In a nutshell, tell us a little bit about yourself.

My journey into engineering began with a strong foundation in mathematics and physics. I’ve been an engineer for about 10 years now and got my degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Pittsburgh. I also have a bachelor’s degree in mathematics with a minor in physics.

I started my career in the automotive industry where I spent six years working on semi-trailer suspensions and manufacturing engineering. I joined Kirk two and half years ago as a product engineer when we were starting the Service Department. I’ve done pretty much everything: manufacturing, engineering; new product development, and Research & Development.

My current role involves a blend of product support and custom solutions. I initially worked on current product support, but as the services and custom solutions took off, that became my focus.

What attracted you to engineering?

My early interest in math and science was fuelled by a preference for clear, concrete answers. Math always has a correct answer, and I was just always good at it. I also enjoy clarity and precision, which naturally led me towards science, where process orientation and problem-solving are key.

I initially considered a career in architecture but was ultimately swayed by the practical and tangible nature of engineering. Discussing with a neighbour who was an engineer, I realised that the architects have all the plans, but the engineers are the ones who make the vision happen. They bring the vision to real life. That connected with me because I do well with concrete solutions. Having something to strive towards and doing it just made sense.

I really enjoy being able to build something from nothing That’s the hardest part because you usually start from the end product or solution, and you work your way through it. It is like solving a puzzle, you’re given a bunch of pieces, and you need to make it yourself.

What advice would you offer to young women considering a career in Engineering.

Stick with it. There are going to be times when you want to give up, but you need to have strong people behind you. It is important to find mentors and role models who can provide support and inspiration. Having someone you look up to is essential too.

People like to challenge each other in engineering, and coming in as a woman, they might think that’s a weakness and try to push you more. A process-driven approach has been a cornerstone of my strength.

If somebody wants to challenge you, you go back and say, well, here’s the process. The process will back you up. It gives you the confidence to be able to get all the information up front and be confident in what you’re doing. It’s not just you against the world, you’ve got systems in place and process behind you supporting you.

In your opinion, what unique perspectives do women bring to engineering roles?

I think being a woman, you’re usually processing a lot of information that many might not see on a daily basis. This ability to see the details and the broader picture simultaneously is a significant advantage in technical fields.

What does a typical day look like for you?

There are no two days alike. I usually start by checking my emails, see what fire is burning the brightest, and then we go from there.

Every time a request comes in, it is always different. I like to say that we work in the emergency room, somebody’s screaming and you’re not sure why, but you need to stop the bleeding, get in there and start solving the problem. What I really like about it is there’s always something new. We haven’t seen it all, even though you like to think you have. It’s always exciting and it keeps you on your toes.

What do you enjoy most about your role and the company?

One of the highlights of my experience at Kirk is the collaborative and supportive environment. My colleagues and my boss are great. We really support each other, and we’re constantly brainstorming, bouncing ideas off each other. This teamwork is crucial, especially in a field that requires diverse perspectives and expertise. We all have different pieces to the puzzle, and it’s really helpful to bring it all together.

I also appreciate the balance between autonomy and teamwork in my role. We get to feel like our project is our own, but we have input from other people to make sure we’re not going off a cliff. This blend of independence and collaboration fosters a productive and innovative working environment.

What do you look forward to? What’s next for you and your career?

Looking ahead, I am eager to expand my horizons beyond engineering. It’s nice to see how a business works, how board members interact. I love to travel and working for an international company allows me to explore different business cultures and practices worldwide. I would love to move into a management and decision-making role, where I can leverage my comprehensive understanding of the business.