What I Do Currently I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering at Morgan State University. I get to spend my day working with future engineers and participating in some amazing research. I also love to do outreach, mentoring and speak to students of all ages to pursue STEM degrees.
Why Engineering? What did I choose Engineering..... Check out when I fell in love with engineering here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mVZOLaOsZY4 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6AkiAJJbm7M
School Days I attended North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University in Greensboro, NC, for my BS in Industrial Engineering (2008) and my MS (2011) / Ph.D. (2016) in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
My Day At Work A typical day at work is to teach two classes, meet with students and work on research. Currently, I teach Statistics, Engineering Economy, and Discrete Event Simulation. I use some of these same topics for my research which uses lots of math.
Best Part The best part about being an engineer is the fact that I can work on a variety of problems that I've been able to travel to some amazing places to share my research with others.
Challenges In a lot of settings I have been the only and the youngest. To overcome this I try to make sure I use my voice when its needed most. I also try to use those two things as a why to introduce or bring new ideas to the forefront. Sometimes we have to turn our challenges into assets.
My Family This year my husband and I welcomed our first child into the world. So I am a first time mom and learning how to balance. My little family brings me lots of joy!
Dreams and Goals Short term goals: 1. Develop my research portfolio a little more. 2. Work on more PHD Wellness Retreats Long term goals: 1. Earn tenure and promotion 2. Write a book 3. Coach and inspire more students
Inspiration My parents have been very influential in where I am today. They provided opportunities for us to participate in many different programs. I am thankful for their commitment and sacrifice for my development.
Want to be an Engineer? First there are so many female engineers rising up so you are not alone and will be well supported. Get into as many programs as you can to learn which discipline of engineers works for you. Remember its ok if its more than one. Also, take every opportunity do not let fear stop you!