Laura Pashley

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what you do now? 

I got my undergraduate degree in mechanical engineering from the University of New Mexico, and now I'm working as a research assistant and graduate student at Purdue University. I have just finished my first year of graduate school and I'm working on a project testing refrigerant flammability. Additionally, I work as a virtual intern for a national laboratory helping with research and development efforts!

What do you most enjoy about your current position?

I enjoy the freedom to make my own schedule and my own decisions regarding my project! This is the first time in my life I feel like I've been really calling all the shots on a project, and it's really cool to be able to see your hard work pay off and all of your ideas come to life!

Can you describe what a typical day is like for you?

My typical day starts with making a plan for what I hope to accomplish, attending classes, and reading some papers. planning tests, and chatting with my lab mates about our current work in progress! At the end of the day, I finish up any homework I have, then usually go to the gym or go for a walk!

How did you become interested in STEM?

I had a natural talent for science as a kid, but I never really liked math! I really enjoyed problem solving and inventing things. so that led me to engineering!

Did you have a favorite mentor and how did they inspire you?

One mentor who really inspired me getting into engineering was one of my dad's coworkers he thought I'd get along well with! She is a huge inspiration to me since she was one of the first women I'd met with a Phd, and she really showed me that I could do engineering and still enjoy typical "girly" things!

How do you handle failure or setbacks in your work or in life? 

I try not to take failure too personally (something I've definitely struggled with). It's hard not to take mistakes as a sign you should give up or that you're not cut out for engineering. I've tried to reframe that line of thinking into "Okay that didn't work, what can I learn from this and how can I make this better?" I try to keep in mind that just because I failed an exam or an experiment, that does not mean that I am a failure, I am still learning! 

What is one piece of advice you wish you had received when you were just starting out?

I wish someone had told me that you are smart enough to be here! You might have to retake a few classes or get extra help in some subjects, but that does not mean you don't belong, or that you're less of an engineer!