What I Do I work for a pharmaceutical company helping to design the process to develop vaccines in bioreactors.
Why Engineering? I chose engineering because I knew that I wanted to work in science but that I would need the problem-solving skills that come along with engineering to have the most impact.
School Days I attended Penn State University and I received my degree in Biological Engineering, with a focus in Biological Processes. I also received a certificate in Humanitarian Engineering and Social Entrepreneurship.
My Day At Work My days are filled with building/testing 20L stainless steel bioreactors and then growing cells in these reactors, that will then be turned into a vaccine.
Best Part The best part about engineering is when you are able to solve a problem that others couldn't because you have a broader perspective to problem-solving.
Proud Moments I was able to lead experiments only a few months into my career because my manager felt that I was ahead of schedule in my training and well-equipped to handle the chaos that comes with being in charge.
Challenges I am currently the youngest person in the lab that I work in. I often feel like I have to do more than everyone else because I have to prove that I know what I'm doing. While I often have to remind myself that no one else is thinking about how old I am, I have been able to move ahead quickly because of the extra effort I put in to prove myself.
My Family I have 2 younger sisters and 1 younger brother. My brother is studying to become a computer scientist and my sister is training to be a nurse. My youngest sister will be going to college next year with the hopes of becoming a counselor. My mom is a fifth grade teacher and my dad works in insurance. We also have 2 puppies who we love very much. When all 6 of us are together, we usually end up going on hikes or listen to 70s music around the bonfire in our backyard.
Dreams and Goals In the next 1-2 years, I hope to get hired by my client to work full-time for them instead of as a contractor. Hopefully, in the next 10 years, I'll have a family of my own and I'll be responsible for leading my own team of engineers to help create new vaccines.
Inspiration I've always been that girl who wants to prove everyone around her wrong. I thought when it came to college, I would do what I was supposed to do and get a degree in something that had me working 9-5 in an office. My dad said to me, "Lindsey, I did what I was supposed to do and now I hate my job. Why would you suddenly stop doing whatever you want just to do what you think you're supposed to do?"
Want to be an Engineer? Adversity teaches us the truth about ourselves. Society has told us that math and science are for men. When you're the only girl in a class with 25 boys, know that you earned your right to be there just as much as they have. Ask all the questions and don't let a couple hiccups scare you away.