What I Do Systems Engineering group is part of the product development team working on developing and launching innovative technology for hearing aids, fitting software, accessory devices, and mobile applications. As Systems Verification Engineering Manager, I manage a group of nine talented individuals and work closely with engineers, audiologists, customer service representatives, and marketing to test standards and analyze risk on hearing products.
Why Engineering? My parents inspired me to pursue engineering and continuously supported my aspirations. Thanks to them, math and science have always been a part of my life and I excelled at them. After school, I would work with my mother on math problems and my father on science projects. I grew up surrounded by engineers; learning about engineering disciplines through them and their jobs. I quickly learned the versatility of the field and what a great foundation it was for both technical and business careers. Understanding all the ways an engineer can make a difference made engineering an obvious choice.
School Days MS in Management of Technology, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities MS in Electrical Engineering, University of Minnesota – Twin Cities BE in Electronics and Communications Engineering, Osmania University - India
My Day At Work The fascinating part of being an engineer is you get to do many different things and here are a few that I did. o I’ve written software code o I’ve created tests for software and hardware o I’ve tested software and hardware o I’ve participated in animal studies o I’ve compiled data and documents for FDA 510(k) submissions o I’ve analyzed data for problem solving o I’ve triaged field returned issues o I’ve created project plans o I’ve managed projects and led to successful completion o I’ve made process improvements o I’ve managed people o I’ve hired new talent o I’ve facilitated meetings o I’ve presented technical and non-technical material to many different people o I’ve worked on new upcoming technologies o I’ve developed products that are currently being used in the field and the list goes on...
Best Part Each day as an engineer I get to work on finding solutions and creating something useful. It fascinates me of how many different ways an engineer can impact and make a difference in someone’s life.
Proud Moments I was recognized as the top New Faces of Engineering candidate for 2014 by Discover E and was invited to do a Satellite Media tour to share my journey as an engineer. I hope to have inspired some future engineers.
Challenges I was told a few times that am too young and not ready for certain exciting opportunities in my career. My mentors and advocates helped me navigate such situations; I try to do the same for others.
My Family My husband and best friend, Vijay, an algorithm development engineer at Philips Healthcare, is my biggest supporter who constantly encourages me to tread paths less travelled. We have been married for 4.5 years and looking forward to being parents with the little one arriving in September. We both are from India and our parents still live back home.
Dreams and Goals In the short-term I want to figure out what it means to be a working mother, continue to give back to the community, and work on impactful products. If I can achieve all these then I will start thinking long-term.
Inspiration My husband has instilled in me a belief that I could do anything and conquer any obstacle. He has helped me grow professionally to be a better engineer and personally to be a better fellow human being. My parents were a big influence in my life growing up. My mentors at work and in Society of Women Engineers have guided and shaped me.
Want to be an Engineer? If you want to make a different, as an engineer you can influence that. You don’t have to always score an A in math and science to be a good engineer. Believe in yourself and pursue engineering. Having a mentor to guide you along the way has proven very helpful for me and I recommend the same.
Additional Thoughts You don’t have to always score an A in math and science to be a good engineer. Believe in yourself and pursue engineering.
Hobbies I love playing strategic board games, cooking, visiting classrooms to teach science experiments, napping, and eating at different restaurants.