My high school physics teacher showed me how math could be applied in a real life setting, so he got me interested. Also, my grandfather and my father both worked as tool & dye workers, always mentioning the respect they have for the engineers that make the machines work and keep making their lives easier.

Physics and calculus in high school are always part of a nice foundation for college. I almost majored in electrical engineering and that has been useful in my job, providing me with some experience with coding outside of the normal mechanical engineering classes and power generation. My interest in the power generation classes definitely gave me a leg up when I applied for this role.

I had offers from the Central Intelligence Agency, Caterpillar, other businesses within GE and Siemens, among others.

For me, it’s continuing my development as a leader and an engineer. I get to attend graduate school while working full-time on very interesting and rewarding projects. I have worked on gas turbines, wind turbines and a range of tools, as well as internal combustion engines.