Engineer-in-Training

Image Courtesy of Paulson Mitchell Inc

A few weeks back, I took the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE)/Engineer-in-Training (EIT) Exam. Being perfectly honest, it was one of the worst tests of my life.  Not because it was hard. But because it was so long...8 hours to be exact.

So what is the FE?

The FE is the the stepping stone to becoming a Professional Engineer.  The test incorporates basically all of Mechanical Engineering into 1 (although it's not just for Mech E's).  The certification is required for many Civil Engineering jobs and those that deal with public welfare/projects.  Personally, I recommend everyone to take the exam.

So what is a Professional Engineer?

From the NCEES website, a Professional Engineer has the following responsibilities/duties:

• Stamping and sealing designs
• Bidding for government contracts
• Owning a firm
• Consulting
• Offering expert witness testimony
• Advertising services to the public

If you would like more information about the FE/PE Process, refer to this website.

You should probably think about taking this dreaded test, and I will tell you why.

1. Many companies give a salary boost. Who doesn't want that?
2. You don't want to take it later.  You've already taken the relevant classes.  You don't want to have to go back and study 4 years worth of material in 3 years when you've forgotten it.  You don't wanna study now- what will make you want to then?
3. It lines you up to become a Licensed Professional Engineer...after a few more hoops :-) Becoming a Professional Engineer lines you up for more opportunities in the distant future. If you aren't sure you want to pursue PE-ship...take the test anyway.
4. Did I mention that the test is Pass/No Pass? It never has to go onto your record if you don't pass.  But if you do....even better!

Man, I really hope I passed...

-Serena

The Results are In!

This is an older post that I never got the chance to post...

I conducted a large amount of adhesive testing for the International X-Ray Observatory at NASA Goddard Space Flight Center.  So I've decided to share it with you all! Below is a summary.  Feel free to ask questions!

So the setup for the mirrors looks like this! A primary and secondary mirror focus the x-rays to a focal point, like the picture below:

The mirrors are connected to the structure like this!

My job was to find the best adhesive that would have the most strength and creep the least. The CAD drawings of joint looks like this:

And the force analysis looks like the following:

So for my experiment, I created a block to create identical test pieces:

Then using a capacitance displacement sensor and force sensor, I created the following setup:

Which created force-displacement graphs like this (to find greatest strength):

and like this (to find % creep):

And I found out that Sodium Silicate was the best in strength and the least amount of creep.

What do you think?

-Serena

You Don't have to be Rich...

Image Courtesy of For the Love of Money

I know I've mentioned a lot about my accomplishments, especially with my Growing Up post...and I haven't had to borrow money to do it.

You're probably wondering how I paid for it....No, I'm not rich. My parents haven't funded my adventures across the US.

The cool thing about engineering is that internships often pay you (Disclaimer: they don't always!).  My adventures in DC and Texas and New York were funded.  I'm not saying that I didn't "pay a dime" though...cuz I did.  My internships paid me/ paid for my plane tickets, and I used that to live/travel on.

However, you need to manage your money wisely. I've used most of my internship money to pay for school.  This means, no extravagant holidays/dinners...only modest ones :-) Honestly, school has been one of my largest expenses...and I've needed loans for it. But the way to get the paid internship is to pay for school. :-/

-Serena

Lady with Crazy Hair

A friend and I were discussing the scientific women we see on TV. You know, those women who testify about how AWESOME our solar system is, and how a black hole can suck everything up in it's path!

Then she mentioned how one specific lady represented herself....something along the lines below:

Image Courtesy of Science in Our World

No makeup. Messed up hair. She told me, "Couldn't she just put on a little mascara and comb her hair?! It takes like 30 seconds! And you're going to be on television!"

From there, she noted that she became a physics major to bring a better name...and face...to the physics professor. 

I agree with her. Ladies, don't you want to revolutionize the way people look at engineers and scientists?

-Serena

Growing Up

Image Courtesy of The Sweet Misery

I'm growing up. It's a fact. After dreaming to become an engineer for about 10 years, I'm almost here. In fact, I consider myself 'HERE'.

In Middle School, I aimed to get as-far in math as possible. And I did. 

In High School, my goal was to take Calculus and Physics by the time I finished. And I did.

In College, my goal was "To Do the Best I Can," get involved in Undergraduate Research, and have at least one internship. And I did.

Looking from the eyes of high school, there are some things I never would have imagined I would do:

• Work for NASA
• Work for a Fortune 500 Company
• Move to Dallas, Texas on a whim
• Live and work in Washington DC
• Live and work internationally (To be done, but planned)
• Present at 3 research conferences
• Go to Ebay and get sent to New York City for Free.
• Consider a PhD
• Take such pride and value in engineering

Now what?  To be honest, it's unnerving not to have a specific goal. Do I get my Masters in Engineering and MBA? Or do I go for my PhD? Or do I just wait and see?

For you youngsters: All of the above is possible. Work hard, have fun, and keep your dreams in sight.

-Serena

Who creates iPhone apps?

Image Courtesy of HouseofPR

Have you ever thought about who designs the apps for iPhone and Android?

Engineers and computer scientists. It's one of the best combinations of design and engineering/computer science.  I've met many younger girls who had never thought about it.


I know as girls, there are many of us (but not me, haha) who are often torn by both design/fashion and engineering. I've met many of you.

But have you thought about Product Design? It's the ability to communicate with both the engineers (practicality) and the marketing team (customer attractiveness). I know you aren't there yet, but often, many hold-ups occur as a result of the inability to communicate the practicality and customer attractiveness. (I said "inability," not "unwillingness," haha).

Engineers have one vocabulary. Marketing people have another. It's a dilemma in many industries.

So what can you do to get involved?

• Become well versed in 3D Modelling/CAD. 
• Take art/marketing/design classes.
• Join a design team. 
• If the product is an app, learn how to program. (I can expand on this if need be).
• Get to know people in the industry.
• Practice!

-Serena

National Academies Grand Challenges

Image Courtesy of the National Academy of Engineering

Remember my visit to and obsession with the National Academies in the Fall?

Are you not sure about what you want to do with your life? 


The National Academies of Engineering have developed a list of Grand Challenges...and maybe you should consider pursuing them for a career.  It may just give you a starting point.


For more information, click on a category or the link below. 

• Make solar energy economical

• Provide energy from fusion

• Develop carbon sequestration methods

• Manage the nitrogen cycle

• Provide access to clean water

• Restore and improve urban infrastructure

• Advance health informatics

• Engineer better medicines

• Reverse-engineer the brain

• Prevent nuclear terror

• Secure cyberspace

• Enhance virtual reality

• Advance personalized learning

• Engineer the tools of scientific discovery

Grand Challenges for Engineering Click Here

Happy Surfing!

-Serena