Vanessa Li

Vanessa Li

Process Leader, Novelis

Engineers!

Kim Le
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Emerlina Binuya
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Lauren Olsen
Valarie King-Bailey
Yuki Fujimura
Johanna Catchings
Diya Dwarakanath
Close Up
  • What I Do

    I am a Program Manager with Novelis Aluminum. I am responsible for technology development and project management

  • Why Engineering?

    I love chemistry and physics! Ever since I can remember, I loved watching chemical reactions. I felt the mysterious solar system very fascinating. I enjoyed hands-on chemistry and physics lab sessions

     

  • School Days
    • I went to an all-girls school in Hong Kong established by the Anglican Church in 1906. There were a lot of emphasis on music education and home economics. I took piano and flute. Needlework and cooking lessons are mandatory.
    • I left Hong Kong at age 16 and went to a boarding school in Monterey Bay, California for my last 2 years of high school.
    • While I studied in University of Illinois, I joined a research team led by graduate students. I received my undergraduate degree in Materials Science and Engineering - Metallurgy.
    • While working full time, I took MBA courses from Indiana University.
  • My Day At Work

    Over the course of my career, I have been involved with process and quality. These are some of my past and current responsibilities:

    • Improve productivity through data analysis and reviewing trend, 
    • Resolve customer claims, ensure product meets customer applications
    • New product qualification, recommend solutions to customer through product applications and designs
    • Reduce defect and salvaging of defective products, improve inspection method and define product release criteria
    • Mechanical and chemical testing data analysis, ensure consistency in testing
  • Best Part

    My job involves hands-on tasks such as chemical and mechanical testing in lab, inspection of products, process improvement, traveling to customer sites to provide service and product support etc.

  • Proud Moments

    I feel proud when children show an interest in my STEM demo during outreach events. Little by little, I spark their interest. Even if they decide not to pursue STEM later in their life, it is still a good way for them learn more about their passion. One will never know what he/she likes or don’t like to do until they are exposed to it. This learning opportunity is very valuable.

    I also feel proud when I host international students. Being in their shoes before, I understand the importance of helping students transitioning to a new living environment. ​​

  • Challenges

    The challenge I faced while studying in the U.S. is that Americans are much better at marketing and presenting themselves. Students are not afraid to ask questions or even challenge the teachers. I sometimes doubt my potential, thinking that I am simply not as smart as them. My family focused heavily on Chinese philosophy and beliefs. I was taught to be humble since “There is always a mountain higher than this one.” I later learned that this did not help me demonstrate confidence in the workplace. I learned by observing others and realized that they simply feel comfortable expressing their idea. I then learned how to share my ideas with others and showed my confidence without being arrogant. It was simply a cultural difference and not a difference in intelligence. 

  • My Family

    My parents live in Hong Kong. I have a younger sister who is an environmental engineer living in San Francisco

  • Inspiration

     

    Nobel Prize-winning Sir Charles Kuen Kao—father of fiber optics

    Mulan: Not the Disney version but the real Mulan (She is not a princess). She was very brave and this gave me a new impression that women can be tough and strong and able to perform well in her chosen career and protect her family and her homeland.

     

  • Want to be an Engineer?

    Study hard while in college (yes, I spent lots of time in the library studying because there were a lot of smart kids around me.)

    Self-confident is important. I questioned why boys are better than girls in math and science. I was determined to disprove that. Remember, if I can STEM, so can you.

     

  • Hobbies

    Audiobook, travel, trying out different restaurants, sewing, Zumba, piano, visiting museums, exploring a new town/sightseeing etc​.

Education
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign: BS. Materials Science and Engineering - Metallurgy; Indiana University at Bloomington: MBA
Volunteer Opportunities
  • I am willing to be contacted by educators for possible speaking engagements in schools or in after school programs or summer camps.
  • I am willing to serve as a sponsor or coach for an engineering club or team.
  • I am willing to serve as science fair judge or other temporary volunteer at a local school.
  • I am willing to host a field trip to my place of employment.
  • I am willing to be contacted about potential job shadowing by interested students.