What I Do I project manage and design electrical systems for buildings, specifically the power, lighting, fire alarm systems for commercial buildings, with an emphasis on healthcare and mission critical facilities.
Why Engineering? I chose engineering because I have always been drawn to math and science, and figuring out puzzles and problems. Being an engineer means having to do critical thinking and problem solving every day at work, and I love the challenge of it!
School Days I went to Kansas State University and my degree is in architectural engineering, with a focus on electrical systems. An architectural engineering degree is specifically focused on building systems such as the structural, mechanical, plumbing and electrical systems.
My Day At Work My typical projects include designing a building power distribution system, laying out receptacles and providing circuiting, providing power for HVAC equipment, designing lighting systems including controls, providing calculations for the electrical systems and a lot more - every building is different so I never do the same thing twice!
Best Part The challenge - I like figuring out the best solution for a complicated problem in a building design and being able to present that to the clients.
Proud Moments Getting my Professional Engineer license and passing the PE exam is definitely one the proudest, being offered a partnership in my firm and being assigned my own team to manage is a close second.
Challenges The biggest challenge was managing a team working on the design of a new hospital because of all of the code requirements and the different types of spaces we had to design for, this project taught me so much and was easily one of my favorite ones that I worked on.
My Family I was married earlier this year and currently it is just myself and my husband at home, but I am very close with my parents and siblings - we have five engineers in the family and three math teachers, I'm hoping my niece will choose a path into engineering or mathematics as well!
Dreams and Goals Short term goals include continuing to develop my knowledge on healthcare and mission critical systems, and pushing my team to continue to develop theirs as well. This leads into my long term goal of having my team be one of the best engineering design teams in Phoenix. Personal goals would include looking to having children within the next couple years.
Inspiration My parents 100%. Both of my parents have always pushed me to be the best that I can and to compromise when it makes sense but to stand my ground on the important matters. They have both guided me into the person I am today.
Want to be an Engineer? Believe in yourself - if you believe you can be an engineer, you'll put in the time and the effort and have the ability to tune out anyone who doubts your abilities. And don't be afraid to ask questions - that's the best way to learn.
Hobbies Outside of work, I love to travel! That has been put on hold for this year, but my last trip was to Croatia and I loved getting to explore the different cities and culture there, as well as the great food!