SWE Spotlight: Kathryn Jones, Chapter President

Could you describe your family to us?

I grew up right here in the Salt Lake Valley with my parents, my older brother, two sweet dogs, and one sassy cat.

How long have you been in SWE and what positions have you held?

This is my third year in our section of SWE. Previously I’ve held the positions of Chemical Engineering Department Representative and Vice President of Corporate Affairs.

What is your major, research and work experiences, and volunteer work?

First of all, let me preface with the fact that I am a double major in Chemical Engineering and Chemistry, so I have experiences from both sides. Actually, my first real STEM experience started when I was two weeks into the start of my freshman year. That’s when I began working in Dr. Jennifer Heemstra’s lab group. My project was based around biosensing and drug detection through synthetically designed DNA strands.

My next major engineering experience was an internship I worked at last summer. I was working for a Monsanto Crop Protection Plant, specifically my plant produced pure elemental phosphorous from ore to be used in the production of Round Up.

As for volunteering experience, for the last 5 years as a volunteer for the Muscular Dystrophy Association camp for kids with Muscular Dystrophy. MDA camp was a week long experience where kids would come from all over the state of Utah come together to enjoy activities like horseback riding, swimming, fishing, arts and crafts, etc, but without any of the physical barriers that usually exist.

What are your skills and hobbies?

I really enjoy reading, hiking, snuggling with my dogs, spending time with my family, exploring new coffee shop, traveling, and going to football games. Go Utes!

What is your passion(s) and why?

I’m really passionate about two big things. Technology and innovation, as well as education. I’m passionate about these two things for a few reasons. Technology because I believe that innovation and creativity are the keys to solving all the big problems of the world. Whether that be designing new ways to harness energy to help combat a climate change or testing ways to 3D print working organs for transplant, innovation and novel technology are the way to move forward.

As for education, I’m really passionate about it because I believe there is power in knowledge. Education is one of the purest pursuits to better yourself and your situation. Along with this, I believe that outreach and awareness are some of the best ways to encourage young girls to pursue STEM degrees. I want to help them know that its possible and that they are WANTED in STEM.

I guess I should tell you that I’m also really passionate about saving and helping animals. I absolutely love animals and I want to adopt all the dogs and cats who need loving homes!

What do you look forward most to achieving as President?

Anyone who has talked to me for even a second about SWE knows I’m very passionate about working on recruiting new young faces into SWE. New women are the lifeblood of our club and we welcome everyone to reach out and find a place here.

I’m also hoping to help foster a culture of looking at every event as an opportunity for us to improve and grow.

Is there anything else you’d like to add?

I’ve had many people ask me why I joined SWE. I want to tell you my answer. Originally, I sort of wandered into SWE and its leadership team and I didn’t know ANYONE and I didn’t really know why I was there. But soon, SWE became my family and my home on campus. SWE has always been there as an amazing network of women who are constantly inspiring and supporting me to work hard, grow, and achieve my best as an engineer. SWE has opened so many doors and opportunities. It’s truly shaped my experience here at the U and all for the better!