SWE - Better Creating a - Society of Women Engineers
←
→
Page content transcription
If your browser does not render page correctly, please read the page content below
SWE
Magazine of the Societ y of Women Engineers
ASPIRE • ADVANCE • ACHIEVE w w w.swe.org WINTER 2012
Creating a
Better
Workplace
The Organizational Ombudsman • Workplaces That “Work” • Hidden Bias Revealed
Let Aviation’s
Challenge
Become Your
Opportunity!
Engineers work to develop economic and safe solutions to
practical problems, by applying mathematics, scientific
knowledge and ingenuity while considering technical constraints.
The U.S. Aviation system is the biggest and busiest in the world.
FAA offers some of the most demanding and exhilarating
high-tech engineering challenges. There’s no limit to how high
your career can climb here at the FAA.
We are looking for intelligent, dedicated people interested in
pursuing challenging work. Your ambition can take you places at
the FAA.
DestinationFAA
&ŽƌŵŽƌĞŝŶĨŽƌŵĂƟŽŶŽŶĐĂƌĞĞƌƐĂŶĚ
ƚŽĂƉƉůLJ͕ǀŝƐŝƚ͗ǁǁǁ͘ĨĂĂ͘ŐŽǀͬũŽďƐ
FAA is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse
workplace. All applications are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex,
national origin, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or status as a parent.
The following SWE Heritage Club members make an important commitment to SWE through ongoing advertising in SWE Magazine. Their efforts to recruit technical women demonstrate their dedication to diversity and their recognition of SWE membership as a valuable asset. SWE is greatly appreciative of this support, which helps us empower women to succeed and advance in the field of engineering. Aerojet Caterpillar Inc. Central Intelligence Agency Chevron DuPont Exxon Mobil Corporation General Dynamics C4 Systems Goldman, Sachs & Co. ITW Life Technologies Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory Michelin North America MIT Lincoln Laboratory National Security Agency NAVAIR NCEES Raytheon Rockwell Collins Toyota Motor Engineering & Manufacturing North America, Inc. U.S. Navy For more information visit SWE.org/Partner
C A R E E RS AT THE N ATIONA L S ECURITY A GEN CY
Make a critical difference
with what you know.
You already know that intelligence is vital to
national security. But here’s something you
may not know.
The National Security Agency is the only
Intelligence Community agency that generates
intelligence from foreign signals and protects
U.S. systems from prying eyes.
If you have the professional skills or technical
expertise to support this important mission,
then explore NSA. At NSA you can experience
a variety of opportunities throughout your
career as you work on real-world challenges
with the latest technology. You’ll also enjoy a
collaborative work environment with flexible
hours that will enable you to strike a balance
between work and life.
You won’t find this kind of experience
anywhere else.
KNOWINGMATTERS
Excellent Career Opportunities in the Following Fields:
■ Computer/Electrical Engineering ■ Cryptanalysis
■ Computer Science ■ Signals Analysis
■ Information Assurance ■ Business & Contracting
■ Mathematics ■ Finance & Accounting
■ Foreign Language ■ Paid Internships,
■ Intelligence Analysis Scholarships and Co-op
>> Plus other opportunities
Watch the Video.
Search NSACareers
Get the free App for your
camera phone at gettag.mobi
and then launch the App and
aim it at this tag.
WHERE INTELLIGENCE GOES TO WORK® Search NSA to Download
U.S. citizenship is required. NSA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants for employment are considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, disability, sexual orientation, or status as a parent.
Vol. 58 • No. 1 • WINTER 2012 CONTENTS
SWE
Society of Women Engineers Magazine of t he Socie t y of Women Engineer s
203 N. La Salle St., Suite 1675
Chicago, IL 60601
877-793-4636
Fax: 312-596-5252
Website: www.swe.org
Email: hq@swe.org
http://www.nxtbook.com/nxtbooks/swe/winter12/#/0
ASPIRE • ADVANCE • ACHIEVE
Betty Shanahan, CAE, F.SWE
Executive Director & CEO
SWE BOARD OF DIRECTORS:
FEATURES
President | Melissa Tata
Creating a Better Workplace
Dell Inc. This suite of articles examines the engineering and technical work environment
President Elect | Alyse Stofer from a variety of perspectives, offering insight into current conditions and
Medtronic possibilities for change.
Secretary | Elizabeth Bierman
Honeywell Aerospace
Treasurer | Stacey DelVecchio
30 A Fresh Look at the Organizational
Caterpillar Inc.
Ombudsman
DIRECTORS:
Education | Kelly Griswold Schable
The Boeing Company
Membership Initiatives |
36 Workplaces That “Work”
Lana Fountain Flakes
Ingersoll Rand
Professional Development |
Linette Patterson
42 Hidden Workplace Bias Revealed
The Michael Group
Emerging Initiatives |
Semahat Demir, Ph.D.
National Science Foundation
Director of Regions | Linda M.S. Thomas CONFERENCE SUMMARY
The Boeing Company
46 WE11 Overview
Speaker of the Senate | Helen Patricia
COVER PHOTO:BY FUSE
Kennametal Inc. 48 Achievement Award Remarks
Collegiate Director | Allison Machtemes 51 Award Highlights
Barr Engineering Company
54 Region, Section, MAL, and Collegiate Awards
Special Director for International |
Janet Bandows Koster 57 SWE Anniversaries
Association for Women in Science
SWE (ISSN 1070-6232), Magazine of
page 42
the Society of Women Engineers, is
published quarterly by the Society of
Women Engineers, 203 N. La Salle St., Suite
1675, Chicago, IL 60601.
ADVERTISING RATES:
For advertising rates and information,
call John Goodrich at 434-244-9776.
ANNUAL SUBSCRIPTION RATES:
SWE members,$10.00 included in dues;
SWE student members, $7.50 included
in dues; non-members, $30.00.
Periodicals postage paid at Chicago, IL
and additional mailing offices.
POSTMASTER:
ERIC WESTBROOK
Send address changes to:
SWE, c/o Society of Women Engineers
at the above address.
Copyright 2012
Society of Women Engineers
WINTER 2012 • SWE 3
CONTENTS
SWE
EDITORIAL:
Magazine of t he Socie t y of Women Engineer s
Anne M. Perusek
Director of Editorial and Publications
anne.perusek@swe.org
Carol Polakowski
Associate Editor
carol.polakowski@swe.org
Custom Concepts & Design
Art Direction and Production
CONTRIBUTORS:
DEPARTMENTS
7 Opening Thoughts
Sandra Guy
Meredith Holmes 8 Of Note
Seabright McCabe
Charlotte Thomas 18 Advocacy
22 The Pulse
EDITORIAL BOARD:
58 Career Toolbox
Deb O’Bannon, Ph.D., P.E., Chair
University of Missouri-Kansas City 62 Integrating Life and Work
Pam Dingman, P.E.
Engineering Design Consultants 64 People
Lynda Grindstaff 67 Media
Lynda Grindstaff Group LLC
Debra Kimberling
Solar Turbines Inc. SPECIFICALLY SWE:
Marcie Mathis
U.S. Navy 69 President’s Note
Bianca McCartt 70 Coffee Table Conversations
GE Aviation
Walter McFall 72 Viewpoint
WDM Associates
75 In Memoriam
Ritu Pathak
Chevron 76 SWE Smiles
Marilyn Reeder 79 Closing Thoughts
Westinghouse Electric Company
80 Scrapbook
ABOUT SWE:
The Society of Women Engineers (SWE),
founded in 1950, is a not-for-profit educa- 1 Heritage Club
tional and service organization. SWE is the
driving force that establishes engineering 74 Heritage Club Sponsors
as a highly desirable career aspiration for
women. SWE empowers women to succeed
77 Corporate Partnership Council
and advance in those aspirations and be 78 Opportunity Index
recognized for their life-changing
contributions and achievements as
women engineers and leaders.
WEBINARS
SWE is committed to offering professional ▲ Overcoming the College to Career
development programs that cater to the Society’s Impostor Syndrome: Held Dec. 13, 2011
diverse membership. Presented by experts, How to Feel as Bright Presenter: Karen Warren,
these programs span the topics of innovation, and Capable as Everyone SWE Member
integrating life and work, and management. Seems to Think You Are
Following is a sampling of webinar titles that Held Dec. 6, 2011 ▲ State of Women in
were offered in 2011. Although the dates have Presenter: Valerie Young, Engineering
passed for these events, you can still view them Ph.D., Consultant Held Dec. 16, 2011
under the professional development section Presenter: Cathy Pieronek,
at www.swe.org. Visit the website for more ▲ Hit the Ground Running: J.D., University of Notre
information on upcoming webinars. Transitioning from Dame
WINTER 2012 • SWE 5
Secure Your Nation’s
Future and Grow
Your Future,Too.
Every day, in countless ways, the highly
talented staff members of the Johns Hopkins
University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL)
are working to make a difference. We are
keeping the nation safe through scientific
research and engineering. We are strengthening national
defense in military technology, information assurance and
homeland protection. We are advancing our efforts in missile
defense, chemical and bio-defense and cyber operations.
We are making highly innovative, affordable and timely
contributions to critical challenges in national security
and space. We are finding new ways to defeat Internet
attacks on the electronic battlefields of the 21st century.
We are stopping threats from above traveling at thousands
of miles per hour, and detecting chemical, biological and
radioactive materials through sensor technology.
We are a team of dedicated contributors whose core values
include excellence, integrity and public service. To find out
more about APL, visit our website: www.jhuapl.edu.
Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory is an
equal opportunity/affirmative action employer that complies
with Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972, as well as
other applicable laws, and values diversity in its workforce.
Laurel, MD
www.jhuapl.edu
OPENING THOUGHTS
Toward Workplaces That “Work”
W
hat does it mean to create a better workplace? What does it take for a workplace to
“work,” for its employees and industry/market? And what are the conditions con-
ducive to creating such an environment, as well as the impediments that stand in
the way? These are some of the questions that were brainstormed when planning this issue.
The suite of articles that resulted from our discussions and research examine
engineering/technical work environments from a variety of perspectives. Taken together,
these articles offer insight into current conditions and suggest, either through research or
by way of example, policies toward improvement. Admittedly, our approach
to this theme was more broad-brush than comprehensive, but our intent is to
generate thought and new ideas rather than write a thorough prescription
for change.
Our lead story, “A Fresh Look at the Organizational Ombudsman,” describes
a more recent application of the notion of an ombudsman, unlike the classical
ombudsman or advocate ombudsman that most readers may be familiar with. An
organizational ombuds adheres to a strict code of ethics and is independent of
a company’s human resources or legal department, is trained in active listen-
ing and conflict management, and additional areas. As writer Meredith Holmes
notes, “System change occurs on various levels. The cumulative effect of an om-
budsman’s interactions with employees — especially, coaching them on conflict
resolution skills — fosters gradual changes in workplace culture.” Please turn to
page 30 to learn more.
Our approach to this The second article in the suite, “Workplaces that ‘Work,’” looks at ways to
theme was more address the diverse needs of women, minorities, parents, mature workers, and
the sandwich generation. Writer Sandra Guy interviewed employees of com-
broad-brush than
panies of various sizes and representing a spectrum of industries and policies.
comprehensive, as Real-life experiences and food for thought are in this informative piece, which
our intent is to begins on page 36.
generate thought While specifically addressing the IT workplace, the third story sheds light on
and new ideas. reasons corporations and startups struggle to recruit and retain women and
minorities. Based on research released this fall from the Level Playing Field In-
stitute, this article offers data and insights. Please turn to page 42 for Charlotte
Thomas’ exploration of the data and interview with Freada Kapor Klein, Ph.D.,
founder of the Institute.
The new year is a time of beginnings and assessing personal goals. With this
in mind, our two Career Toolboxes, beginning on page 58, approach career
plans and personal growth from two very different but complementary vantage
points. “Creating a Professional Development Plan” will walk you through the
steps needed to meet professional goals. The second toolbox, “Giving Yourself
Permission,” addresses fears that frequently hold one back.
Director of Editorial & Publications
anne.perusek@swe.org
WINTER 2012 • SWE 7
OF NOTE
There Is Only One Yvonne Brill
I
A long career of engineering achievements in the aerospace nitially baffled at receiving
a message that she had been
industry recently took Yvonne Brill to the White House to named the recipient of the
accept the National Medal of Technology and Innovation 2009 John Fritz Medal, engineer-
from the President of the United States. ing’s highest honor, Yvonne Brill
asked her friend and colleague
Jill Tietjen, P.E., F.SWE, “Is there
another Yvonne Brill?” Tietjen, who
had nominated her for the Fritz
Medal, assured Brill that the selec-
tion committee had not mistaken
her for someone else.
No one else was surprised
that Brill, an aerospace rocket
propulsion pioneer, was honored
with the Fritz Medal. In 1967,
she invented the electrothermal
hydrazine thruster (EHT) system, an
advance that was a game changer in
the development of the worldwide
satellite communications network.
The EHT has become the industry
standard and is a feature, in
Tietjen’s words, “on virtually every
communications satellite aloft.”
Brill has received many honors and
awards for her work, including the
SWE Achievement Award in 1986,
the SWE Resnik Challenger Medal
in 1993, and a NASA Distinguished
Public Service Medal. A member
of the National Academy of
Engineering, she was inducted into
the National Inventors Hall of Fame
in 2010 and was the first woman
inducted into the New Jersey
Inventors Hall of Fame.
On Oct. 21, 2011, Brill received the
National Medal of Technology and
Innovation from President Obama
in a ceremony at the White House.
This award, which recognizes
lasting contributions to the nation’s
economic, social, and environmental
progress, is the highest honor
bestowed by the president on
engineers and inventors.
Again, Brill was caught off guard.
She said, “When I received the call
GETTY IMAGES
President Obama congratulates Yvonne
Brill on receiving the National Medal of
Technology and Innovation.
8 SWE • WINTER 2012OF NOTE
telling me that I had been selected
as a recipient of the National Medal Sharing the Pioneering Spirit:
of Technology and Innovation, I Kate Gleason and Yvonne Brill
thought they had phoned the wrong On Nov. 14, 2011, the ASME Foundation presented the inaugural Kate Gleason
person!” Noting that receiving SWE’s Award for a lifetime of achievement in engineering by a distinguished female
Achievement Award led to many other engineer to Yvonne Brill. The ceremony took place in Denver at the ASME 2011
professional honors, Brill said, “I have International Mechanical Engineering Congress honors assembly. Brill was
to thank and credit Jill Tietjen, who recognized for expanding the frontiers of space through innovations in rocket
has an unparalleled track record of and jet propulsion.
nominating women for awards, for Both Gleason and Brill ventured where no women had gone before. Brill
the series of prestigious awards I have entered the field of rocket science when it was very new, and when she was one
recently received.” of the few women jet propulsion engineers in the country. Gleason was the first
A video of the entire awards woman to study engineering at Cornell University, the first woman to become a
ceremony, including Brill receiving member of ASME, and the first woman in the United States to be president
the medal from President Obama, is of a bank.
available at http://www.youtube.com/ Brill said, “Kate was truly a pioneer. She just went about and did what she had
watch?v=LabE7xXtF-g. The segment to do. I’ve always felt that way, too. I think I have her spirit.”
featuring Brill is toward the end.
To see a video about Yvonne Brill and her selection for the Kate Gleason Award,
Awards make an impact visit www.youtube.com and search for Yvonne Brill bio by mibpro.
Tietjen has been a SWE member
since 1979 and was national
president from 1991 to 1992. She is directors. Then-President Suzanne opportunity go by, so I raised my
a consulting engineer in the electric Jenniches asked for volunteers to hand.”
utility industry. Her other career as submit a nomination for the National Ever since, Tietjen has made it
a nominator of women engineers Medal of Science and the National her mission to nominate women
for awards started in 1988 at her Medal of Technology. Said Tietjen, scientists and engineers for high-
first meeting of the SWE board of “I didn’t see why we should let this profile awards. She nominated
Brill for the National Medal and
for induction into the New Jersey
Inventors Hall of Fame and
the National Inventors Hall of
Fame. Tietjen is convinced that
if scientific and technical women
are to get recognition, they must
nominate one another for awards.
“There are so many women whose
accomplishments need to be
recognized,” she said. “They are role
models to the rest of us.”
Tietjen served on SWE’s awards
and recognition committee, and for
14 years was SWE’s representative
on the selection committee of the
National Inventors Hall of Fame.
She helped nominate Kristina
Johnson, Ph.D., the first woman to
win the John Fritz Medal, and she
nominated Admiral Grace Murray
Hopper, Ph.D., for the National
Jill Tietjen, left, nominated Yvonne Brill
for the National Medal of Technology
and Innovation. They are shown at a
reception honoring the recipients.
10 SWE • WINTER 2012We are ITW.
We are a leading diversified manufacturer that prides itself on decentralization and innovation.
Our talented professionals drive our success, and helped us earn a spot on FORTUNE magazine’s list of
Most Admired Companies (Industrial and Farm Equipment). ITW is looking for entrepreneurial individuals
to join our growing team. For more information about employment opportunities at ITW,
please visit www.itw.com.
A Fortune 200 company with nearly 100 years of history,
ITW’s business units manufacture an array of innovative
components, as well as systems and consumables, for
customers worldwide. ILLINOIS TOOL WORKS INC.
3600 West Lake Avenue
Glenview, Illinois 60026
www.itw.comOF NOTE
Medal of Technology in 1991. Tietjen and Astronautics and the aerospace Distinguished New Engineer (DNE)
is currently preparing numerous engineering section of the National Award has a large impact. In any
nominations for the National Academy of Engineering. She has given year, more than one DNE
Women’s Hall of Fame and has many been a nominator for the SWE is recognized, providing multiple
submitted nominations in process. Achievement Award, the SWE Resnik early-career role models. This
Nominees tend to be overly humble Challenger Medal, and the SWE level of recognition and the mid-
about their accomplishments, but Entrepreneur Award. Brill believes career Emerging Leader Award
Tietjen has learned not to let this that although awards may not provide broad encouragement to
stop her. “Women engineers focus on interest middle and high school girls, a large number of women. The
their work,” she said. “We do what we websites like the National Academy of public recognition of technical
have to do, and if somebody thinks Engineering’s “Engineer Girl,” which accomplishment provided by the SWE
our work is deserving of an award, it showcases engineering as an exciting Achievement Award encourages mid-
comes as a big surprise.” career for women, have a positive career women engineers pursuing
Brill herself has worked tirelessly impact on this age group. a technical career path. That was
to recognize women engineers and According to Brill, awards mean certainly the case for me!”
scientists. She has nominated many more to working engineers. She
women for membership in the observed that, “for women who By Meredith Holmes, SWE Contributor
American Institute of Aeronautics are just launching careers, SWE’s
E4C: Positively Impacting Humanity
SWE joins effort to solve global humanitarian problems based
on community engagement and technical skills.
T
he Society of Women Engi- and Engineers Without Borders-USA which has also joined the initiative,
neers has joined an innova- in January 2011. said the ASCE is spreading the
tive effort to encourage young SWE’s agreement calls for SWE to word about E4C because it presents
engineers to become part of an leverage internal communications opportunities to allow students
online network to help solve global channels to generate awareness of and engineers to do their jobs even
humanitarian crises and to develop E4C, which, in turn, will spotlight better than they do now. “Engineers
principles to govern their work. The SWE’s efforts in the humanitarian don’t just build a facility. They need
effort, Engineering for Change LLC, space on the E4C online platform. to engage with communities,” said
uses the acronym E4C — common to “Engineering for Change is an Natale. “By involving engineers
young people who would rather text innovation that will transform how in these projects globally, they’ll
than email. engineering talent addresses global end up being better in their work
Noha El-Ghobashy, E4C’s domestically.”
president, said the idea Natale said the
appealed to her because she Engineers who wish to be part of the stories conveyed
became an engineer “to make via the Engineering
a difference and an impact
effort but cannot travel may still offer for Change website
on humanity.” El-Ghobashy, support and expertise. can create dynamic
who earned her bachelor’s change. “People will
and master’s degrees in see solutions that
mechanical engineering from engineering needs,” said SWE work and those that don’t,” he said.
Columbia University in New York, executive director and CEO, Betty “They’ll gain deeper understandings
also serves as director of technical Shanahan, CAE, F.SWE. “The Society of cultural issues so that they come up
programming and development for of Women Engineers is honored to with solutions to problems that they
ASME. ASME is a not-for-profit join the initiative.” may not have understood.”
professional organization that co- Pat Natale, P.E., CAE, F.ASCE, Natale also appreciates that
founded E4C with the Institute of F.ASAE, executive director of the engineers who wish to be part of the
Electrical and Electronics Engineers American Society of Civil Engineers, effort but cannot travel may still offer
12 SWE • WINTER 2012Food
TOGETHER WE CAN...
Nourish a growing population
Build a secure energy future
Make the world a safer place
DuPont has a highly diverse workforce:
individuals from all around the globe
come together to pool
Energy
their talent and creativity.
In addition to a respectful workplace,
the opportunities for personal growth
and recognition make DuPont one of the
best choices in the job market today.
See the difference you can make –
Come join us.
Protection
WE’RE SOLVING THE WORLD’S GREATEST CHALLENGES
TOGETHER
Visit dupont.com/careers to check out our job opportunities. Visit dupont.com/collaboratory to learn more about DuPont.
©2012. DuPont. All rights reserved. The DuPont Oval Logo. DuPont™, and The miracles of science™ are registered trademarks or trademarks of E.I. duPont deNemours and Company or its affiliates.OF NOTE
The E4C website
provides a global
forum for sharing
ideas and solutions.
As of this writing,
membership in
E4C numbers 8,215
across the globe,
according to the
organization’s
website.
support and expertise. And by going
overseas to help the underserved,
engineers have the opportunity
to change impressions about the
United States, Natale said. “They
are providing a helping hand, not a
handout,” he said.
The founding groups spent much of
the first year testing the E4C website
(www.EngineeringforChange.org)
with 50 early adopters and 270 beta
users to make it as useful as possible.
The result comprises a series of first-
of-their-kind networking spaces under
“Engineering for Change is an innovation that
the heading “E4C Resources.” will transform how engineering talent addresses
They include, among other items:
• A Workspace where engineers
global engineering needs.”
or nongovernmental organizations – Betty Shanahan, CAE, F.SWE, executive director and CEO,
Society of Women Engineers
(NGOs) may submit challenges in
search of a solution or where students
may upload projects on which they without disrupting their normal already developed so that others don’t
need expertise. schedules. have to “reinvent the wheel.”
A success story resulted: The online • A Bulletin Board where people, • News stories written by E4C’s
community helped Climate Healers, companies, and groups can offer freelance writer dedicated to showing
a nonprofit dedicated to combating resources and donate materials or the human face of engineers who are
the climate crisis, design a solar stove testing facilities to help ongoing changing the world.
that cooks at night. The innovation projects. “It’s important to us to reframe
lets women in rural India cook dinner • A Solutions Library that offers the engineer as a humanitarian and
and breakfast in the early morning curated content explaining solutions as a person who solves problems,”
14 SWE • WINTER 2012OF NOTE
El-Ghobashy said. “It’s a deliberate, Young people are true global citizens because
cohesive effort.” The news articles are
appropriate as K-12 learning tools.
of technology, and they understand their
• A Learning Center in which place in the world in a deep way.
engineers create governing principles
that are culturally appropriate to that Engineers Without Borders are not joiners of associations in
produce solutions that are easy generated high-energy buzz with the traditional sense,” Loughlin
to use, sustainable, open source students on campuses nationwide. said. “They want to do real projects
when possible, and which work in He came to realize that Engineers and they will participate based on
underdeveloped communities with Without Borders’ methodology what the association is doing to help
few resources. focuses on projects, collaboration, transform lives — not just taking
“We want to build this as an online and interdisciplinary experiences. pictures of engineers putting posts
learning tool,” El-Ghobashy said. Professional associations must into the ground.”
Thomas Loughlin, CAE, executive leverage those same characteristics to Young people are true global
director of ASME, said he supported stay relevant, he said. citizens because of technology, and
E4C’s creation after he noticed “The Millennials and Gen-Xers they understand their place in the
world in a deep way, he said.
Others who have recently agreed to
“It’s important to us to reframe the engineer support E4C are the World Federation
of Engineering Organizations and The
as a humanitarian and as a person who Optical Society.
solves problems.”
– Noha El-Ghobashy, president, E4C By Sandra Guy, SWE Contributor
16 SWE • WINTER 2012Technology so advanced
it’s classified.
Science and Technology Careers. Make the most of your technical skills and
abilities at the CIA’s Directorate of Science and Technology. This is an outstanding
opportunity to use your creativity and talent to meet complex technical challenges
that will keep the nation safe. Innovation is our trademark. Keep us on the leading
edge of tomorrow with a career at the Central Intelligence Agency.
Applicants must have US citizenship and the ability to successfully complete medical
examinations and security procedures including a polygraph interview. An equal
opportunity employer and a drug-free work force.
For additional information and to apply, visit: www.cia.gov
THE WORK OF A NATION. THE CENTER OF INTELLIGENCE.advocacy
End of Year Events Set Stage chemical engineer in the medical
device development industry who
for Spring Activities has developed a program called Tech
Savvy to inspire middle school girls to
consider STEM fields.
continued efforts are in keeping with the goal to lead the During their remarks, both Bailey
science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and and Thole mentioned SWE as a great
resource, while Ogle has participated
diversity communities to engage SWE members, other in local SWE outreach activities.
professional societies, and policymakers on how Title IX John Holdren, Ph.D., assistant to the
can be applied to STEM fields. president for science and technology
and director of the White House Office
A
n assortment of public policy environmental engineering at of Science and Technology Policy, said,
activities and advocacy efforts Massachusetts Institute of Technology “These ‘Champions of Change’ are
brought 2011 to a close, setting in the fall; Jennifer Harper Ogle, community heroes, helping to build the
the stage for 2012. From SWE’s visit to Ph.D., associate professor in the Glenn ranks of women in the nation’s STEM
the White House in early December, Department of Civil Engineering at work force and ensuring that America’s
to the essential nuts and bolts webinar Clemson University; Karen A. Thole, science and engineering enterprise
provided by the government relations Ph.D., P.E., professor of mechanical is fueled by the diverse talents of
and public policy committee, much engineering and head of the all of its citizens.” Elaborating, he
happened in the final weeks of the year. department of mechanical and nuclear added that, “The bold work of these
Also in the mix was a roundtable engineering at the Pennsylvania State Champions epitomizes the president’s
discussion on the status of women University; and, Tamara Brown, a vision of an ‘all hands on deck’ effort
in science, technology, engineering,
and mathematics (STEM) education,
hosted by the DeVry University
Chicago Loop campus. Cathy Pieronek,
J.D., SWE Title IX lead and past chair
of the government relations and public
policy committee, was a panelist, along
with Illinois Congresswoman Jan
Schakowsky and others.
White House Champions
of Change
On Friday, Dec. 9, 12 local leaders
in the effort to recruit and retain
girls and women in the STEM fields
were honored at the White House
as Champions of Change. Teachers,
industry leaders, students, and
nonprofit leaders were recognized for
their efforts to reduce the barriers that
cause many girls and women to turn
away from rewarding careers as the
nation’s top innovators.
Representing the engineering
community were: Shorma Bianca
Bailey, a senior chemical engineering
student at Howard University
who hopes to pursue a Ph.D. in
SWE representatives share a moment
following the Dec. 9 event with colleague
Kristen Pederson, center. From left, Karen
Horton and Karen Horting, Pederson,
Betty Shanahan and Melissa Tata.
18 SWE • WINTER 2012By investing in education
for women and girls, we
are engineering a viable
source of energy.
When women and girls get the educational and professional support
they need, we all benefit. That’s why the ExxonMobil Foundation backs
a range of initiatives that improve educational and career opportunities
for women, especially in science, technology, engineering and mathematics.
For example, we’re proud to partner with The Society of Women Engineers
to further introduce girls to the world of engineering and technology—and
to provide mentoring and support once they get there. Helping women
reach their potential is the best investment anyone can make toward
creating a sustainable energy source.
The story continues at exxonmobil.com
“Science, technology, engineering and math
are the building blocks of our future. I dared to
dream the impossible, and through hard work
I was able to make my dreams come true.”
Tiffany Lai
EngineerADVOCACY
by government, academia, nonprofits,
and industry to maintain America’s
leadership in STEM fields for decades
to come.”
The Champions of Change program
was created as a part of President
Barack Obama’s Winning the Future
initiative. Each week, a different
issue is highlighted, and groups of
Champions, ranging from educators to
entrepreneurs to community activists, Cathy Pieronek, SWE’s Title IX lead, emphasizes a point during the roundtable held at
are recognized for the work they are DeVry University’s Chicago Loop campus.
doing to better their communities.
As part of the event, the White House Shanahan, CAE, F.SWE; SWE Deputy are the tools that make it possible
Office of Science and Technology Executive Director Karen Horting, CAE; for one to participate in public policy
Policy and representatives from several and SWE Washington Representative meaningfully, whether that means
federal agencies participated and Melissa Carl. engagement at local or federal levels
hosted several small group discussions For more information, visit the or educating friends, colleagues,
between the Champions and other White House website at: http:// and other professional societies on
notable guests from varying sectors www.whitehouse.gov/champions/ how Title IX can be applied to STEM
and communities around engaging and previous/girls-women-stem. Video fields. In the words of presenter Cathy
supporting girls and women in STEM. from the panel is available, as well Pieronek:
These breakouts — which focused as biographical information on the “SWE needs the support of
specifically on changing the stereotypes participants. members across the country to educate
of girls in the STEM fields, mentoring, congressional representatives on the
and supporting/retaining women in Nuts and bolts importance of making engineering
the STEM work force — were followed Although it may have lacked the a desirable education and career for
immediately by a larger event focused cache of a visit to the White House, women. By educating yourself on the
on amplifying best practices learned the SWE webinar conducted on Dec. state of women in engineering today,
in each area. The Society also had a 16 contained the essentials necessary you can be an advocate for SWE’s
strong presence during these breakouts, to understand and participate in policies in your hometown.”
and was represented by President public policy efforts. Beginning The webinar is available for replay
Melissa Tata; Government Relations with a brief history of women in at: www.swe.org.
and Public Policy Chair Karen Horton; engineering, the webinar covers the
SWE Executive Director and CEO Betty current status of women in engineering Upcoming Capitol Hill Day
and details why the The SWE government relations
underrepresentation of and public policy (GRPP) committee
women in engineering is once again organizing a spring
is significant nationally congressional outreach day on Capitol
and globally. The Hill in Washington, D.C. This event,
Society’s public policy scheduled for March 21-22, 2012, will
positions and efforts increase awareness of the need for and
are explained and, the importance of increased diversity
most importantly, and inclusion in the STEM work force.
under the heading of Consistent with previous years,
“What you need to SWE will be taking the lead in
know,” key takeaways organizing this event, and is in the
are provided. process of reaching out to other STEM
These takeaways organizations to solicit their interest in
At the White House participating. SWE’s “2012 Capitol Hill
Champions for Change Day: Diversity and Inclusion Drives
event, from left, Melissa Innovation in STEM” event will begin
Carl, Karen Thole, at 1:00 p.m. on Wednesday, March
Melissa Tata, and Karen 21 and conclude by 5:00 p.m. on
Horton.
Thursday, March 22. ■
20 SWE • WINTER 2012LEADING-EDGE WEAPONS SYSTEMS
DON’T ENGINEER THEMSELVES.
LET’S GET TO WORK.
Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR)
is looking for engineering professionals.
Build an engineering career that allows you to
defend your nation. Work for NAVAIR and you’ll
support our Sailors and Marines by delivering the
technologies they need to complete their mission
and return home safely. NAVAIR develops, tests, To discover more about NAVAIR careers,
procures and supports Naval aircraft, weapons please visit www.navair.navy.mil
and related systems which can be operated and
sustained at sea.
Equal Opportunity Employer U.S. Citizenship RequiredTHE PULSE
Engineers Week 2012
“7 Billion People – 7 Billion Dreams”
S
ince 1951, the National Engi- local, regional, and Visit http://www.
neers Week Foundation has national programs mydiscover-e.org to
endeavored to educate the public and events. share or search for
on the benefits of an engineering This year’s EWeek engineering-related
career. Through an abundance of web- theme is 7 Billion People events by location or
sites and nationwide events and activi- – 7 Billion Dreams. date. In addition, a
ties, National Engineers Week exposes According to the founda- number of SWE sec-
thousands of young people, their tion’s website (eweek.org), tions take advantage
parents, and educators to the wonders the world’s population is of the tremendous
of engineering and the profound and forecast to reach 7 billion popularity and reach
positive impacts the profession has in 2012. “Seven billion of social media by
on society. The occasion also serves to dreams means 7 billion promoting their
emphasize the value of science, math, opportunities for engi- EWeek events on
and technical literacy. neers to make a world of Twitter and
The initiative reaches well beyond difference.” Facebook.
one week in February, however. Serving as co-chairs for EWeek 2012 Of special note this year, the Second
Outreach events designed to capture are Battelle and ASME. USA Science and Engineering Festival
the interest of young people take place The EWeek website features a will culminate with an expo in Wash-
throughout the year. A member of treasure house of information on the ington, D.C., April 28-29. The festival
both the foundation and the Engineers myriad outreach events taking place spans the 2011-2012 school year,
Week Coalition Diversity Council, the across the country. One section of the offering programs and nationwide
Society of Women Engineers plays a site provides a venue for organiza- contests designed to inspire young
significant role in this effort through tions to post their upcoming activities. people to pursue careers in science
and engineering. The
expo, which enjoyed
a phenomenally
successful debut in
2010, drawing some
500,000 people, is
the country’s largest
such celebration,
offering more than
2,000 hands-on
activities and more
than 150 performanc-
es. Among the new
programs introduced
this year are a book
fair featuring science
and engineering
authors, and a career
pavilion. The career
pavilion includes
a college fair, a job
fair, and a “meet the
scientist/engineer”
networking area. For
more information,
please visit http://
www.usasciencefesti-
val.org/.
22 SWE • WINTER 2012M I T L I N C O L N L A B O R AT O R Y
Discover the satisfaction of innovation
and service to the nation
Since 1951, when MIT Lincoln Laboratory was established to build the Aerospace or Mechanical
nation’s first air defense system, the Laboratory has been applying Engineering
advanced technology to problems critical to national security.
In addition to an impressive record of technical innovation in Algorithm Development
communications, space surveillance, advanced electronics, and air
Applied Math
and missile defense, today the Laboratory is also leading the way in
newer areas such as cyber security, integrated sensing and decision Circuit Design and Laser
support, and homeland protection. Development
Behind every Laboratory solution are researchers with exceptional Computer Engineering
technical abilities and imagination, developing systems from the initial
concept stage, through simulation and analysis, to design and Computer Science and
SW Engineering
prototyping, and finally to real world demonstrations. Cross-
disciplinary collaboration and the breadth of Lincoln Laboratory’s Cyber Security
research enable continuous technical growth for its scientists – and
they also inspire unparalleled creativity. In the past two years, MIT Digital Signal Processing
Lincoln Laboratory has been awarded nine R&D 100 Awards that
recognize the year’s 100 most significant innovations in technology. Electrical Engineering
All positions are located in Lexington, MA. Machine Learning and
Please visit our website to view and apply Computer Vision
for current opportunities.
Modeling and Systems
Architecture
www.ll.mit.edu/employment
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we are committed to realizing our vision of diversity
Physics
and inclusion in every aspect of our enterprise. Due to the unique nature of our work,
we require U.S. citizenship.THE PULSE
New Faces of Engineering 2012
National Engineers Week Foundation broadens program
to recognize top college engineering students.
S
ince 2003, the New Faces of Activities: Jessica Albert, P.E.
Engineering initiative has paid • East Coast deputy chair, SWE colle- Employment:
tribute to the achievements of giate leadership coaching committee, Production Engineer, The Dow
early-career engineers whose work has FY10-12 Chemical Company
impacted the image of the profession • Member, Lockheed Martin Leader- Education:
in positive ways. This year, the Society ship Association B.S. in chemical engineering and
of Women Engineers selected five Amanda Weissman works on a team minor in environmental engineering,
nominees based on submissions from providing Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology
local sections. The top SWE nominee, the Missile Activities:
Amanda Weissman, will compete with Defense • Volunteer of the Year, SWE-Houston
top candidates from other societies, Agency and Area, FY10
and one will be chosen and featured the U.S. • Collegiate contact, SWE-Houston
in USA Today, along with the top con- Navy with Area, FY10
tenders from the sponsoring societies. the Aegis • Treasurer, SWE Houston Area, FY11
This year, for the first time, the Combat • Young Engineer of the Year, SWE
program also honors third-, fourth-, System. As Houston Area, FY11
and fifth-year college engineering a systems • Vice president-external, SWE Hous-
students who have demonstrated engineer, ton Area, FY12
their abilities and commitment to the Weissman • Member, national conference com-
profession through their academic integrated mittee, FY13
accomplishments and involvement. portions of a new third-party technol- Jessica Albert, P.E., has traveled to
The Society of Women Engineers has ogy into Lockheed Martin’s command Italy, Ger-
named Heather Sweeney, an indus- and decision subsystem design, im- many, and
trial engineering student at Purdue proving open architecture. Currently, Brazil for
University, its first recipient in the she is in a rotational role as ballistic her work. In
new category. Jessica Ungerleider, a missile defense 5.0 deputy techni- 2009, she
biomedical engineering student at cal director. Her job includes flowing was selected
the University of Virginia, and Becky customer requirements to engineers as one of
Heinen, who is studying industrial and supporting communication across five design
engineering at Texas Tech University, subsystems. In addition, she works leads for an
were runners-up. schedules, analyzes staffing metrics, $800 mil-
A Facebook page, “New Faces of and manages a budget. lion acrylic
Engineering: College Edition” (www. Weissman promotes science, monomer
facebook.com/collegeedition), pro- technology, engineering, and math plant in
vides a venue for students to com- (STEM) through outreach volunteer- Saudi Arabia. She designed an in-
municate with the EWeek Foundation ing. She judges science fairs, speaks novative powder handling system and
throughout the year. In addition, the at schools and career day events, oversaw the design of the wastewater
page offers resources for academic and is the lead advisor for a Boy Scout treatment plant. Albert received high
professional development opportuni- STEM program, and recruits for marks for her work and was recog-
ties available to students. Rochester Institute of Technology. As nized by the company for her contri-
East Coast deputy chair of SWE’s col- bution to this important project.
Amanda Weissman legiate leadership coaching commit- Next, Albert was asked to lead a
Employment: tee, she develops modules on section business project that included a situ-
Member Engineering Staff, Lock- vitality and professional develop- ational analysis and strategic options
heed Martin ment, travels to collegiate sections overview for two product lines — key
Education: to present, and manages regional components for a business generat-
B.S. in electrical engineering and team leads. Through these activities, ing more than $5 billion in sales. The
M.S. in materials science and en- Weissman exposes the next genera- analysis included determining growth
gineering, Rochester Institute of tion to STEM and works to develop potential for the businesses, analyzing
Technology their leadership skills. market trends, and, finally, making
24 SWE • WINTER 2012“I’m one of the leaders of ‘Introduce a Girl to Engineering Day.’”
I’d like to see more women playing a bigger role in this exciting
and rewarding field.”
Toyota is deeply involved in each of the communities where we live and work. One
It’s built around you of the things we strongly believe in is giving a high profile to education. We offer
our team members dedicated time to volunteer on behalf of young people. Take
a lunch hour to tutor a local high school student in math. Or, bring neighborhood
Toyota Motor Engineering & children on site to inspire them about career possibilities.
Manufacturing North America, Inc.
Our Toyota U.S.A. Foundation provides over $100 million toward programs in
K through 12 that promote learning in math, science and environmental sciences.
We give our full support to activities that can enrich lives and open the way for
the next generation to achieve a greater future for themselves.
Be part of a company that believes in helping nurture tomorrow’s talent.
This is Toyota at its core. And it’s our way of building you a successful career.
Engineering opportunities in:
Industrial • Chemical • Electrical
Mechanical • Quality • Manufacturing
Materials • Safety • Environmental
toyotaSWE.jobs
Watch more about Jennifer and her fellow team
members at: www.toyotaENG.jobs
Jennifer
Plastics Engineer and
SWE Member
Toyota is an Equal Opportunity Employer and supports a diverse and inclusive workplace.THE PULSE
recommendations regarding capac- tive energy. She is responsible for • Representative, Members at Large,
ity increases. Currently a production developing numerous leading analyses Region E, FY09
engineer for Specialty Monomers, that are being used to increase the • Deputy chair, leadership coaching
Albert has led several significant cycle efficiency, decrease the pollutant emis- committee, FY09
time-reduction projects. She also is sions, and reduce the carbon intensity • Member, leadership coaching com-
the regional lead for the Dow Women’s of energy systems. For Sandia Na- mittee, Region E, FY07-11
Innovation Network. tional Laboratories, she performed • Team lead, collegiate leadership coach-
Albert has been a member of the thermodynamic modeling of a novel ing committee, Region E, FY06-07
Region C, Houston Area Section for system for generating cleaner power • Co-chair, Region E conference, FY05
four years. Her involvement began from coal. Law collaborated with GM • Presenter, Region E conference,
with leading SWE activities at her to assess ethanol as a transporta- FY06-10
work, then progressed into leadership tion fuel, addressing key questions • Presenter, SWE national conference,
positions within the section. One of regarding sustainability, potential FY07
her main goals for SWE-Houston Area market barriers, and opportunities for • SWE representative, Mohawk Valley
is to create a more sustainable and reducing U.S. petroleum dependency. Engineers Executive Council, FY07-
robust section through documentation She examined future fuel efficiency present
and training of officers. Some of her improvement technologies for heavy- Karen Roth, a software engineer
accomplishments include creation of a duty vehicles to guide the European for the
Sponsorship Handbook, detailed trea- Union in setting realistic greenhouse Air Force
surer handover documents, and the gas policies. Research
Collegiate/Professional Email Mentor- Law supported the development Laboratory
ing Program. of a low carbon fuel standard in the (AFRL), has
U.S. Northeast states by assessing the established
Karen Law life-cycle costs of 23 alternative and ad- herself as a
Employment: vanced fuel pathways. She performed sought-after
Senior Engineer, TIAX LLC the energy and greenhouse gas model- expert in
Education: ing for a major biomass-to-renewable- the design
B.S. and M.S. in mechanical engi- diesel/gasoline process that is now be- of critical
neering, Stanford University ing commercialized as a demonstrated software
Activities: alternative to petroleum-based fuels. systems
• Member, ASME, 2011 She led the comprehensive analysis of used in military operations centers.
• Speaker chair, Cleantech Open Na- the natural gas vehicle industry that Her initial research in high-perfor-
tional Conference, 2010 currently serves as the industry’s road- mance computing architectures was
• Mentor to local high school robotics map for enhancing energy security, published domestically and interna-
team, 2007 improving air quality, and decreasing tionally, and led to her being requested
• Vice president, SWE Stanford (Stan- greenhouse gas emissions. as lead systems architect for the space
ford School of Engineering Leader- She has been a member of the command and control portfolio. There
ship Award), 2003-2004 Stanford University/Santa Clara Val- she filled a critical role supervising the
• High school outreach chair, SWE ley sections of the Society of Women design and quality of software for the
Stanford (Stanford School of Engi- Engineers since 2001. military’s space platforms, enabling
neering Outreach and Community those who defend U.S. space assets to
Development Award), 2002-2003 Karen Roth have better situational awareness in
As a senior engineer with TIAX Employment: a fraction of the time. In recognition
LLC, Karen Computer Engineer, Air Force Re- of her outstanding abilities, AFRL
Law focuses search Laboratory selected Roth to lead a special team to
on applying Education: design an intrusion detection system
rigorous B.S. in software engineering, Roch- for remote combat outposts, which
engineering ester Institute of Technology; M.Eng. resulted in a civilian achievement
analysis to in systems engineering, Cornell medal for distinguished performance
inform com- University and leadership. She now directs the
plex policy Activities: technical design of Air Force cyber op-
and market • Lieutenant governor, Region E, FY12 erations assets in AFRL’s first Flagship
decisions in • Chair-elect, SWE audit committee, program, where her work has led to a
renewable FY12 shorter timeline and better sustain-
and alterna- • President, Members at Large, FY10-11 ment for critical operational needs.
26 SWE • WINTER 2012Big thinking. Big network. Big opportunities. Sure, the first astronaut on the moon told the world about it with our communications equipment. And yes, we pioneered GPS. But at Rockwell Collins, we don’t rest on past ideas, no matter how big. We’d rather cultivate new, innovative thinking by building a global workforce of men and women whose experience and viewpoints are as diverse as our opportunities. Learn about our rewarding careers in engineering, corporate, manufacturing, IT, sales and more: visit us at www.rockwellcollins.com/careers.
THE PULSE
Roth is the current lieutenant gover- to providing technical insight to senior engineering
nor of SWE’s Region E and an estab- management. student, she
lished leadership coach. She also is A member of SWE Minnesota since has held a
an active Rotarian and avid outreach 2007, Wyckoff currently serves as variety of
advocate. president for the section. Previously, roles within
she held the positions of vice president the SWE
Lesley Wyckoff and outreach co-chair for two consecu- Purdue
Employment: tive years. With a strong passion for Collegiate
Project Manager, Stratasys Inc. outreach, she has helped introduce Section. Her
Education: engineering to more than 4,000 school position as
B.S. in mechanical engineering, children through creative and innova- an office
University of St. Thomas tive programming initiatives. While assistant —
Activities: attending the University of St. Thomas, helping to
• President, SWE Minnesota, FY12 Wyckoff visited elementary and middle plan social events and volunteering
• Member, SWE outreach committee, school classrooms to share her expe- in a wide range of activities — during
FY12 riences as an engineering student, a her first year at the university gave
• Member, SWE government relations practice she has continued as an engi- Sweeney the opportunity to become
and public policy committee, FY12 neering professional. In addition, she active in SWE early in her college
• Vice president, SWE Minnesota, enjoys working hands-on with students career.
FY11 to get them excited about engineering, As elementary school chair for
• Speaker, SWE Minnesota Spring Pro- science, and technology. Teaching Engineering Applications
fessional Development Seminar, 2011 to Motivate Students (TEAMS), she
• Member, outreach committee, SWE Heather Sweeney visited elementary schools regularly
Minnesota, FY09-FY12 Collegiate to introduce engineering to students
• Outreach co-chair, SWE Minnesota, Purdue University, and encourage them to consider
FY09-FY10 Industrial Engineering the profession as a career. She also
• SWE-MN Most Innovative New Pro- Activities: served as all member meeting chair
gram Award, 2011 • Office assistant, SWE Purdue, FY09 and, during her sophomore year, was
• Minnesota Federation of Engineer- • Elementary school chair, TEAMS, a member of the Region H program-
ing, Science, and Technology Societ- SWE Purdue, FY11 ming excellence committee. Current-
ies (MFESTS) SWE-MN Engineer of • All member meeting chair, SWE ly, Sweeney is a collegiate representa-
the Year nominee, 2010 Purdue, FY10 tive for Region H.
• Region H Outreach SWE-MN Award, • Member, SWE Region H program- Her enthusiasm and dedication to
2010 ming excellence committee, FY10 SWE have garnered Sweeney multiple
• SWE-MN Most Active New Member • Collegiate representative, SWE Re- honors, including the Outstanding
Award, 2009 gion H, FY12 Member Award; Outstanding Fresh-
Lesley Wyckoff is a change agent • Member, past treasurer, Alpha Pi man Award; Golden Spoon of Dedica-
for Strata- Mu, the Industrial Engineering Hon- tion Award; and Event Queen, given
sys Inc. as ors Society, FY10-FY12 to the executive board member who
a project • Member, Institute of Industrial Engi- attends the most events.
manager in neers, FY09-FY12 In addition to her SWE activities,
the mate- • Member, Tau Beta Pi (engineering Sweeney has participated in Introduce
rials and honors society), FY11-FY12 a Girl to Engineering Day and Purdue
systems • Ambassador, Purdue University Women in Engineering Discovery Day.
engineering School of Industrial Engineering, Sweeney has had five engineering
group. In FY11-FY12 internships, including one in manu-
this role, she • Tutor, Purdue Women in Engineering facturing engineering with Caterpillar
contributes Program, FY10-FY12 Inc., and one in industrial engineer-
to the de- • Mentor, Purdue Women in Engineer- ing with Walgreens in the company’s
velopment ing Program Mentees and Mentors logistics department. Her other
and launch of 3-D printers, high-end Program, FY10-FY12 internships were with Disneyland Re-
direct digital manufacturing systems, Heather Sweeney has been involved sort, Altman Manufacturing Co., and
and new materials. Wyckoff manages with the Society of Women Engineers Packer Engineering. Her coursework
a cross-functional team, schedule, and since she began her studies at Purdue includes a minor in mathematics, and
budget for new products, in addition University. A fourth-year industrial she plans to graduate in May. ■
28 SWE • WINTER 2012You can also read
