ALUMNI SPOTLIGHTS WHERE ARE THEY NOW?

I graduated from the University of Iowa with a BS in Mechanical Engineering in December 1989. During my time at Iowa, I was a member of the Pi Tau Sigma, Tau Beta Pi, and Theta Tau engineering fraternities. I also competed on the men’s varsity tennis team, which was a major challenge from an athletic and academic standpoint. Growing up in Bettendorf, I always wanted to be a Hawkeye, and working hard to accomplish my goals while still having some fun, has been a great source of pride throughout my life.

I am currently the Division Chief Engineer (DCE) in the Propulsion and Power Division at NASA’s Johnson Space Center (JSC) in Houston, where I’ve worked for the last 31 years. During that time, I’ve had an opportunity to apply the fundamental engineering knowledge and skill-set developed at the University Iowa to many different projects and programs at NASA. Examples include the liquid propulsion systems on the Space Shuttle, the liquid propulsion systems on the Orion spacecraft, which is about to launch to the moon on Artemis I, and countless other propulsion, power, pyrotechnic, and insitu resource utilization (ISRU) test campaigns at our Energy Systems Test Area (ESTA) and the White Sands Test Facility (WSTF).

Collectively, the outstanding education from experienced faculty members, the time management skills, and the career placement support I received at the Iowa College of Engineering made everything possible.

I graduated with a BS/MS in Mechanical Engineering and a minor in English in 2013 and 2014. Immediately l went to work at GE Aerospace for 7 years where l successfully completed the Edison Cornerstone Engineering Program. During my time there, l worked in design, ceramic matrix composites, and finally as a Field Service Engineer at Boeing in Seattle. I currently am a Senior Project Manager at Schneider Electric where l manage projects around Michigan that provide electrical equipment to power COVIDvaccine plants, hospitals, and Bitcoin mining farms. While jet engines will always be cool, being able to propel Schneider Electric’s mission to providing sustainable and greener energy solutions for the planet is a great opportunity.

I look fondly back at my time at IOWA as the classes l took really prepared me for success in my career. Being a Technical Writing Tutor at the Hanson Center for Technical Communication really set me apart from my engineering colleagues and helped me communicate technical issues to both technical and nontechnical customers. Completing the 5-year BS/ MS program propelled my career and continues to make me marketable.

Finally, l was actively involved with National Society of Black Engineers as President. While a senior, I founded a children’s STEAM outreach program called Black Girls Do Science®. This program is open to everyone and has served over 600 students over the past 10 years. Being able to give back to the Iowa City community and inspire all children that participate that they too can be scientists, continues to be my fondest memory of my time in the College of Engineering.