November AMP_Digital

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 | N O V E M B E R / D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 9 7 8 One trap that is easy to fall into is becoming compla- cent after achieving mastery in a skill. To avoid this, emerg- ing professionals should always be on the lookout for new learning opportunities as they reach the final phase of the S-curve. Another trap to avoid is passing up learning oppor- tunities because of feeling unready. While some level of unreadiness is expected, feedback from peers and men- tors can help determine if you could be ready for a new challenge. Learning and acquiring new skills, while necessary for the successful emerging professional, follows you through- out your career. Even experienced specialists will tell you how continuing to acquire new skills and incorporating them into your knowledge base continues to be as import- ant later in your career as it is right now. Errata: The October issue’s Emerging Professionals column was incorrectly credited to Jonathan Healy. The author was Ellen E. Wright. We apologize for the confusion. The digital edition has been corrected. WOMEN IN ENGINEERING This profile series introduces lead- ing materials scientists from around the world who happen to be females. Here we speak with Cindy Waters , senior sci- ence technology manager for Advanced Manufacturing and Materials, Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock in West Bethesda, Md. What is your engineering background? I earned bachelor’s and master’s degrees in material science and engineering from Virginia Tech and a Ph.D. in mechanical engineering from North Carolina A&T State Uni- versity. My M.S. project, funded by the DOE’s Savannah River Labs, focused on impact behavior degradation by hydrogen embrittlement of stainless steels. I began my engineering career in research labs at the University of South Carolina mechanical engineering department where I led fracture mechanics projects. My Ph.D. was completed in 2004. I was a tenured professor of mechanical engineering studying metal based additive manufacturing before joining my cur- rent organization. What part of your job do you like most? Working with other motivated and educated peo- ple who want to make a difference through engineering. I recently transitioned from being a tenured faculty member into my naval research position, and sharing knowledge is still gratifying. I think less now about fundamental research and more about transitioning research into the fleet. I con- tinue to think materials engineering is amazing and love opportunities to teach other engineers and non-technical people how materials science affects the products in their lives. What attracted you to engineering? I grew up on a farm, was active in the 4-H Club, and was raised to believe I could do anything, whether it was baling hay, assisting in birthing a lamb, or helping Dad on the roof. I grew up problem solving and doing! I have since learned that engineers are the ones who make the dream a reality. Engineers are “doers.” In high school, I enjoyed my science and math classes and was good at it. Before college, a friend’s father offered me a summer job working in metal- lurgy labs and I was hooked. What are you working on now? I am working to develop, promote, coordinate, and oversee materials and manufacturing-related research and development planning and execution across the Navy enterprise. We are bringing additive manufacturing to sail- ors, Marines, and onto ships and submarines, from design to printing replacement parts. Finish this sentence: Women in materials engineering are… …diverse, creative, intelligent, indispensable, and too few! Favorite motto or quote? One of my children informed me that most other fami- lies they know do not get very involved with societal issues or problems in the community but that “our family are doers, not just complainers.” As a family, we modeled the mantra “Think globally, act locally” and this ties in with a favorite quote from Coach John Wooden, “Being a role model is the most powerful form of educating.” Last book read? Ken Follett’s “Century Trilogy” series. Do you know someone who should be featured in an upcoming Women in Engineering profile? Contact Vicki Burt at vicki.burt@asminternational.org Waters WOMEN IN ENGINEERING