Printer FriendlyThe Circuit Mysteries
Presented by: Debbie Vardaro, Principal Software Engineer, General Dynamics contracted to MIT Lincoln Laboratory
Workshop Description
In this workshop, we will work in teams to understand how a basic circuit works. We will make measurements and compare our results to the equation, Ohm’s Law. There will be some circuits that will be set up that do not work. We will use what we have learned in the workshop to investigate why these circuits do not work. Developing critical thinking skills are very important for working in an engineering career.
Leader's Job Description
I received my B.S. degree in Electrical Engineering from Northeastern University in 1981. In my current job, I work on software that control radar systems at MIT Lincoln Laboratory. I am an individual contributor in my group. I really enjoy solving problems and developing new ways of making work related tasks more efficient. I think that my cross-training in both hardware and software has allowed my career to be varied and allowed me to participate in wonderful work opportunities. I worked in the area of radar systems for the last 11 years. Seven of these years, while I was working for Raytheon, I lived in the Republic of the Marshall Islands on the island of Kwajalein. I have also worked in the area of quality assurance, developed software for satellite communication systems, and developed software to simulate integrated circuits.
Advice for Career Path
I would suggest the following courses for this type of work:
- Algebra
- Geometry
- Trigonometry
- Calculus
- Physics
- Programming Classes (highly recommended)
If you like to figure out problems and come up with new ideas, engineering is for YOU.