The Women in STEM project explores engineering and the vast opportunities that are available, even a brief glance of the engineering world - demonstrates this. The Women in STEM Engineering spotlight is composed of quality, software, mechanical, and electrical engineers, as well as women involved in environmental and fluid mechanics and management. The many achievements of each of these women provide an example of the intricacies of engineering and the potential for success throughout this branch of STEM. The work done by Mativetsky, Hamilton, Adler, Wang, Bryant, and Nucci demonstrate the incredible possibilities for Women in Engineering, and Women in STEM. To learn more about our six Women in Engineering, read their individual summaries below, follow us at @WSKGScience on Instagram or on Twitter @NancyCoddington @JulD22 for more inspiring #WomenInSTEM.
Hadassah Mativetsky
Hadassah Mativetsky is currently a Quality Engineer at Universal Instruments where she manages product quality for the high-tech assembly equipment used to populate circuit boards; which are used in devices we use every day, such as: phones, tablets, fitness trackers, and more. Currently she serves in local leadership for American Society for Quality and Toastmasters International. In 2019, she received the Paul A Robert Award from the Binghamton Section of the American Society for Quality, Division Director of the Year Award from District 65 of Toastmasters International, and was a finalist for the Engineering HYPE award from the Greater Binghamton Chamber of Commerce.
Hadassah holds a BA in Math with a minor in Russian and Eastern European Studies and a MS in Systems Science, both from Binghamton University. She regularly volunteers with many Binghamton University programs including supporting Harpur Edge, Fleishman Career Development Center, Watson School, Undergraduate Admissions, and Emerging Leaders Program. She is particularly grateful for her undergrad job at EngiNet, her student leadership opportunities with Hillel, Math Club, WHRW, her study abroad experiences, and the academic community she found in Bass Center for Leadership Studies, Evolutionary Studies (EvoS), and Center for Collective Dynamics of Complex Systems (CoCo).
Margaret Hamilton
Margaret Hamilton is a software engineer who is most famous for her work on the Apollo 11. While on this project, Hamilton contributed much of the computer code for both the command and lunar modules. She worked on this project in the 1960s and after success with NASA, Hamilton created Hamilton Technologies in the 1980s. After a career of remarkable success, Hamilton received the Presidential Medal of Freedom in 2016. One year later she was acknowledged in the LEGO Women of NASA collection alongside three other notable women.
Katherine Adler
Katherine Adler is a student at Cornell University where she is a PhD Candidate in Environmental Fluid Mechanics. At Cornell, Adler conducts research in the DeFrees Hydraulics Laboratory. She is currently working on air-water gas transfer enhancement technology. When asked about its details Adler stated, “[It] could combat climate change and food insecurity by making algae production cheaper and more sustainable. It could also improve air-sea carbon flux models to help us better understand the flow of greenhouse gases in the environment.” To women who want to explore engineering themselves Adler offers these words of inspiration, “Don’t doubt yourself because of something someone else says; your accomplishments speak for themselves. If you are not confident about your accomplishments so far, keep a growth ability mindset. Seek out opportunities to learn and grow and meet new people, but also don’t be afraid to say “no” when you need to focus on your own goals.” Follow Katherine's work on Twitter @KatherineEAdler
Evelyn Wang
Dr. Evelyn Wang is a Professor of Mechanical Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. She is also the head of the Mechanical Engineering Department at MIT. Dr. Wang has an impressive record of published works. In addition to this, she has also developed many amazing devices. One such device is a machine that can harvest potable water from air. This machine is fascinating in that it is not deterred by dry air. Dr. Wang’s other research interests include thermal management and the conversion and storage of energy. She also has obtained patents for some of her work relating to thermal energy. Connect with Dr. Wang on Twitter @MITMechE
Kimberly Bryant
Kimberly Bryant is the Founder and CEO of Black Girls Code. As an electrical engineer, she used her degree in the past to lead a successful career in both the pharmaceutical and biotech industries. Bryant later founded Black Girls Code in 2011. This nonprofit organization works to provide technological education to children in underrepresented communities. Since its creation, this organization has grown and now is established in both the United States and in South Africa. Currently, Black Girls Code is flourishing, with thousands of members and a pattern of growth. In addition to these achievements with her organization, Bryant currently serves on the National Champions Board for the National Girls Collaborative Project. Connect with Kimberly on Twitter: @6Gems and Facebook: @blackgirlscode
Julie Nucci
Dr. Julie Nucci is the Manager of Engineering Innovation Projects at Rheonix. Up until recently, Nucci worked as a professor in the Department of Materials Science and Engineering at Cornell University. Dr. Nucci worked as a professor for twelve years before moving to her new job. While at Cornell, Nucci worked on the New Visions Engineering Program, offering local high school seniors the opportunity to get an exploratory look at engineering. She cites this as a standout in her work, proud of the outcome of her efforts. Currently, Nucci is looking forward to experiencing part of the medical industry in her new position.
Produced by Julia Diana, Science Intern
Nancy Coddington, Director of Science Content