Featured Interview - female structural engineer based Dallas, TX

How did you get involved with STEAM?

My involvement in STEAM started in high school. I was fortunate to have a few engaging teachers in STEAM fields that sparked my interest in the subject and would encourage development of critical thinking skills.

Have you ever participated in any arts activities? (Music/Visual arts)? If so, How do you feel about STEAM? How has it shaped you to become the person you are today?

I played viola through middle school and high school and took a floral design course in college. The latter was only for a brief time and by no means would I call myself an expert in either. However, participating in these Arts activities allowed for exercising of my creativity which I believe has a positive influence on the critical thinking process and problem-solving skills.

Are you an advocate for STEAM? If so, what have you done to push STEAM?

Currently, I am not an active advocate for STEAM. However, I personally fully support STEAM and the opportunities that come with the exposure to STEAM.

Have you ever been discouraged when it came to pursuing an engineering degree? If so, how and why?

I have never been discouraged in pursuing my engineering degree. It was a decision I made myself and have had full support from those closest to me.

Who is your STEAM role model?

I don’t currently have a STEAM role model, but I respect the educators who are encouraging STEAM.

Have you always wanted to become an engineer?

In my childhood, I did not have exposure to what it meant to be an engineer, so I can’t say I have always wanted to become one. In high school, I took a liking to physics and math and it wasn’t until researching for which college major to choose did I decide to study engineering.

Did you have an engineer in your family when you grew up? If so, how did that affect you?

I do not have any family that are engineers.

Do you ever get frustrated with your job? If so, how do you cope?

I think no matter what profession you are in, you will have some frustrations with your job tasks. Unless you possess a superhuman power (which there might be some out there 😊). So, yes, I have been frustrated with job tasks before. Currently, to cope with frustrations, I find it helpful to focus on the bigger picture. I know that sounds cliché, but perspective will allow you to prioritize your energy. Then I ask myself if it is worth my headspace/time/energy to feel this frustration and often the answer is no. If the answer is yes, I try to refocus that energy on what the next steps are to resolve whatever it is that is making me frustrated. It is something that is easier said than done and takes patience and practice.

What is your daily work routine? Why do you head into the office every day and do what you do?

In general, I am producing structural deliverables through conducting calculations, creating drawings, and writing reports. Also, continuous communication through mainly conference calls, both internal and with clients, and email. I do what I do because it is the career that I have chosen and am committed to doing to the best of my abilities. My activities everyday provide continual learning to keep improving those abilities. It is a cycle that myself, my employer, and the clients can all benefit from.

Have you always been good at math and science?

I would say yes. However, I think it is because I have an interest in math and science and the opportunities come with being well versed in these fields. I believe anyone who has enough interest and commitment to learning can be good at math and science.