Kim Wheeler

Manager, Production Maintenance, Abbott

Maine

Manager, Production Maintenance| Abbott

Address

Maine

What I Do

I support a lot of projects and refurbishments across the Walt Disney World property. I do a lot of design and redesign of various components on our attractions. I also support construction efforts, ride testing, and project management.
Why Engineering?

I chose Engineering because I have always had an interest in how things work. I did FIRST robotics in high school and developed a love and passion for design, manufacturing and assembly. I had a great interest in building things and using my hands and thought Engineering was a great fit for that.
School Days

I went to school for Mechanical Engineering at Northeastern University in Boston, MA. I am currently studying for my Master's of Industrial Engineering and Engineering Management at the University of Florida (go Gators!)
My Day At Work

Engineering Design, Design for manufacturability, finite element analysis, Solidworks and AutoCAD, project management, Construction support, Hazard Analysis, Design of Experiments, Testing development, Hazard Aligments, business decision making
Best Part

I like the fact that I can solve problems and be creative to come up with solutions. I like working with people to come together to solve problems
Proud Moments

I received my professional engineering license, or PE license in May of 2016.
Challenges

I struggled a lot balancing extra-curricular activities with the rigorous engineering program. Once I learned to balance my time and manage my own expectations and life I was able to succeed and bring those skills into my job.
Dreams and Goals

Eventually I would like to work on a larger scale construction project and get into more project management. For long term I would like to get into management.
Inspiration

My dad has always been really influential in my life. I lost my mom when I was little so watching him go through that experience paved the path for who I am today.
Want to be an Engineer?

Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. You are in control of your destiny, and if you have confidence in yourself it will go a very long way. Engineering as a woman is challenging and fulfilling rolled into one.
Additional Thoughts

Don't be afraid to stand up for what you believe in. You are in control of your destiny.
Hobbies

I love watching sports on TV snuggled on the couch with my pug, Sammy.

My name is Kim and I've been working for Walt Disney Parks and Resorts for about 5 years now. I started as an intern in Engineering Services Resorts, where I learned a lot about how maintenance works on large scale resort hotels. For the last 4 years I've been working as an Engineer for the Design & Engineering department, which supports all of the attractions, entertainment infrastructures, parades, transportation, and just about anything you can imagine here at Walt Disney World. One of my biggest projects has been working on the opening of the brand new Festival Of Fantasy Parade, which features lots of new exciting floats and technological advances. I recently started a position within the Ride Engineering team, where I work on updating attractions such as the Haunted Mansion, Big Thunder Mountain Rail Road, and the Kilimanjaro Safari over at Animal Kingdom. I have a Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering from Northeastern University in Boston, MA. I am currently working on my Master's Degree in Industrial Engineering/Engineering Management from the University of Florida.