"An engineer...is a thicker who acts", a recently re-discovered quote. That is what we do; we think, we analyze, take action., and..change the world"
As a structural engineer, I design and specify requirements for buildings. I get all my ideas, creatively and fears onto paper so others (much more qualified) can build! I work on buildings from concept through construction, using some of the most state of art techniques. I also look at existing buildings. Construction can be wasteful. So, nothing is better than be able to reuse or save a historical building.
As a female in the industry, especially construction industry, it can be challenging. Sometimes feels like an up-hill battle, but I have also had amazing successes, found a fellowship and discovered great strength.
I like to think engineering found me. I was really good at math but wanted to apply it somewhere. Nothing better than looking up in a busy downtown area and seeing a building.
All my schooling took place in California. I graduated from high school in 2003. Went to multiple community and undergraduate schools, finally graduating in 2010 from California State University, Sacramento with a Bachelor's of Science degree in the Civil Engineering Department. I then went to Stanford University for an intense 9 month Master's Degree program specializing in Structural Engineering.
My day varies. Most days I am in the office working on a new design or answering questions on projects in construction. Other days I travel to a project site to observe construction projects. Sometimes I travel across the United States for conferences or witness shake table testing.
The best part is seeing projects get finished. Nothing is better than seeing a building get used for intended purpose.
My proudest moment was experiencing a live show in a performing arts building in which I was the main structural designer on. Seeing the architectural and structure come together in a beautiful space was amazing, even before the audio and visual started.
The time commitment can be demanding. Standard practice is for Structural Engineers in California to pass two licensure requirements. This is not only expensive but takes time. It was weird to study so much after graduating.
I have a close tight family. I grew up as an only child. My parents worked extremely hard (doing nothing related to engineering). I became independent pretty quickly, paving my own path.
I plan to keep growing and keep learning.
I have gained more and more inspiration from the other engineer girls in my local committee. Not only do they mentor me but they are my inspiration.
An Engineer is really just a fancy term for Problem Solver. The industry is so vast, find something that you love!
I continue most of my hobbies from a kid. I love singing, hiking and playing volleyball. I also love a good music or comedy show.
