Hometown: Hatboro, PA
Major: Mechanical Engineering
Class Year: 2025
How did you become interested in engineering?
I always had an interest in engineering. My grandfather was a mechanical engineer and he had multiple patents that are still used today in printers. In his free time, he collected model locomotives which he took to local conventions to race. As soon as I was old enough (around 4 or 5) I started to go with him to these conventions. My grandfather often refurbished and fixed the trains himself and I often assisted him, then at the conventions he would let me race the trains for him. Both him and my grandmother were very passionate about education and put money away for me to attend college, and they encouraged me to pursue any degree that I wanted no matter how challenging. I looked up to my grandfather and his knowledge of mechanics always intrigued me, so at a very young age I had already set my mind on engineering and my family supported me the whole way.
When you were looking at colleges, what stood out about Drexel?
I really liked the co-op program at Drexel, and while it was extremely close to my hometown, it was a completely different environment which made me think I would feel independent. As soon as I came to Drexel, it felt like home. While I felt far away from home, I felt close to my grandparents who inspired me to be and engineer, as they graduated from Temple and University of Pennsylvania which are both also located in Philadelphia. I was so sure that Drexel was where I belonged that I applied early decision.
What inspired you to start I AM ME?
I AM ME was a club that I really resonated with. As a woman in engineering, it is often difficult to feel a sense of belonging and I saw this as an opportunity to connect with other students that may feel the same way. As I stated before, I had a strong interest in engineering at a young age, I didn’t want to play with Barbies or do ballet, Instead I would get the latest Hess Truck for Christmas every year, and I joined the robotics team in high school. I was consistently surrounded by my male peers and sometimes it was hard to feel like a part of the group, while I am used to it at the age of 21, I know I am not alone in feeling this way and I would love to form relationships with other women who feel this way.
What are the goals of this group?
I AM ME strives for equal opportunity for female-identifying mechanical engineering students. Engineering is extremely male-dominated which can be intimidating to women pursuing engineering, not to mention engineering is really hard! As a woman in MEM I find that its not always easy to make friends right away which may hinder someone’s ability to complete the degree. Women in STEM need to stick together and have a relationship with others to be able to do their best in engineering, and women also need to support each other in such a complex profession.
Why does representation matter in engineering, and how do groups like I AM ME help achieve representation?
Representation is so important in engineering! Without female representation in STEM many women might not have the same opportunity or exposure as men to engineering applications. Many women are not exposed to engineering until later in life and some are never even exposed at all! Groups like I AM ME help achieve representation by creating a network for women in mechanical engineering to work together to achieve their goals, which in turn will help younger girls get more exposure to engineering and be encouraged to pursue any degree they want.
What can the average engineering student do to help groups like I AM ME?
Join the club! I AM ME is a relatively new club that started during the pandemic and all of the original board members have graduated. With more members and leadership positions, I AM ME could be eligible for a budget from Drexel, meaning we can do more events to improve female representation in mechanical engineering and to help give female MEM students a sense of belonging in STEM.
What message do you have for women in STEM?
What is it like to be a woman in MEM? In my opinion I think that being a woman in a male – dominated major is extremely empowering. According to worldwidelearn.com, mechanical engineering “offers the least gender diversity in the STEM field, with only 8.8 percent of positions held by women”. While being the minority in a difficult major like engineering may seem scary and we should feel empowered.