Wayne State College of Engineering women a strong force in industry and academia

DETROIT (Oct. 9, 2013) - Wayne State University's College of Engineering has a long history of educating women in engineering and computer science. In 1928, Elinor Batie was the first woman to receive a degree in chemical engineering from Wayne State and, in 1968, Theresa Krolikowski was the first to earn a doctorate from the college.

Since then, WSU alumnae such as Lydia Lazurenko, a Society of Women Engineers Fellow and the first woman president of the Engineering Society of Detroit; Grace Bochenek, chief technology officer for the U.S. Army Materiel Command; Barbara Samardzich, vice president of product development, Europe at Ford Motor Company; Adriana Karaboutis, global chief information officer at Dell; and Nancy Philippart, president at NLP Solutions, LLC, and co-founder of BELLE Michigan, have been trailblazers in a wide array of industries.

And students like Maria Guido, president of the Engineering Student Faculty Board (ESFB); Karthika Andrew, president of the college's Society of Women Engineers (SWE); Amani Alkayyali, who interned last summer at John Hopkins University; and Stephanie Boileau, who has conducted child safety seat research with WSU's Transportation Research Group, are already well-positioned to make their marks.

To help celebrate the college's 80^th anniversary and bring greater attention to the successes of its female community, the college reached out to some of its most prominent alumnae, current students and expert faculty members to reflect on their experiences pursuing and excelling in the computer science and engineering disciplines.

"Colleges and universities across the U.S. continue to make progress, but there is much work to be done in recruiting females into engineering and computer science," says College of Engineering Dean Farshad Fotouhi. "This college is home to some remarkable female alumni, students and professors. I hope their successes and experiences inspire future generations of students to look into the many opportunities available to them in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics disciplines. The possibilities are endless and the rewards are immeasurable."

The below Q&A features answers from the following members of the college community.

Adriana Karaboutis, BSCS '86, MSECE '86, is global chief information officer at Dell.	Nancy Philippart, BSISE '80, president at NLP Solutions, LLC, and co-founder of BELLE Michigan, an early-stage venture fund that invests in women-led startups in Michigan and other underserved markets.	Carol Miller is a professor of civil and environmental engineering at the college and co-director of the WSU Urban Watershed Environmental Research Group.
Harini Sundararaghavan is an assistant professor of biomedical engineering at the college, specializing in neural tissue engineering, and the faculty advisor for the college's chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).	Maria Guido is a mechanical engineering student and president of the college's Engineering Student Faculty Board.	Karthika Andrew is a chemical engineering student and president of the college's chapter of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE).

Q&A

Why did you choose to study engineering/computer science in college?

Karaboutis: The power of computing was, relatively speaking, still nascent in the '80s and the prospects for computer scientists were on the rise. I recognized that computing would become critical in every discipline: the arts, sciences, business, education, and manufacturing - literally every discipline - and I wanted to be part of it. I originally started my studies in mechanical engineering and moved to computer science after this realization. I was further motivated by the fact that I enjoyed math and analysis. This inspired me to study computer science.

Philippart: I was good in math and science, so it seemed like a good fit. I was influenced by my brother, who was two years older and studying engineering. I wanted a more people-oriented discipline, so I chose industrial and systems engineering as my field of study.

Miller: I was aware of engineering at an early age, as my father was a very engaged engineer in the Detroit area. He had a clear enthusiasm for his profession and was involved in many of the professional societies. As an electrical engineer, he helped design many of the energy systems for major manufacturing facilities throughout the Midwest. This connection was certainly one of the inspirations for my choice of engineering. In addition, my love of the outdoors and nature - especially water elements - compelled me to choose a career that would allow plenty of field work and time outdoors. Civil engineering can provide this mix.

Sundararaghavan: After high school, I decided to pursue a degree in engineering at the University of Michigan. I applied to the College of Engineering because I have always been strong in math and science. I chose chemical engineering because I had a strong interest in chemistry.

Guido: I chose to study engineering because I knew it would be a challenge. To grow as a person, I feel that you have to put yourself out of your comfort zone. Engineering has definitely done this for me. I chose mechanical engineering because I find it the most interesting. I really like the technical side of engineering and wanted a chance to work with my hands. My grandfather was an engineer for Ford and used actual blueprints. Sometimes I wish engineers still used blueprints.

Andrew: I loved chemistry and had a great professor at the community college I attended. I used to be a biology major, but I took all the math courses up through differential equations because I enjoyed them. When it came time to decide if I wanted to continue with the major, I realized I wanted to use more of the math I had learned over the years. I enrolled first in engineering courses at Oakland University. The first CATIA class and my involvement in SWE there inspired me to go into engineering, and it's a decision I am happy I made.

What did your family say when you told them you were going to study engineering/computer science in college?

Karaboutis: I started down the computer science path in 1982 after taking a statistics course, where we did some simple Fortran programming. My family, who came to the United States from Greece, was very supportive. They initially didn't fully understand what computer science majors do, but recognized that anything with a strong foundation in mathematics was good. They also recognized that I was going down a road less traveled by females and encouraged me to take the challenge.

Philippart: Both parents were fine with my choice back in 1975. They were probably most happy that I received a WSU merit scholarship that paid my tuition.

Miller: I decided to study engineering during my first year in college. Prior to that, I was ready to sign up for nursing - many patients are very lucky that I did not. My parents were supportive of my decision, especially my mother.

Sundararaghavan: My family was happy and proud when I chose to study chemical engineering in college in 1998. When I chose to pursue a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering in 2003, my parents were thrilled. My father is a professor and my parents have always encouraged education.

Guido: My parents and family were really proud when I said I was going to do engineering. I had always thought about studying engineering. In high school, I had thought that I might want to be a mechanical engineer in the Air Force or Navy. It wasn't a shock when I decided to major in engineering. My parents greatly value financial stability, which engineering provides.

Andrew: Dad was hesitant when I said chemical engineering; he thought I would be much better as an electrical engineer. He supported my decision anyway. He was happy that I would have better job security. He was also happy I was doing what I loved.

Any memories of situations while at Wayne State's College of Engineering or elsewhere in which you felt being a woman in engineering/computer science provided you with distinct advantages?

Karaboutis: The computer science department was part of the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences back in the 1980s. I was in the minority in, as there were few females in the program. Wayne State, however, was and continues to be such a diverse school that emphasis was put on the success of all. I was given every opportunity to excel both in the classroom as well as in the co-op program where I interned at Volkswagen and GM's Fisher Body. The WSU Career Services office helped me find both positions. I took advantage of every program WSU had to offer, and it paid off.

Philippart: There were only four girls in the entire freshman class, but I did not feel that faculty treated me differently. With so few women in the program, everyone knew our names and we got noticed more. Although I was a good student and an active leader, I got a lot of scholarship money that I can't help think was somewhat influenced by being a minority.

Miller: I was always clearly in the minority, but I did not usually feel negative associations with that. I often was one of only two women in a class of 25 or more, especially in graduate school. There were likely times when this "minority status" provided advantages, and certainly times when it provided disadvantages.

Sundararaghavan: There were certainly fewer women than men in my undergrad and Ph.D. programs. In chemical engineering, I felt pressure to prove myself in group assignments; however, this has more to do with my personality than because I am a woman.

In my Ph.D. program, the distinction with being a woman was a little more pronounced. In addition to being a woman, I also look really young, so even today, people tend to take me a little less seriously. However, being underestimated can often be an advantage. I noticed during my research program that men were more likely to ask the men in my group for technical assistance, which allowed me to spend more time on my own work. Even today, I am not asked to do mechanical jobs, like setting up equipment, which allows me to focus on scientific endeavors.

Guido: I have never really felt like a minority at the College of Engineering. I have always been involved in Wayne State's Society for Women Engineers (SWE), so I've always had female engineering friends. An advantage to being a female engineer in the college is that more professors consistently recognize your face and name.

Andrew: Being a woman certainly helps when you are at job interviews. It has been advantageous to me personally. At Wayne State, I have been involved in SWE and NSBE. I have been able to inspire other students and empower the younger generation.

You've become an incredibly successful leader in your field. Do you have any words of wisdom for future generations - especially young women - on how to be successful?

Karaboutis:

1. Do not be intimidated by STEM disciplines - there is a shortage of students, especially females, in these disciplines and the opportunities are significant and rising.
2. Whatever course of study or career you choose, surround yourself with smart people/influences: professors, fellow-students, professionals, and even social sites that help you learn and grow. I follow CIOs and technologists daily on Twitter and learn something every day. You are a product of your environment - you can pick who or what is in your environment. … As my parents always said, "you are who your friends/associates are; pick wisely."
3. Develop strong leadership skills: courage, drive for results, relationship building, financial acumen, business acumen and communication - master the art of listening and speaking.

Philippart: Work smart and focus on what's important, but don't limit yourself because you worry that you can't do it all. It is possible to have a successful and fulfilling career, family and community life. Be realistic, but don't let one area of your life prevent you from pursing the others.

Miller: Each woman has a unique set of interests and personal goals for her career and her life, so it is tough to give generic "words of wisdom." However, I believe it is incredibly important to maintain a balance in life between all the competing interests for our time. Even if a woman is convinced that an advanced degree in engineering is her goal and she aspires to be the "best," it is critically important that she take time for other pursuits - whether that be family, politics, sports, nature, art or something else. These other activities will add immensely to her engineering career.

Sundararaghavan: Keep your goal in mind and don't worry about what other people think or say. You only have to answer to yourself, so surround yourself with people that support you and your goals.

What do you hope to do in your professional career?

Guido: I hope to possibly work with an aviation company. I've also been interested in the architectural side of engineering. I was accepted to the University of Michigan's School of Art and Design, but decided to not pursue art as my main focus. I plan on graduating with a minor in studio art. This goes along with the architectural and design side of engineering. Perhaps automotive, or aeronautical.

Andrew: I hope to work in research and development in the medical field. I may not have completed my biology major, but I still am interested in the field.

What kinds of hurdles have there been in your career and how have you overcome them?

Karaboutis: My career has taken many turns, both planned and unplanned. I changed industries from defense to automotive to high-tech; moved geographically from the U.S. to Europe and back; moved cross-functionally from IT to manufacturing/supply chain and back to IT - all of these changes have allowed me to grow in my career and as a person, but in the moment caused challenges and sometimes chaos. I learned to embrace change by finding something in my new environment that was familiar for stability, while building the new skills I needed for success. Each and every time I did this, I came out stronger both in leadership skills and knowledge.

Philippart: I've encountered stereotypes or even well-intended assumptions about women's roles. I've found you can overcome by being good at what you do, then asking for what you want. Finding a mentor also helps. Finally, always conduct yourself professionally, be authentic to who you are and have a sense of humor.

Miller: When I was entering civil engineering, drafting was an essential skill. I was horrible at this and spent more time trying to draw a straight line than I did with my differential equations homework. But I somehow got over this hurdle and am relieved that no one asks me to draft design drawings of a high rise. Another complexity arises out of child-raising during our career-active years. Wayne State University and the College of Engineering have been incredibly supportive in that respect.

Sundararaghavan: To date, I haven't faced any insurmountable hurdles. I started off in chemical engineering and thought I would work in industry following my undergraduate degree. I didn't end up finding a job I liked, so I went to graduate school for a master's in biomedical engineering. I was planning to do a thesis-based master's and, as I began my research, I realized research is what I loved so I stayed to complete my Ph.D. My goal was to have my own research program and educate students in biomedical engineering, so I became a postdoctoral researcher and pursued a career in academia.

What's the most rewarding thing about what you do professionally?

Karaboutis: I run an information technology organization of 5,000-plus people across the globe that come together and deliver world-class capabilities for Dell every day. We use our own Dell hardware, software and services products as platforms to deliver these capabilities, and the innovation on a daily basis is unbelievable. To be part of such an environment is fantastic.

Philippart: I am able to use my knowledge and experience to support other women's business aspirations and diversify the Michigan economy. I learned excellent skills and competencies in my corporate career - I am now co-founder and general partner of an early-stage venture fund that invests in women owned and led businesses in Michigan. It is gratifying to use the technical and business skills that I honed in the corporate world to help women businesses succeed.

Miller: No question about it: the students. Seeing students emerge into successful and happy professional engineers is a highlight. Research is also very rewarding to me - and at times I need to remember the advice I provide above about "taking time out for other pursuits"!

Sundararaghavan: I enjoy working with students and encouraging them to pursue their dreams.

What would you say to young women - in middle school and high school - to get them to think about a career in computer science or engineering?

Karaboutis: Do not be intimidated to study STEM-related courses or pursue careers in these areas. The opportunities are huge. The little voice inside you that says "this is too hard, I don't get it, I'm not as smart as other kids/boys" is your own voice - and you control it. Give yourself the opportunity and surround yourself with successful people in computer science or engineering that want to help you learn - and don't be afraid to ask for simple answers, with no acronyms! The ones that smirk and say "I can't believe she didn't know that" may end up working for you some day.

Philippart: Engineering is a good foundation for almost anything you want to do. It teaches you to solve problems - and the world is full of problems, so you will always be challenged. You will also make a good living and have the independence that comes with that.

Miller: There are excellent opportunities for you in computer science and engineering. I see many young women "turned off" to engineering because of concerns about the heavy level of calculus, and I find this disappointing. Calculus is an essential foundation of all engineering, but it is not the sole element, and not all engineers are math nerds - in fact, a surprisingly small minority are. There is room in engineering for all types of talents; it can be a very creative field to enter.

Sundararaghavan: Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Follow what you are passionate about and, if you like math and science, consider engineering. Engineering is a very versatile major and allows you to pursue almost any graduate program, including medicine and law. I spent some time after my undergraduate degree not knowing what I wanted to do, and that is OK. It is best to try different things and find the career that you are passionate about so that you enjoy going to work.

Guido: Choosing engineering as a career is a great idea. There are so many opportunities, especially for women. I got an internship with Chrysler before I even completed my first semester in engineering and was invited back for the next year. It is a challenge, but I think challenges are part of life. Where would we be without them? It also says something about you if you choose to pursue the unexpected. People respect you and look at you differently when you achieve something they thought you couldn't.

Andrew: I tell them that it is hard but fun. In engineering, you are able to apply what you learn. Engineering is the practical use of science. It goes beyond the four walls of a classroom or a singular idea.

What kinds of events do college student orgs have coming up that might be of interest to future STEM students - especially females?

Guido: The Yes!Expo is the next huge STEM event, happening Nov. 7 at Ford Field. Major companies, as well as WSU and other universities, will be in attendance. Wayne State's Fall Open House will also feature a tour of the college on Oct. 19.

Andrew: SWE has worked with Girls with Great Potential this year, and we are in the process of planning our annual winter FutureSWE event. SWE also helps out with Girls Engineering Exploration, which is geared toward middle school students. We are also hoping to go to area high schools and middles schools to introduce STEM to students, and we are always looking to get involved with more organizations that empower women.

Throughout October, the Wayne State College of Engineering celebrates its 80^th anniversary. For more information on anniversary events and activities, visit https://engineering.wayne.edu/news.php?id=12520.

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Wayne State University is a premier urban research institution of higher education offering 370 academic programs through 13 schools and colleges to nearly 29,000 students. For more information about engineering at Wayne State University, visit engineering.wayne.edu.