What I Do I work for WoodWorks – a national non-profit that provides free project support for commerical and multifamily wood buildings, a robust education program, and a wide range of published resources. I am part of the leadership team and manage a dynamic and growing team of wood project specialists. Before I joined WoodWorks, I worked for a national engineering firm that designs, investigates, and rehabilitates structures and building enclosures. I have designed wall and roof cladding components; investigated the condition of historic structures, stadiums, and resorts; and managed the construction administration of projects large and small. I feel like I've never had a normal office job and that's been terrific! Some workdays you can find me out on a project site – hanging off the sides of buildings on ropes, scaling scaffolding, riding lifts and swingstages, and getting dirty. While on other days, I answer a lot of emails and strategize about the direction of our work. I give lectures and seminars worldwide. I also help recruit and mentor the next generation of engineers.
Why Engineering? At first I was interested in architecture, but soon I realized that all my not-so-artistic drawings were basically boxes as I couldn’t abide the thought of wasted space! Then I attended an engineering summer exploration program during high school and my mentor told me something that changed my career path: “If you look around the world and wonder, ‘How does that work?’ you might be an engineer.”
School Days I have a B.S. in Architectural Engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering and a M.S. in Wood Science and Technology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Best Part I like knowing that the work that we engineers do makes a difference – structures are safer, less windows and roofs will leak (leading to healthier environments for building occupants), and buildings and materials will last longer.
Proud Moments Obtaining my professional engineering license in California and working as a team member on several award-winning projects.
Challenges I confess that I have never really been all that fond of math and science classes. I struggled through the basics as if I were climbing a mountain, but once I got to advanced math I had more fun. Outside of school, I soon found that engineering is less about traditional math and science than it is about understanding relationships (between materials and systems) and effective communication.
My Family I am married (to an electrical engineer) and we have three children. Every day is a new adventure for toddlers and it is so much fun seeing the world through their fresh eyes.
Dreams and Goals My short-term work goals are to write several papers and give presentations on my areas of expertise to continue to increase my internal and external professional recognition. My long-term life goals are to challenge myself to take more risks personally and professionally. I would like to start a small side business and I would like to teach at the college level.
Inspiration My family, of course, is encouraging and inspiring! But friends, co-workers, and mentors have played a big role in helping show me the wealth of career path choices and challenge my thinking.
Want to be an Engineer? Make opportunities for yourself! Call up office managers at local businesses to ask if any young professionals might be interested in having you shadow them.
Additional Thoughts As a child, I had a poster hanging in my room that read “Little Girls with Dreams Become Women with Vision”. One thing I’ve learned is that it is OK for dreams of your career and life to change or mature. Pursuing an engineering degree is a great first step to turning your dreams into a future full of possibilities.
Hobbies I love to read and I collect children’s literature to share my favorites with my kids. I have “comfort books” that I enjoy re-reading like The Blue Castle by L. M. Montgomery and The Blue Sword by Robin McKinley.