The "Right Kind of Engineer" with Emily Lawson-Bulten

Summary

In this episode, Nicholas Karamanian interviews Emily Lawson-Bulten, a doctoral candidate at the University of Illinois, who shares her unique journey from civil engineering to pursuing a PhD. Emily discusses her early career, impactful travel experiences, and the lessons learned about water scarcity and engineering. She emphasizes the importance of community engagement, the value of mentorship, and the need for engineers to understand the social dynamics of their work. Emily also reflects on her aspirations for the future and the evolving definition of what it means to be an engineer.

Takeaways

• Emily's journey highlights the importance of mentorship in shaping career paths.
• Travel experiences can significantly influence one's professional focus and values.
• Understanding community needs is crucial for effective engineering solutions.
• Engineers should consider the long-term maintenance of their designs.
• Personal connections in the workplace enhance job satisfaction and performance.
• Career paths are often non-linear and filled with unexpected opportunities.
• Being open to new experiences can lead to personal and professional growth.
• The definition of engineering is evolving to include diverse perspectives and approaches.
• Collaboration with communities can lead to more effective and sustainable engineering solutions.
• Self-awareness and understanding one's biases are essential for engineers.

Emily's Email: emilyjl3@illinois.edu

Website: https://www.reroutedpod.comEmail: nick@reroutedpod.comInstagram: @rerouted_podLinkedIn: Rerouted

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Emily's Journey

02:56 Undergraduate Experience and Early Influences

05:39 Impactful Travel Experiences and Water Equity

08:14 Lessons from Kenya: Water Scarcity and Engineering

10:42 Advice for Students: Embracing Opportunities

13:31 First Job Experience: Learning and Growth

16:06 Transitioning to a New Role: Finding Passion

18:49 Optimizing Job Preferences and Experiences

21:01 The Value of Comprehensive Project Involvement

23:48 Final Thoughts on Engineering and Personal Growth

29:20 Passion and Career Reflection

32:04 The Decision to Pursue a PhD

37:47 Expanding the Definition of Engineering

44:08 Personal Growth and Engineering Identity

46:37 Future Aspirations and Open Possibilities

54:13 From Civil Engineering to Academia

54:13 Looking Ahead: The Future of Engineering

Keywords

engineering, career paths, PhD, water equity, community development, travel experiences, civil engineering, mentorship, professional growth, teaching