SWE Spotlight: Dr. Stacy Firth

What is a goal you’re working on pursuing (Professional or personal?) 

Right now, I’m working on becoming a more proficient Python coder.  In my personal life, I’m trying to become a better skier.

 At what point did you discover what you wanted to do in your career?

As far as deciding to become a Chemical Engineer, I discovered that desire as an undergraduate.  I had always loved math and science (particularly math), but realized that I needed to have clear application for what I was studying/doing.  That realization lead me to engineering.  In terms of how my career has developed since, it might look like a bit of a meandering path.  I have worked in fields of environmental consulting, petrochemicals, process control (as applied to both petrochemical and semiconductor processing), and now education.  However, it has all lead me to doing something I love: developing and teaching curriculum to excite and prepare the next generation of engineers.  For me, taking on that next interesting opportunity that might present itself has made all of the difference.

What fascinates you about your field?

I am literally fascinated by all of the things.  About engineering in general, I love seeing how creative and amazing people can solve complex and difficult problems to make a real difference.  About process control, I am fascinated by the fact that we can automate processes (big or small) to make them better, more efficient, less wasteful, and basically do what we want.  About education, I am particularly driven by how to make engineering education more enticing and equitable for diverse populations.  After all, diversity is how we get the best ideas!

Have you ever been discriminated against in your field? How did you handle it?

For the most part, I have felt very supported by educators, peers, and colleagues.  However, one experience comes to mind.  In my first post-bachelors job as an engineer, I was asked by the office administrative manager to sit at the front desk and answer phones while the receptionist took her break.  I was shocked at her request and was honestly trying to figure out where I could bill that hour of my time (there was a real push at this company to make sure that our time as engineers was billed directly to an open project for which a client would be billed).  I was also frustrated that she was asking me, not the only junior engineer in the office, but the only female junior engineer, to answer the phones.  I simply told her that I would not be able to help with that.  She never asked me to fill in for the receptionist again.