Dr Sandra Cruz-Pol

I teach classes such as antenna design and electromagnetics and also advise graduate students on research in which we use radars to study clouds, rain and other natural phenomena. The main reason is to be able to understand and model them better, so that we can have better forecasts and climate prediction.

Because I love math and science. I loved the challenge they provide, of having to find a solution to a problem - it's like solving a puzzle. In addition, I wanted to be able to use the knowledge of science and math for new things that could help many people.

I have a bachelors degree from University of Puerto Rico at Mayaguez, a masters degree from University of Massachusetts and a Ph.D. from Penn State University, all in Electrical Engineering.

I get to work with students, advise them what to do, explain to them complex subjects in an easy way so that they can understand them and use them for solving a problem.

Being able to improve people's lives. I work with the design of a network of radars that will improve forecasting of hurricanes, tornadoes, flooding and the like. It feels good.

The satisfaction you get when you see something, knowing you can make it better, and then doing it! Engineers are always improving things, whether it's a radar, a cell phone, or a computer program. I am also very glad to involve my students in global issues awareness such as participating in fund raising for UNICEF.

I have two smart daughters, and a very cooperative husband who is also an engineer. My children did experiments with me since they were very young. Each of them has designed a web page of their own; i told them they have great potential to be whatever they want to be. Now one is an engineering and the other one is a psychology professor.

I would like to complete the radar project in which I'm involved now. I would like to help increase the number of women studying engineering and science, and help educate society about equal rights for women and children. I believe a small measure in the way we raise children can make a huge impact on their human development and future behavior. I will like to help people learn ways to help with our climate problems and will like fair distribution of resources in the world.

My father - he was very supportive of his daughters studying careers normally considered "men only."  At some point in our lives we all think we're not good enough or that we will not make it. Just reject those thoughts every time the come to you and be positive, think of the good things you've done and/or the good things you can do to help others using your talents/efforts. That's a big satisfaction in life.

Don't give up, don't be afraid of making mistakes or taking risks, and speak up. Don't be shy to show your talents and intelligence.

Being in a male-dominated field makes people create some stereotypes in their heads of what a smart engineer looks like. :) I look very feminine, and know it's not a contradiction, but for some people it is. They expect to see the nerd image shown in popular media. So I am glad to show what the reality is, and I have had to prove myself to others sometimes. But the good thing is that you stand out for being a women, so if you do a good job everybody will remember. Now my older daughter is also an engineer. She studied civil and environmental engineering and now supervises several people, she's also a professional salsa dancer.

I love to do acrylic painting, especially portraits. I also partake in art and crafts, calligraphy, interior decoration, swimming, gardening, baking desserts, and dancing modern dance. I also play the drums, my husband is an engineer but he also plays the bass guitar.