What I Do I design parts of the flight control system for various airplanes. I design automated features on airplane displays similar to the ones in new cars so that pilots can be more aware of their surroundings and land safely. I have designed actuators that control flight control surfaces and some logic behind the future flight deck (cockpit) display screens. Flight control surfaces are the moving parts on an airplane wing and tail such as flaps, and elevator that help the pilot maneuver the aircraft.
School Days University of Texas at Arlington, Aerospace Engineering B.S. Syracuse University, Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering M.S.
My Day At Work Understand how an aircraft lands, what pilots think about and data they look at to land the airplane safely, programming, watching videos of flight tests and analyzing flight test data.
Proud Moments When an airplane I worked on flies for the first time ever and every airplane that transports passengers safely.
Challenges I moved from India as a high school student. I am the first person in my family to become an Aerospace Engineer, go to college in the U.S. and work in the Aerospace industry. I'm usually the only woman of color in a team or meeting. I have had to figure out a lot of things myself since people around me didn't have the same experiences as me. I'm thankful to have great mentors and organizations like Society of Women Engineers to help me through my career journey.
Want to be an Engineer? You are good enough and smart enough to be an engineer. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. There are so many different engineering jobs out there. There is one that matches your interests and skills. Remember to be "Brave, not perfect" (Reshma Saujani).