June_AMP_Digital

45 / 78

HIGHL IGHTS A D V A N C E D
M A T E R I A L S
&
P R O C E S S E S | J U N E
2 0 1 6
4 5
CHAPTERS IN THE NEWS
customers to troubleshoot their welding and heat treating
processes, and I look for ways to improve the process for
better efficiency and quality. When I am brought in to work
on these problems, we often start by deconstructing the
process to figure out what changed or what went wrong.
In many ways it is very similar to reverse engineering an
ancient technology.
What attracted you to engineering?
I have always loved puzzles. Being an engineer basi-
cally just means that I get to work on larger and more
complicated puzzles all the time. At home or at work, I am
always figuring out ways to do a task faster, build something
new, or make amaterial that will get the job done better and
cheaper. Let’s face it, engineering is really fun!
How many people do you work with?
I manage a few different teams, so I get the opportu-
nity to work with several different people every day. I man-
age software and controls engineers, as we work on new
ways to improve data management with our products. I
work with materials engineers on various material char-
acterization projects. I manage an R&D team that includes
mechanical engineers, electrical engineers, designers, and
controls engineers.
I also spend a lot of time with customers in the tube
and pipe industry. I love when I am able to get in the field
and see the equipment we designed in action and talk to
the men and women who use it every day. It is always so
exciting and absolutely critical to develop an understanding
of where theory intersects with reality. I have worked with
customers on induction quench and temper lines and also
countless customers using high frequency welding technol-
ogy. I never get tired of learning more about manufacturing
technologies, and I revel in the challenge of figuring out the
theoretical and practical explanations that support what we
observe in the field.
If a young person approached you for career advice
about pursuing engineering, what would you tell them?
Themost important considerationwhen going into any
engineering field is to first master the fundamentals. You
need to have strong math and physics skills to really thrive.
Beyond that, you can build a career in any engineering disci-
pline. Also, don’t be afraid to get a little dirty. Hands-on, real
world experience will greatly supplement your academic
education. Internships are great, but even if you are just tak-
ing your car apart and putting it back together again, you
are practicing those engineering skills.
Hobbies?
Building things, hiking, camping, baking.
Last book read?
“The Martian.” Basically, MacGyver on Mars—what
engineer wouldn’t love this? And there’s even a shout-out to
the importance of materials engineers!
For more information about ASM’s Women in Materials
Engineering Committee, visit
CHAPTERS IN THE NEWS
Los Angeles Enjoys NASA Talk on Mars
Rover
In March, the Los Angeles Chapter held its meeting
at Caltech along with the Caltech Chapter of the Materials
Research Society. Dr. Ashwin Vasavada of the NASA Jet Pro-
pulsion Laboratory spoke on “What NASA’s Curiosity Mars
Rover has Revealed about the Red Planet’s Past.”
From left, Chuck Daugherty and John Ogren represent 113 years
of ASMmembership.
From left, Michael Hahn presents Ashwin Vasavada with a certifi-
cate and Los Angeles Chapter pint glass.