving with a focus on people, systems and efficiency, along with many career opportunities.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how have you navigated them?
While I’ve been fortunate not to face any significant setbacks, I’m often one of the few women in the room, especially in my undergraduate computer science and graduate engineering classes. That imbalance sometimes made it challenging to feel included in group discussions, but I’ve practiced speaking up and asserting my ideas.
Were you involved in any clubs or student groups? And how did they enhance your U-M IOE experience?
I joined the Women in Science and Engineering Residential Program (WISE RP), the health-based project team Project MESA and worked at the Center for Healthcare Engineering and Patient Safety (CHEPS). Within U-M IOE, I was a member of the honors society Alpha Pi Mu, a peer advisor and an Instructional Aid/Graduate Student Instructor. These experiences helped me connect with fellow students outside of classes and apply my in-class education to solve real-world problems.
What advice would you give to women who are just starting out or are interested in pursuing a career in engineering?
Build a supportive community through student organizations to manage your coursework and job search. Explore fields beyond engineering. Courses in public policy, business, architecture and entrepreneurship broadened my perspective and made me a well-rounded engineer.
Are there any female engineers or mentors who have been role models for you?
I’ve received valuable guidance from upper-level students within my student organizations and from female engineers I met during my internships. Within the U-M IOE department, Dr. Julie Simmons Ivy, Lecturer Debra Levantrosser, Dr. Amy Cohn, Dr. Marina Epelman and Leonora Lucaj have each had a meaningful impact on my academic and personal growth.
What are your post-grad plans?
I’m joining Procter & Gamble as an internal consultant in their Supply Network Operations.
Education:
Who or what inspired you to become an engineer?
I have always loved solving problems and finding efficient solutions, and I knew I wanted to impact others. My brother saw my potential and encouraged me to pursue STEM.
What challenges have you faced as a woman in engineering, and how have you navigated them?
Men in male-dominated group projects often dismiss my ideas or assign me lesser tasks. When this happens, I have learned to speak up early and clearly, connect with team members to foster inclusivity and politely but firmly reclaim my ideas.
Are you involved in any clubs or student groups? And how have they enhanced your U-M IOE experience?
At CHEPS, I’ve applied my U-M IOE skills in the healthcare industry with my passion for problem-solving and helping others. As co-director for Women’s Empowerment in the professional technology fraternity Kappa Theta Pi, I mentor women in STEM. As the new vice president of U-M’s Institute of Industrial & Systems Engineers (IISE) chapter, we hope to increase membership and work with faculty and regional engineers to develop the program.
What advice would you give to women who are just starting out or are interested in pursuing a career in engineering?
Find a community within engineering. This doesn’t have to be only women, but rather people who lift you up, challenge you and celebrate your accomplishments.
Are there any female engineers or mentors who have been role models for you?
Amy Cohn at CHEPS is the perfect mentor, combining her intelligence with integrity, empathy and benevolent leadership. She has impacted me not only as a leader and mentor, but as a human being who has improved many lives in the healthcare industry.
What research have you worked on, and what impact do you hope it will have?
I’ve worked on two projects at CHEPS. The first oversaw the transfer of the Michigan Medicine Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Department to an affiliated hospital, ensuring seamless clinical trial continuity. My team and I wrote a paper that will be published.
The second project focused on improving prenatal care allocation using a simulation-based approach. With prenatal care guidelines unchanged since 1930, recent updates by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists now incorporate patient-specific risks and telemedicine. Our discrete event simulation model shows that this tailored approach reduces skipped appointments, delays and provider utilization. By adopting these guidelines, there will be more time for patients, less burden for medical personnel and more available hospital space.