We interviewed Kelly last November.  Here are some questions that we asked her and a summary of her answers:

Q: What experiences/influences supported you in pursuing engineering?

A: I loved A.P. Biology but I didn't think that I was "cut-out" to be an engineer.  My dad introduced me to an environmental engineer and we talked about her experiences as a woman in the career.  In college, I determined that I didn't want to be a professor or researcher and so I began to consider engineering.  My husband (then boyfriend) was an engineering major at Michigan State and he also encouraged me to try engineering.  I decided to pursue a degree in civil engineering with an environmental concentration because at the time, an environmental engineering degree wasn't available.  I ended up being the first person to graduate from Michigan State University with a bachelor's degree in environmental engineering.  I went to a career fair at MSU and got a job offer from American Electric Power.

 

Q: Who are role models that inspired you?

A: One of my professors in college who was an environmental engineering professor and a faculty advisor for the Environmental Engineering Society was very motivating to me.  I often went to her office hours for additional help in her classes.  She broke down the concepts and was encouraging. 

 

Q: What makes a successful engineer?

A: Problem solving, figuring out how to get through a problem.  Engineers figure out how to fix systems to keep them working.

 

Q: What did you do in college that prepared you for your job?

A: I learned the base content in classes, but your performance in one class in college doesn't define you.  I have learned a lot on the job including learning who can help you and how to network and work with other people.  If you silo yourself in your job, you aren't going to solve the problem in a timely manner.

 

Q: What advice do you have for young women who are considering a degree in STEM?

A: If you think you have an interest - go for it!  Don't get discouraged.  Find a supportive community.  You never know where your path will lead.  Get involved with groups like the Society of Women Engineers or sustainability groups.  You can ease into the groups by just going to observe at first. You can also find an engineer to shadow.

 

Q: How did you start the podcast?

A: I wanted to stay connected to sustainability because it's not in the core of my job right now.  I believe in the power of one-on-one conversations.  I'm an average person who wants to do something to promote sustainability.  I try to be encouraging and inspiring and to keep it neutral and conversational.  I'm excited about what average people are doing to be more sustainable and want to share that.  Click here to listen to the sustainabiliME podcast.

 

Q: What experiences drew you into sustainability?

A: I liked the outdoors and was happiest when I was outside.  I spent the summer at lakes and the winter on the slopes.  I wanted to learn more about what is going on in the world and how to protect it.  Right now we can observe changes in the landscape - the extremely high water levels in Lake Michigan are an example.

 

Q: What does sustainability mean to you?

A: Making sure we've got a better tomorrow.  Making sure we have balance.  Sustaining our way of life through coming together and working together.