This spring, the staff at Engineered Systems began kicking around the idea of honoring the women of engineering.

When did you fall in love with engineering? Growing up, I was interested in math and science as well as creative arts. I have exceled in both areas through school and figured that architecture is the career path that combines my two areas of interests. Later, I realized I would prefer more mathematical and analytical tasks presented in my career path, and right there I found architectural engineering.

When did you fall in love with engineering? In ninth grade, while attending an all-girls boarding school, I would sneak out of my dormitory at night to rebuild the engine of an old Studebaker car in a nearby barn.

When did you fall in love with engineering? When a high school teacher first suggested engineering to my parents, I wasn't entirely sure what it was, but I figured that if it involved math and science, I was in. Over the years I've found that though math and science are at the core of engineering, the skills and aptitudes needed for success are much broader. Written and spoken communication skills, empathy, teamwork, creativity, and sales abilities are all extremely valuable for success.

When did you fall in love with engineering? I remember taking my first HVAC class in college and learned about building loads and thermal comfort, thinking, yes, this is it. I want to do this. I was intrigued by how a building used energy to heat and cool the space, and how the systems you put into that building affected the energy performance.