What I Do With a move to Europe for personal reasons, I found myself working in the GIG economy and have been involved in research and some lecturing. As the doctoral students' ombud (Chalmers University of Technology, Sweden), I assisted PhD students with problems that arose in the course of their studies. As a Prof. Emeritus, from Canada, I also review grant applications, papers and applications for promotion as well sit on PhD grading committees. I have now transitioned to something I once identified as a long-term goal - retirement!
Why Engineering? My mother was a science teacher and my father was a military (mechanical) engineer. I grew up in a house they designed and were building together. I suppose you could say I grew up "in engineering". I loved sports but I was most challenged by math and science. Engineering seemed a natural fit.
School Days Three degrees from Carleton University in Ottawa, Canada: B.Eng. (Mechanical), M.Eng. (Materials), PhD (Mechanical).
My Day At Work Early on, I was involved in the consulting side of things. After my PhD, my academic life was that of teaching, research and administration including student advocacy. As a doctoral students' ombud, my work was mostly in advocacy. I also volunteer, when I can, in ways that both support my work or my field.
Best Part Engineering is always changing and evolving but the fundamentals, e.g., Newton's Laws, are always there. Ultimately engineers problem solve and work to make things better for people. The people I have worked with have been enthusiastic and caring.
Proud Moments Development of special finite elements for numerical analysis of manufacturing processes such as welding. Involvement with the tribunal (quasi-judicial) portion of a Canadian regulatory body. Good teaching evaluations and occasionally, even now, receiving appreciative notes from former students along with continued contact with former students who have become colleagues and friends. Very proud mom of three all of whom have chosen careers in engineering,
Challenges I have always been one of the few women in my area. This had both negative and positive aspects. I tried to focus on the positive. One major challenge was "holding it altogether" when I was widowed and had three children to raise. Again, I tried to focus on the positive.
My Family I am married, to an engineer, and live in Europe. My two daughters and my son have completed their own degrees in engineering.
Inspiration My parents, especially my mother; several teachers in elementary and high school; a couple of top-notch mentors/professors; and several informal mentors during my career, have been critical. I also used my love of sport to help in my career. It took time and training to develop as an athlete. The same is true for becoming an engineer.
Additional Thoughts It took time and training to develop as an athlete. The same is true for becoming an engineer and developing your career.