Impactful Faculty Member
The faculty member who has had the biggest impact on my Mount Union experience so far is Dr. Hans Tritico, my global engineering professor. He not only teaches the technical skills we need in engineering but also inspired and guided us during the international engineering spring break trip in the UK, helping our team successfully design and build the pedestrian bridge at Steart Marshes. His mentorship and support made the project challenging but incredibly rewarding, and his encouragement has motivated me to grow as both an engineer and a problem-solver.
Why Mechanical Engineering?
Mechanical engineering stood out to me because it combines hands-on problem-solving with creative thinking and scientific principles. I’m excited about the idea of designing and building solutions that have a real impact and being able to take projects from concept to reality. For me, it’s a way to turn the skills I grew up loving into a career where I can continue solving practical, real-world problems. My ultimate career goal is to work as a field engineer in industrial sectors like coal, oil, or gas, where I can apply mechanical engineering principles to solve practical, real-world challenges on-site. Being surrounded by people who worked in these fields sparked my curiosity early on about how the equipment, systems, and infrastructure behind energy production actually work. Mechanical engineers are essential to developing the machinery, pipelines, and processing systems that keep the industry running, and I’m excited by the opportunity to contribute to innovations that improve both performance and environmental responsibility.
Overcoming Obstacles
One obstacle I've had to overcome is growing up in a rural area where women were rarely encouraged to pursue technical fields like engineering. Most women in my community stayed at home or chose less technical careers, while men typically pursued blue-collar or industrial work. In that environment, I had to actively seek out resources, mentors, and opportunities on my own to follow my interest in mechanical engineering. Facing and overcoming this challenge has made me more determined, confident, and passionate about building a career in engineering. By pursuing my career in oil and gas, I hope to demonstrate that women belong in these spaces and can make meaningful contributions to engineering and energy production.