Highlight
Erin was part of a team that investigated using biodegradable corn-based material to manufacture the shell of a printer.
What I Do
In my job as an Environmental Product Steward for DeskJet printers, I work with engineers to encourage them to create more environmentally friendly products. I also make sure that our printers can be recycled at the end of their useful life. I am constantly looking for ways to "green" our products either by finding more environmentally friendly materials or by using greener processes.
Why Engineering?
I chose engineering because I really like using my brain. I was drawn to solving problems and fixing things.
My Day At Work
Tearing down printers to make sure they are marked correctly and are able to be recycled. Managing testing and applying for eco labels (such as Energy Star, Blue Angel). Helping engineering and marketing communicate with each other (I have background in both).
The Best Part of Being an Engineer
Getting your engineering degree teaches you to fully use your brain. My background is in industrial engineering, but my analytical-thinking skills are applicable to my whole life. I have used my skills in manufacturing engineering jobs and marketing jobs, and also in my current job as environmental product steward.
Proud Moments
Being chosen as an Earth Innovator by the Sierra Club. My work on the HP Deskjet 6540 printer which is highly recyclable and won many awards.
My Family
I am married and have three small children - a daughter and twin boys. We also have a cat.
Dreams and Goals
Short term I want to continue doing my good work as an Environmental Product Steward. Long term I am interested in moving into HP Labs to work on innovations in sustainability.
Inspiration
My brother got his undergraduate degree in industrial engineering so I got to see what being an engineer was like. The Northwest Earth Institute courses that I have taken have guided me toward environmental work.
Hobbies
My favorite author is Charles de Lint. He writes both young adult and adult fiction. His work is extremely inspiring to me. His writing takes me away and brings me back feeling happy and ready to create. I recommend his books highly. Also, I love playing frisbee golf and I have been playing soccer for 25 years!
Want to be an Engineer?
Go for it! Being an engineer doesn't mean you can't have a life. You can be an engineer and have a social life and a family too. My engineering degree has allowed me to be whatever I have dreamed of being.
School Days
I have a B.S. in Industrial Engineering from the University of Miami; Miami, Florida and I have an M.B.A. in Sustainable Business Practices, Bainbridge Graduate Institute; Bainbridge Island, Washington.