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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 A N U A R Y 2 0 1 7
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FROM THE FOUNDATION
WOMEN IN ENGINEERING
This newprofile series introduces leadingmaterials scien-
tists from around the world who happen to be females. Here
we speak with Sarah Straub, materials contact engineer for
ExxonMobil Chemical.
What does your typical work-
day look like?
As a materials engineer
at one of the largest manufac-
turing complexes in the world,
every day is busy. I provide
materials support for refin-
ing and chemicals processing,
which includes failure analysis,
materials selection, and risk
assessments. I also have the
opportunity to participate in site
and global initiatives to improve safety and reliability.
What part of your job do you like most?
Every day I am fulfilled in my work by knowing that I
have a direct influence on the safety and reliability of my site.
Having the opportunity to work with passionate and smart
people who are working toward the same goals is inspiring.
What is your engineering background?
I have a Bachelor of Science in materials engineering
and a minor in management from Rensselaer Polytechnic
Institute. My concentration was in electrochemistry and cor-
rosion, which applies directly to my current job.
What attracted you to engineering?
Although I had always been a problem solver, I thought
engineeringwas boringwhen I was young. It wasn’t until I was
in high school that I even considered pursuing a STEM educa-
tion. My father, who is a civil engineer, offered to bring me to
an engineering outreach program for female high school stu-
dents. Following a day of presentations, design challenges,
and career discussions, I knew engineering would be a good
fit. Fortunately, there were some metallurgists that attended
this event so I was aware of the discipline early on. Attending
my first materials class was like “love at first sight.”
If a young person approached you for career advice
about pursuing engineering, what would you tell them?
Engineers are problem solvers, communicators, and
collaborators. Anyone with these characteristics has the
potential to be a great engineer.
Hobbies?
Traveling, playing tennis, and watching hockey.
Last book read?
“The Fire Starter Sessions” by Danielle LaPorte.
Would you like to be featured in an upcoming Women in Engi-
neeringprofile .
Straub
FROM THE FOUNDATION
Another year brings a new
opportunity for us to share our
excitement for materials science.
In my role as chairman of the
board of the ASM Materials Educa-
tion Foundation, I know we must
reach and promote the next crop
of materials science engineers—
they are the pipeline of students
who will advance our industry’s
future. Luckily we are the best
people to fulfill our mission and vision. Our upcoming
initiatives emphasize the hands-on, discovery-based
learning that will inspire the next generation to become
a workforce skilled in science, technology, engineering,
and math.
Starting with a materials-based, hands-on
lesson plan for the youngest students in grades K
through 6 and advancing through in-classroom and
after-school middle school programs, our initiative
builds on current curricula and expands as students
dig deeper into how things work. Enhancing our
online presence, we plan YouTube-based programs
that offer “fun science demos” for younger students
and include a channel for older students and teach-
ers that connects new materials science trends with
current curriculum.
Lastly, our innovative Student and Teacher Mate-
rials Camps (graduating approximately 13,000 stu-
dents and 9000 teachers so far) brings it all together.
As a professor at Worcester Polytechnic Institute, I see
how hands-on learning inspires students every day.
When students are engaged, the possibilities are truly
thrilling. Students and teachers leave the camps with
greater curiosity and a passion to discover more. Learn-
ing occurs best when it’s joyous—the materials science
camps allow us to share our own excitement and are an
opportunity to give back. By offering your time, energy,
and expertise, you advance our mission and make
a real impact on society. I am inspired by the quote,
“We make a living by what we get, but we make a life
by what we give.” Spend a few hours or a day with our
campers at one of the two dozen nationwide camps.
You’ll be impressed anew by the potential materials
science engineering holds. For more information, visit
asminternational.org/foundation.
Diran Apelian
Chairman, ASM Materials Education Foundation
Apelian