Women in Engineering
Representation Matters
"According to the National Science Foundation Indicators conducted in 2021, female scientists and engineers make up 18% of engineering and computer occupations while they make up 26% of mathematical sciences occupations."
The Society of Women Engineers of UCSD aims to change this statistic. With determination and perseverance, the young women of this generation are the trend setters of the future. The beauty of engineering lies in its diversity. From Material and Aerospace Engineering to Bioengineering, the possibilities in STEM are endless.
Explore below to hear from current and past female engineering undergraduates of UCSD
How did you get interested in STEM?
Ever since I was little I loved taking apart and building things, and to that I combined my love for math and science and decided to pursue a career that allowed me to combine all the things I was passionate about while simultaneously making a difference in the world.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
I've always loved helping people, and I could find no better way to help the most people possible than by putting my skills to work in the improvement of society via science and technology.
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
It's the perfect mixture between traditional engineering skills and my interest in sustainability. I love that I can combine my technical skills and focus them on improving the current conditions of our planet, thus helping improve the lives of countless people.
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
My advice is: You can do it!! Yes, it's not easy and requires a lot of commitment, but honestly, the fact that it's challenging makes it that much more rewarding in the end, and knowing that the skills you learn on the way will help you make a difference in the future--that's fulfilling in itself.
Lucy Tafur
Environmental Engineering
Graduated Warren College
Melissa Wright
Computer Science
Graduated Warren College
How did you get interested in STEM?
I always liked math and science. I participated in Science Olympiad in middle and high school, which was interesting.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
I took AP Computer Science in high school and discovered that I loved coding.
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
Computer science can be used to make so many things. If you know how to code, you can make anything if you put enough time into it.
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
Go for it! Take advanced math and science classes that will prepare you for college.
Colleen Mergen
Chemical Engineering
Graduated Warren College
How did you get interested in STEM?
In 3rd grade, all the classes did this science rotation thing. Every few weeks we would switch teachers for science until we did all the subjects- chemistry, the human body, plant biology, etc. They were all really interesting and fun, especially the one on outer space. Science became my favorite subject.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
I was good at math and science classes in high school so I went with it.
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
I like that it's really broad. There are a lot of possibilities in terms of future jobs.
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
You can do whatever you want. If you like STEM, do STEM.
Maris Doherty
Mechanical Engineering
Graduated Marshall College
How did you get interested in STEM?
I've always been good at math and science and after doing robotics in high school I decided it was the path for me.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
Because math and science are my forte and because I want to design solutions to the world's problems.
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
Power tools and CAD. I love design, prototyping, and doing hands on work. Plus, who doesn't love robots?
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it. Girls can do anything boys can do better.
Bryn Henning
Mechanical Engineering
Graduated Warren College
How did you get interested in STEM?
I have been fascinated by technology ever since my first ride on Disneyland's Pirates of the Caribbean ride when I was a small child.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
By the time I was in 4th grade, I realized that I had a knack for math, science, and art, which can be combined in mechanical engineering.
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
I love the idea of being able to design new technology.
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
"Just keep swimming." - Dory/Ellen Degeneres
Lucero Lopez
Chemical Engineering
Graduated Revelle College
How did you get interested in STEM?
In middle school, I fell in love with chemistry during and acid base demostration. The beaker turned from red to greeen to red to purple right before my eyes. I didn't understand why it happened but I knew that it fascinated me more than anything before. Then in high school, I joined science league/chemistry club that gave me the chance to pursue my fasication with chemistry.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
I choose engineering becuase of the advice I received from a dear teacher of mine that told me "become a chemical engineer, think about it a women in engineering.. that's badass".
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
Chemical engineering is such a diverse major in itself with many opportunities in industry and research. It offers so many chances to travel the world as well and work in ground breaking reseach.
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
Be Bold! Find that something that makes you say "yes, that is what I want to be a part of !" Be passionate about your future. Focus on those people that encourage and uplift you and get rid of those that doubt you. And lastly, be confident. You are capable of amazing things.
Nicole Friend
Bioengineering: Biosystems
Graduated Sixth College
How did you get interested in STEM?
If you look at the world around you, almost everything involves STEM. To me STEM is the future. STEM fields are what promote a lot of the necessary advancements for mankind, and I wanted to be a part of that.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
I always loved math and science growing up. Engineering is essentially solving problems through the application of math, science, and physics all put together, so it seemed perfect for me.
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
I chose bioengineering because of it's applications toward improving human health and quality of life. I love knowing that what I research in the lab can really make a difference in the lives of those around me.
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
STEM fields often involve a lot of trial and error, but don't be afraid to fail and remember to always learn from your mistakes. Also, don't let anyone stop you before you get to experience the "trial" part.
Emily Wong
Computer Engineering
Graduated Eleanor Roosevelt College
How did you get interested in STEM?
In 7th grade, one of my older cousin introduced me to Techbridge, an after-school STEM program for girls. That program give me the opportunities to learn what people do in the STEM field by doing STEM-related activities, having guest speakers, and going on field trips to tech companies.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
I took a robotics course over the summer in high school. My experiences in that course made me realized that I want to have a career in computer-related field.
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
My favorite aspect of computer engineering is the ability to create something out of just several lines of code.
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
Don't let failure define you. Failure is just a part of the journey to success.
Emeline Lee
Mechanical Engineering
Graduated Revelle College
How did you get interested in STEM?
I loved AP Calculus and AP Physics in high school, so I thought that I should pursue a career related to these subjects.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
Growing up, I knew that I did not want to go to medical school but still wanted to improve the lives of others somehow. By choosing to major in a STEM field, I can use innovation and developing technologies to have a positive impact on the world.
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
Being a mechanical engineering major has let me sample other kinds of engineering, such as electrical, environmental, and structural engineering. Being exposed to different types makes me see the world in a new way and realize that engineering is all around us. It's pretty cool!
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
The life of a STEM major is not an easy one. To be successful, you must have good work ethic and dedication. But if you really love what you're doing, it's all worth it in the end.
Helen Tat
Areospace Engineering
Graduated Marshall College
How did you get interested in STEM?
Growing up I gravitated towards hands-on projects which allowed me to develop problem solving skills to find creative solutions to challenges. At a young age I took interest in cars and found myself replacing the brakes or changing the oil of the car with my dad. In high school I got involved in the Engineering program and became Team Captain of my US FIRST Robotics team which only further fostered my interest in STEM.
Why did you choose to major in a STEM field?
I believe I can make the greatest difference in STEM. It requires creativity, discipline, and an understanding of fundamental principles that will play a key role in society. Programs that I've participated in have led me to conclude that STEM is where my passion lies.
What is your favorite aspect of your specific major?
A unique aspect of Engineering is that all fields are interdisciplinary. Engineers have to be well-rounded and must adapt to different situations. Everyday problems are not limited to just Physics or just Math. Aerospace Engineering challenges boundaries and allows exploration to take new ground.
What advice can you give to those girls in high school that wish to pursue a future in STEM?
The best you can do for yourself is to get involved! Programs and clubs are the best way to work in a group setting and see a project through from start to finish. Be confident and remember that there's always something new to learn! Best of luck.
