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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 | F E B R U A R Y / M A R C H 2 0 2 1 4 4 “Living in a Material World”— $500 Teacher Grants Provides support for K-12 teachers to develop and implement science teaching activities. Award: 20 grants of $500 each. Deadline: May 25. To learn more about any of these programs, visit asmfoundation.org . WOMEN IN ENGINEERING This profile series introduces lead- ing materials scientists from around the world who happen to be females. Here we speak with Micca Belke, metallurgi- cal engineer II at Mercury Marine, Fond Du Lac, Wisconsin. What attracted you to engineering? I have always enjoyed figuring out how to put things together and learning how things work. Engineering for me was a way to gain greater knowledge into how parts are fabricated. What part of your job do you like most? The diversity; every day is something new. Working on something new every day allows me to continuously learn new skills and discover new ways parts can fail. What is your greatest professional achievement? Having the opportunity to speak with students at my alma mater where I enjoy talking with them about their aspirations and give them advice where I can. What is your engineering background? I have a bachelor’s degree in metallurgical engineer- ing and am currently working to obtain an MBA. I had four internships in steel mills as an undergrad that taught me a lot about how steel is made and formed. I currently work in a materials lab performing failure analysis work where I get to look at a wide variety of parts that make up marine engines. Did you ever consider doing something elsewith your life besides engineering? When I was young, I thought I wanted to be a veteri- narian; high school biology taught me otherwise! I love math and sciences and knew that engineering was the right choice for me. Best career advice, given or received? Never stop learning, have self-confidence, and build relationships. Finish this sentence: Women in materials engineering are… Inspiring! So many talented women out there doing amazing things keeps me motivated to improve myself. Favorite motto or quote? “In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.” - John Muir What’s the last book you read? “Playing to Win: How Strategy Really Works” by A.G. Lafley and Roger L. Martin Do you know someone who should be featured in an upcoming Women in Engineering profile? Contact Vicki Burt at vicki.burt@asminternational.org . ASM PROGRESS REPORT For anupdate fromASMPresident Diana Essock, FASM, on theSociety’s strategic planand latest initiatives, see the article on pages 31-33 in this issue. To view the ASM strategic plan, visit asminternational.org/about/strategicplan. To get involved in any of ASM’s new initiatives, log on to ASM Connect at connect.asminternational.org. Belke WOMEN IN ENGINEERING Essock