5 Local Women in STEM Share Experiences and Advice

According to the American Association of University Women, Women comprise only 34% of the workforce in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM) and are often systematically tracked away from STEM fields. This is true even though most demand is in STEM fields and they are among the highest paying.

We highlighted 5 local women in STEM who shared their backgrounds, history and advice.

Rada Mihalcea, Professor of Computer Science at the University of Michigan

What prompted you to study and work in a STEM/STEAM field? How have you used STEM/STEAM on the job?

I will start with the second part; I do STEM for a living! That’s what I’ve done my whole career, I almost feel like I don’t know how to do anything else.

Now, for the first part on what prompted me to enter the space: I had an early interest in math. I truly enjoyed solving those puzzle-like math problems and participating in competitions even since middle school. I seemed to have a knack for that and ended up also winning some awards in Math Olympiads (that was back in East Europe, where I grew up).  From then on, when I had to decide what high school to pursue, because I liked math, I chose the one high school in my home town that was the best at that discipline. Coincidentally, that was also the only high school that was doing computer science. Understanding that this was back in the late 80s, a high school that was teaching computer science was a pretty big deal. In fact, it was early enough in the history of computers that we didn’t really have too many working computers, so I learned how to program on paper, which was actually super cool in retrospect. After four years of doing that, I figured I should leverage the new knowledge I acquired, so I ended up pursuing a degree in computer science, which eventually got me where I am today.

Another thread along the way was my deep interest in languages. I grew up in a very multilingual environment, so I had early exposure to that. Also, in middle school, I had a very tough language professor who, although he almost failed me, instilled in me a love for the structure of language.

So that’s where I am today. Doing computer science for natural languages.

Do you feel you had encouragement and support in your career? 

Definitely! Of various forms. Not only the “go for it, I’m cheering for you!” kind, but also the “I’m failing you now because you didn’t do well, so you’ll come back at it stronger“ kind.

My family has been beyond supportive throughout all my life, and I feel I am who I am because of them. I also constantly got encouragement and support from my few close friends and from my students and collaborators.

Aside from that, I feel quite lucky to not be much of an extrovert. Thanks to that, other than needing the emotional and intellectual support from those close to me, I don’t generally feel that I need the “stamp of approval” from others.

What do you like best about your career?

There are many things that I love about what I do. If I were to highlight just three things: first, I do what I’ve always loved — research in computer science and languages — and because I like it so much, it doesn’t even feel like work. Second, I am in constant interaction with amazing people who are motivated by innovation and by making a difference in other people’s lives, and that is incredibly inspiring. And third, I am always in the middle of a constant flow of new ideas, which is truly energizing.

What advice would you give others?

I’ve been living by TJ Watson quote “Do you want a recipe for success? It’s quite simple really. Double your rate of failure.”

If I were to give just one piece of advice, it would be just that: do not fear failure, it is the required ingredient of success.

How do you inspire other women?

I’ve myself found inspiration in the achievements of other women, and I hope to do the same. I’m hoping other women will see that it is possible to be successful in a field dominated by men, that you can be a leader and impact others, while staying true to yourself, maintaining a fulfilling personal life, and making a positive difference in the lives of others.

Pamela Hayes, Senior Software Developer

What prompted you to study and work in a STEM/STEAM field? How have you used STEM/STEAM on the job?

I excelled at math in high school, but it wasn’t until I entered college that I tried coding. I realized quickly that it was something I would enjoy doing for the rest of my life. Although my college (Chatham, in Pittsburgh PA) had a limited computer science curriculum, I was able to take the typical undergraduate computer science courses at Carnegie-Mellon University, thanks to a city-wide cross-registration program. I found a summer coding job at a very small company based out of Carnegie-Mellon University. I also got connected with a computer science professor who made me his research assistant. Between those two opportunities, I got practical coding and research experience that I wouldn’t have gotten from coursework alone.

My work doing research with the Carnegie-Mellon University professor inspired me to go to graduate school at the University of Michigan. As a master’s student, I worked with a professor who studied the use of multimedia software in the classroom via project based science. Although I had thought that I’d want to become a researcher, the part of the master’s program that I enjoyed most was the coding. So that’s how I decided to become a software engineer.

After a long career at the University of Michigan as a developer in various departments, I began working for an Ann Arbor start-up called InfoReady as a senior developer. Working at a small company suits me well. When you’re on a very small team, you can make a big difference every day. Although some people my age would have gone into management years ago, I’ve always wanted to be a developer. I feel lucky that I can get paid well to do something I love.

Do you feel like you had encouragement and support in your career?

I certainly did as an undergraduate. The professor I worked with at Carnegie-Mellon University really inspired me to go beyond a bachelor’s in computer science. As a staff developer at the University of Michigan, I had a couple of managers who were very positive forces in my life. It’s nice to have that type of encouragement and support, but since it’s not always available, my strong internal drive keeps enables me to accomplish a lot anyhow.

What do you like best about your career?

I love that I can create new things and fix broken things every day. I also love that InfoReady provides me with the opportunity to work on a product that I can be proud of. Our customers love the product, but they always want more. It makes me happy to be able to provide them with new features and to fix bugs that are causing them headaches. Now that we have more developers, I’m even happier, because we’re creating more new features faster than we ever could before.

What advice would you give others?

There’s nothing like working in a career that gives your life meaning and makes you feel like you’re making a difference. I’ve always believed that we are more likely to excel at things that we enjoy doing. I would advise people to choose a career they can really dig into and enjoy. No job is fun every day, but the better a career matches your interests, the more likely you are find meaning at work, as well as outside of work.

In college, I also learned to seek opportunities outside of my own college, and to push myself to see what (if any) my limits were. The coursework at Carnegie-Mellon University was challenging, and I did poorly on my first exam. I wondered whether I should give up. But instead, I got back on the horse, and excelled at my course work, getting excellent test scores in courses dominated by men. One of my professors even asked me to be a teaching assistant. Some of my peers at Chatham didn’t want to take courses at Carnegie-Mellon University because they were afraid it would hurt their GPA. Perhaps they would have excelled, like me. Instead, they will never know!

How do you inspire other women?

InfoReady likes to work with interns in the Summer. I’ve had many opportunities to help and mentor our interns, who have been both men and women. I don’t treat the female interns any differently than the male interns. Perhaps the women have felt more inspired to see a female coder at the senior level than a man would, since computer science is still so heavily male-dominated. I’ve heard so many people say that seeing someone that “looks like them” in the field makes it easier to feel that they belong there too.

Zaina Alrashed, 3D Printing Technician and Mechanical Engineer

What prompted you to study and work in a STEM/STEAM field? How have you used STEM/STEAM on the job?

When I was a kid, my dad would watch “How It’s Made” nonstop. I was already a very curious child and watching this show was a catalyst to that. I loved understanding how everyday items became exactly that: widely used, easily accessible, and intuitively made. I fell in love with the behind the scenes and since then I knew I wanted to study manufacturing and technology. Now as a senior about to graduate with a product design engineering technology degree, there is no better path that I could have chosen. It allowed me to intern at large companies responsible for the cars we drive, the speakers we use, and the products we buy. I currently run our university’s 3D printing lab, making me the path from an idea to its execution – which is the best part!

Do you feel like you had encouragement and support in your career? 

Unless I actively seek out spaces that promote diversity in STEM, encouragement is pretty scarce. The attitude I received was not negative, it was simply indifferent. I’ve learned it has to be my passion that drives my work without depending on external support or validation.

What do you like best about your career?

What’s not to like? I gained the technical skills to design anything I can visualize and within a few days I could be physically holding a model of it. It’s basically magic (with extra steps). I also never get bored because every day a new technology or development surfaces.

What advice would you give others?

For students just entering the field it can be easier to focus on the theoretical aspect of the field and feel intimidated by the countless software and machinery. My best advice, and not to sound cliche, is to just do it. The knowledge you gain from hands-on trial and error is unmatched and I know it can seem scary but everyone working in the field has been in your same confused situation. Simply put, you don’t know something until you do. Now isn’t that a reassuring thought? Ask questions, grab opportunities that appeal to you, and understand that every failure is necessary to eventually succeed.

How do you inspire other women?

Kindness and enthusiasm! The feeling of indifference I mentioned earlier can be super debilitating, especially if you’re a student, so I always position myself as an approachable resource to anybody that feels stuck. I also love to be part of institutes that have this similar mission and always push the women I meet to attend them as well. You gain so much information and you’d be surprised at how much you know that others are struggling with, so be that resource as well!

Kara Bishop, Mechanical Engineer

What prompted you to study and work in a STEM/STEAM field? How have you used STEM/STEAM on the job?

I had many academic interests through high school and college. In high school I enjoyed learning about Math, Science and Psychology. Additionally, I loved playing cello in orchestra class, and I took Spanish all four years. Since I had so many interests in high school, I wasn’t completely sure what I wanted to study in college. I started at Eastern Michigan University as an undecided major and continued pursuing my interests in math, orchestra, and Spanish. As I continued though my studies, I discovered my interest in engineering by following my math/science strengths, and declared my major as mechanical engineering.

While taking engineering classes, I discovered my excitement from the subject through my internships and clubs at school. I am the chief engineer for the Baja SAE Racing club at EMU, and use my knowledge from the classroom to real-life applications in the club. I design components in CAD and test them using FEA software, then physically build them with skills learned from machining in EMU’s machine shop. Through the club, I have learned various machining processes including CNC programming, milling, lathing, MIG welding and using an acetylene torch. All of which I would not have had experience without being a part of the BAJA club. My internships also helped open my eyes to the possibilities of engineering. I spent one summer with Northrop Grumman working for the B-2 program in California, and I was so inspired and impressed by the engineering applications. I learned applications for aerodynamics, weight and balance, and manufacturing. This is my last year at EMU and will be continuing my work at Northrop Grumman after graduation as a Flight Test and Evaluation Engineer.

Do you feel like you had encouragement and support in your career? 

My high school was structured in a way to prepare me for college, even if I didn’t realize it at the time. The curriculum North Farmington High offered included a large variety of AP classes that I could take during the year, then take an exam to receive credit towards my college degree. I took AP classes because they were accelerated and more challenging, and by receiving the credit from the exams, I was able to save an entire semester’s tuition. This allowed me to start college on an accelerated track, and I was able to take my first year as an exploration period before choosing a path in STEM.

During this time, my parents have provided me with unfaltering support with my decision to become an engineer. They knew I liked math and science and were the ones to initially suggest the career path to me, since I tend to be indecisive by nature. Finding my own passion and drive towards the subject came later for me and I am so happy they guided me the way they did.

What do you like best about your career?

I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of engineering, and the ability to create solutions to design problems. I enjoy pushing myself to mental limits because of the gratification I feel after completing a seriously difficult task. Though I have yet to begin my career, I am looking forward to the variety and ability to do many different jobs and tasks with the knowledge I have now, and what I plan to inquire in the future.

What advice would you give others?

As a college student, choosing a major and deciding a career path is the most relevant advice I can give, since it directly affects me at this moment. Turns out, you don’t need to know what you want to do when you are younger, but it helps to start thinking about it early on. People say you can always change your mind in college, which is true, but it comes at a financial cost if you are not on a full ride. I think it is important to plan ahead, even if you are not completely sure with your decision. Don’t be afraid to believe in yourself and support yourself 100% all the time.

For me, the best way to pick a major or career was to simply pick something and try it. Be a cellist for a year, an engineer for a semester, an aerospace intern for a summer and see how it makes you feel. Go out and find ways to experiment, new activities and just try it. Could you see yourself coming back the next day and doing something similar? If so, pursue it with 100% effort, and believe in yourself and the choice you made.

How do you inspire other women?

As a freshman in college, I joined the EMU chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). The club members proved to me that it can be done, that a woman can go through the program to become successful and proud of her career. They believed in me and supported me even when I didn’t believe in myself yet. Now, as a senior, I am the Vice President of SWE, and I work to inspire our members, just as I was when I began at EMU. My fellow board members and I have worked to fully fund our club to attend 4 different SWE conferences, empowering our members to be the future leaders of our generation and providing world-changing career opportunities. Additionally, the club collaborates and volunteers for Digital Divas, a STEM outreach program that brings in middle school and high school girls, to inspire girls to want to take a STEM path in their future education.

Ella Keena, Mechanical Engineer

What prompted you to study and work in a STEM/STEAM field? How have you used STEM/STEAM on the job?

I picked Mechanical Engineering to attend school for because I like math and did not want to have to go to school for 8-12 years to be able to make decent money. I regularly use principles from my studies in my designs and validation of designs in my work on the Baja Racing Team at EMU, as well as my handful of internships I have had in college.

Largely, my skills are put towards using CAD to model parts. In Baja Racing, every part of the car is modeled in Solidworks before it is manufactured or purchased and installed. I have experience using Autodesk Inventor in my internship with Promess Inc. to prepare and update solid models for customer and internal use, as well as experience with Adams View at Hexagon Manufacturing in experimental testing to determine the capabilities of the software to utilize rotordynamics to analyze certain rotating structures.

Do you feel like you had encouragement and support in your career? 

Absolutely. My parents and family were very supportive of my career choices and have been quick to lend me a car or place to stay when I’ve needed it for work. My professors have for the most part been willing to help me understand topics when I need assistance outside of class. Almost everyone I have worked with at my internships have been wonderful about taking the time to help me with projects or to explain a new concept.

What do you like best about your career?

My favorite thing about my career path is the people that it leads me to. At school, I have a group of people who I can call my friends, and who I regularly get to work with on both academics and club projects. There is something to be said for spending the better part of your time problem solving and working towards a common goal with innovative thinkers while having fun in the process.

What advice would you give others?

Keep challenging yourself with new things. Join clubs you know nothing about, apply for internships and jobs you aren’t entirely qualified for, read up on new and interesting topics that relate to your industry. At best, you’ll find something you love, and at worst, you have experience or something to add to your resume.

How do you inspire other women?

I am currently President of the Society of Women Engineers at Eastern Michigan University. As President, I organize and participate in events where we reach out to girls and young women to expose engineering as a career option for them. I additionally use my position to further the careers of women in STEM around me by recommending them for positions that I am asked to give candidates for, writing letters of recommendation, and securing funding for them to travel to career fairs across the country. I encourage the women around me to push themselves and know that they are capable.

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