Design Challenges: Think Like an Engineer
Presented by: Lydia Beall and Diana Deluca , Museum of Science, Boston
Workshop Description
Think like an engineer as you design, create and test a prototype solution to a given problem! Work with engineer educators from the Museum of Science to explore chemical engineering as we build and test water filtration systems.
Leaders' Job Descriptions
Lydia: Lydia Beall received her BS in Chemical Engineering from the University of Rochester. She worked in the Environmental Technologies Division of Corning Incorporated with ceramic substrates for catalytic converters before changing careers to informal science and engineering education. She received her MA from Tufts University in Museum Education and has since worked at the Museum of Science in Boston. As program manager of the Design Challenges program, Lydia creates and leads informal engineering activities that encourage students and visitors to think like engineers to design and test a prototype. To date, the Design Challenges program has served over 50,000 visitors at the museum.
Diana: Diana Deluca graduated from the Tufts University school of Engineering with a double major in Human Factors Engineering and Child Development. After graduation, Diana spent a year volunteering with AmeriCorps coordinating Science and Technology related after school programming in Malden, MA. She has been working at the Museum of Science for almost 4 years and is currently the Coordinator of the Eye Opener Program. This program provides free, volunteer-led, field trips to almost 3000 Boston second graders each year. Diana also creates and presents programs for general museum audiences and school groups teaching about various topics such as live animals, electricity and evolution.
Advice for Career Path
Take all the science and math you can in high school! Not just AP coursework, but a broad range of sciences (earth science, biology, chemistry, physics, etc.). Having a lot of math and science credits ALWAYS looks good on a resume – no matter what job you apply for! Other classes in public speaking would be a great idea. Not all scientists are good speakers even though communicating findings and research is a big part of science and engineering!
For college, many different universities have great co-op job placement programs. Co-op’s are a great way to connect with professionals in the field and help you network and meet mentors in the industry.
Look for colleges and universities that have strong coursework programs, but also give you a chance to get a taste of working in industry.
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