With a full scholarship from Cornell, I studied structural engineering which allowed me to lead the structural design of some of the most iconic tall buildings and other building structures in the world. These museums, convention centers, pedestrian bridges, libraries, and university buildings are innovative, robust, economical, and award-winning.
I am mostly retired and no longer work for pay. I volunteer with professional societies, organizations, and universities. I am currently documenting some of my significant projects.
I have always wanted to design buildings. Initially I studied architecture but then realized that my strengths were in structural engineering as I love math and physics.
My primary school in Malaysia was an all-girls school run by Irish nuns. My high school was a Technical Institute where 90-95% of the students were male.
When I was actively working, my day involved developing structural concepts and designs, preparing and reviewing specifications and reports, reviewing contracts, and participating in design meetings with colleagues and project teams worldwide. I traveled frequently to project meetings and construction sites across the globe.
The best part is to be able to see and touch the buildings that I have designed and helped create.
I am honored to have been elected into the National Academy of Engineering (NAE), and to have received the CTBUH Fazlur Rahman Khan lifetime achievement award.
Coming from a hard-working but financially disadvantaged family, my parents instilled in me the value of education. Their dedication enabled my siblings and me to focus on our studies. I was so fortunate to receive a full scholarship from Cornell! I continued to work hard to receive the scholarships, supplemented by part-time work, to complete my bachelors and masters degrees.
My parents, though not wealthy, prioritized education and worked tirelessly to provide us with opportunities to learn. My siblings emigrated to Australia, while I received a scholarship from Cornell to study architecture before switching to structural engineering.
I have a daughter, son-in-law, and two adorable grandsons.
In the short term, I intend to document some of the important and significant projects that I have worked on. Both for the short term and long term, I also plan on spending more time with family, friends, and travel. I hope to continue supporting the various scholarships and fellowships that my late husband and I established, believing strongly in giving back and helping the next generation of engineers succeed.
My late husband, my partner in life and work, was my inspiration and my compass.
A good background in math and science is desirable. Frequently it's the teachers and professors who will make the difference in instilling a love and understanding of these subjects. I had great teachers and professors who taught these subjects well. (I did not like chemistry!) Once you have these skill sets, the possibilities are endless.
I like travelling, learning about other cultures, and seeing the world, connecting with family and friends here and abroad, watching movies, spending time with my grandsons before they grow up too fast!
