What I Do AnthroTronix is a human factors and biomedical engineering research company. Our focus is to empower people to accomplish their goals using technology - from computer access devices for children with disabilities to robot controllers for soldiers. I'm also an author and wrote a book, Inventing the Future, Stories from a Techno-Optimist.
Why Engineering? I chose engineering because I thought technology was cool - especially robotics and virtual reality! I was also very interested in "technology transfer" or how high tech developed for space and military applications could be used for medical applications.
School Days I have a Bachelor of Arts degree in Biopsychology and Mathematics from Swarthmore College, and a Master's Degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics and a Ph.D. in Neuroscience from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. I also attended the International Space University in Japan and am a Licensed Professional Engineer.
Best Part As an engineering research company, we get to work on many types of design problems. I work with a team of mechanical, software, and biomedical engineers developing robotic and computer-based technology to solve problems in the medical rehabilitation, defense, and education research areas.
Proud Moments Prior to starting AnthroTronix, I was a professor of biomedical engineering and worked closely with the National Rehabilitation Hospital. I was taken aback at the lack of technology for children with disabilities. To meet that need I founded a subsidiary company to AnthroTronix called AT KidSystems which created Cosmo’s Learning Systems™ – an alternative computer interface and educational software for children with disabilities. More recently I was honored to be chosen as one of 120 contemporary women in STEM to be a STEM ambassador. Statues were made of us and have been on exhibit at the Smithsonian!
My Family I enjoy spending time with my husband and children. We enjoy camping, hiking, and traveling and spending time at home with our 2 dogs and 3 cats! We are also involved in the Interracial Family Circle – a support network for interracial families.
Inspiration Many people over the years who encouraged me to be proud of standing out and being different. As a woman in engineering, you have to be comfortable with both of these things!
Want to be an Engineer? Don't worry about what you want to BE - pursue your interests and find cool things to DO!