What I Do I am the Chief Scientist for Air & Missile Defense at Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory, where I am a senior advisor for strategy and technology. I lead our cutting edge research and development program to develop future technologies to support the United States Military.
Why Engineering? Growing up, I was fascinated with space. I wanted to become an astronaut and help make discoveries about our universe. While interning at NASA, I found that I actually enjoy things that fly within Earth's atmosphere, and my love for airplanes and aeronautics was born.
School Days I attended West Virginia University and graduated with two Bachelor's degrees in aerospace and mechanical engineering. I also received my Ph.D. in aerospace engineering from West Virginia University. While working, I pursued and graduated with a Master's degree in systems engineering from Johns Hopkins University.
My Day At Work My work day can look different from week to week, and that is something that I love! Some days, I attend meetings where I learn about amazing new technologies and try to identify new ways to use them to solve problems. I find myself surrounded by really smart people doing amazing work, and I try to help them be successful. If I identify interesting challenges and potential solutions, I dig in and put my engineering chops to work to try to solve it.
Best Part Being an engineer means you get to solve problems that haven’t been solved before. They are challenging, but exceptionally rewarding when you are successful.
Proud Moments I went into aerospace engineering to make a difference, and I am proud of the contributions I have made, and continue to make, that are keeping our military service members safe. I am proudest of a technology I helped develop for the United States Navy, ultimately earning me a personal letter of recognition thanking me for my contributions to the country.
Challenges I think people sometimes underestimated this girl from West Virginia, who didn’t learn what an aileron was until she was a sophomore in college. I didn’t focus on those people, and instead focused on my aspirations and found people who supported and believed in me. I had a voracious appetite for learning, and I pushed (and continue to push) to be the best version of myself - someone who wants to leave a positive mark on the world.
My Family I am married to an amazing person, Tim, who is also a fellow engineer! He is a partner in every sense of the word – from working on tough engineering challenges together to raising a family – we are a team.
Dreams and Goals Short term goals: Lead an impactful research and development program for my organization each year that transitions technology to the user Continue to mentor and develop future engineers within my organization and beyond Visit the last two states I have yet to visit in the United States Long-term goals: Continue to make impactful contributions to the aerospace community Serve as a technology advisor for the United States Government Be a role model for girls in STEM Stretch goal: Serve as a national science / technology correspondent for a major news network
Inspiration My parents are two of the hardest working and honest people I know. I grew up watching them have grit and determination in their respective careers and always willing to help others when they could. They supported me in everything I put energy into, and they never missed being there to cheer me on. Growing up in West Virginia, I was also blessed to have amazing math and science teachers who encouraged me to pursue engineering. Once at West Virginia University, I again found role models and advocates in my professors who inspired me to dare to dream big for my career.
Want to be an Engineer? Engineering is a challenging and rewarding career, where you have the opportunity to make a difference for the world. Find your passion and don’t be afraid to chase it as it evolves over time. There will be moments when things don’t go the way you plan, and you will have an opportunity to learn from them. It’s important to not let the fear of failure prevent you from doing something great. I have learned some of my greatest lessons from falling, getting up, dusting myself off, and trying again.
Hobbies I love to be active outside. I enjoy running, hiking, walking my dog, and playing softball. I also enjoy traveling and working on house projects with my husband.