What I Do I am an engineer and educator who works to advance energy and propulsion technologies that power aircraft and other high-performance systems. My research focuses on improving how turbine engines operate—especially by making them more efficient, reliable, and environmentally responsible. Much of my work involves studying how air flows and how heat moves through complex engine components, because even small improvements in these areas can significantly reduce fuel use and emissions. In addition to research, I work closely with students, industry, and government partners to solve real-world engineering challenges. I also serve in leadership roles that support engineering education and help shape the future of the engineering profession. A big part of what I do is helping develop the next generation of engineers—people who will design the technologies that make transportation, energy, and society more sustainable. At its core, my work is about using science, creativity, and teamwork to make machines and systems perform better—and to make the world a cleaner and more efficient place.
Why Engineering? Growing up on our family dairy farm in southern Illinois, I was surrounded by mechanical equipment and learned early on how much problem-solving and ingenuity it takes to keep things running. My father also took us to the airport often and because he was excited about flight, I became interested in how I could also work on airplanes in some way. Even though I didn’t have many engineering role models, I was fortunate to have an outstanding high school science teacher who sparked my interest in chemistry and physics and showed me how exciting it can be to understand how the world works. When I started college, I initially planned to major in journalism or chemistry. But a female friend—knowing how much I enjoyed calculus—encouraged me to consider engineering. That suggestion opened my eyes to new path so I made a call to Boeing to ask whether I could talk to an engineer, if they had one. After the operator laughed, she put me in contact with an engineer who described his day. I knew, from that call, that engineering was right for me!
School Days I completed by Bachelors and Masters in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. After completing those degrees, I worked at Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory with many PhDs. I decided to attend the University of Texas at Austin, with strong support from my husband, so that I could do research aligned with my area of interest on aircraft. I had a great experience and learned so much, which led to the next opportunity of moving to Germany for two years to take a post-doctoral research position
My Day At Work My day at work varies so much as the Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering. I work with faculty to create new research and educational programs; meet with students; and continue to do some research with my graduate student.
Best Part What I enjoy most about engineering work are the challenges and the interactions that I've had with people at a number of universities both in the United States and in Europe. The typical stereotype of an engineer working alone at his or her desk, in many cases, is just not true. Most problems involve team efforts. So, if you're concerned that engineering may not be for you because you want to work with people (which is a comment that I often hear), your concern may not be necessary.
Proud Moments I am most proud of the graduate students who have worked with me on their research. I take such pride in their accomplishments and it is such an important part of my life to see them succeed. I am also proud to say that there are many novel cooling methods that my students and I have researched that are flying on today's airplanes!
Challenges The challenges are what to work on in my career. As an engineer and academic, there have been an incredible number of opportunities. I have been able to tour Australia with the Governor of Michigan; have take a submarine ride with the NAVY; have been invited to the White House as a Champion of Change; and given the opportunity to testify in front of Congress. There are many other opportunities that have come before me making it an exciting life.
My Family I was working in California when I met my husband who encouraged me to start on my Ph.D. I'm extremely grateful that I've had such wonderful support from the man that I have now been married to for 18 years. We are also the proud parents of two very lively dogs.
Dreams and Goals I continue to have dreams of creating and researching new ways to cool turbine blades. It is an exciting time because of the ability to use 3D metal printing that allows us to look at novel new designs. I also hope to walk in a room one day with many women engineers and students who are working together on influential teams.
Inspiration My father has always been an inspiration because of hard work ethic and because of his philosophy of being an early adopter bringing new ideas into farming. I have also been inspired by my husband's wife, Dr. Peggy Alley, who was the first woman receiving her PhD from the University of Tennessee in chemistry. My daily and steadfast inspiration is my husband who has had the greatest influence on my life. He is my biggest supporter and, at the same time, knows when to tell me my direction may be flawed.
Want to be an Engineer? Do not be intimidated to be an engineer. It is an extremely exciting career with many possibilities. Talk to many because of the wealth of opportunities available to those who have engineering degrees. Go for it!
Additional Thoughts Do not be intimidated to be an engineer. It is an extremely exciting career with many possibilities. Engineers love to talk about their work so don't be shy in asking what they do.