Mili Isaza, Brindley Engineering Technician (and soon to be Mechanical Engineer), is on a mission to spread the word about STEM. She and several other Brindley Engineering engineers recently spoke to a group of high school students at East Chicago Central High School. We sat down to learn why she is so passionate about STEM and what role she thinks it can play in high school education.
“As a woman in STEM, I can serve as a role model to motivate and encourage youth to fulfill their potential.” – Mili Isaza, Brindley Engineering Technician
Q: Please tell us a little bit about Brindley Engineering.
A: Brindley Engineering Corporation is based in Lisle, IL, and was founded in 2004. BE provides the highest level of service to clients in the maintenance, reliability, and constructability fields. BE services clients in a variety of industries, including oil & gas extraction and pre-processing (upstream), pipelines and terminals (midstream), petroleum refining (downstream), gas processing, chemical plants, steel mills, petrochemical plants, power plants, pharmaceutical, manufacturing, and water treatment.
Q: What do you love about engineering?
A: I love math and being creative in my work! Engineering fulfills both a creative outlet and a desire to help the world. Engineering requires creative thinkers who bring bold solutions to complex problems. There is such a wide variety of career opportunities too. It is a fascinating and enjoyable profession.
Q: Why is STEM important to you?
A: STEM is important for several reasons. It drives innovation, technological advancements, and economic growth, offering numerous career opportunities. STEM education develops critical thinking, problem-solving, and analytical skills necessary for navigating a complex world.
It also promotes diversity and inclusion, addressing gaps in representation.
Ultimately, STEM plays a crucial role in shaping a sustainable and technologically advanced future, making it an essential component of education and workforce development.
Q: Why did you choose to speak at East Chicago Central High School?
A: I chose to speak at high schools about engineering because I have a strong desire to inspire and empower the next generation, especially girls, to consider a career in engineering. I believe that by sharing my own experiences and passion for engineering, I can break down gender stereotypes and encourage more girls to pursue STEM fields. It is essential to empower young girls and provide them with positive role models who can demonstrate that engineering is a viable and rewarding career path for anyone, regardless of their gender. By educating students about the daily experiences of STEM professionals, they can relate to and discover their own passion for STEM, especially for those who have had limited exposure to these subjects or role models in their communities.
Speaking about engineering to students can help bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world application. By showcasing the practical and impactful aspects of engineering, we can demonstrate how it contributes to solving real-world problems and improving people’s lives. This can help students see the relevance and potential of engineering in their own lives and communities.
Being in a classroom setting is an opportunity to provide guidance and insight into the pathways and career opportunities available in engineering. Many students may be unaware of the various branches and disciplines within engineering, or the steps required to pursue an engineering career.
Q: What were 1-2 highlights from the day?
A: One of the highlights of the day was witnessing students’ enthusiastic reaction and interest in engineering. When we asked who among them was interested in pursuing an engineering career, a significant number of hands shot up, indicating their newfound motivation. The entire school community, including both students and faculty, expressed excitement and gratitude for our visit, as it marked a significant milestone—having professional engineers visit them for the first time. Additionally, the students were particularly intrigued by Nick Triandafilou’s (Brindley Engineering’s Structural Department Manager) captivating stories about his work experiences in Alaska and other diverse locations.
Q: What questions did the students ask you?
A: During the session, the students asked several questions. A common inquiry was regarding the path to becoming an engineer, including the required degree and educational qualifications. They were curious about the timeline for completing engineering projects and how long it takes to create a 3D model. These questions reflected their interest in understanding the educational and practical aspects of engineering, as well as the time commitment involved in these endeavors.
“Speaking to high school students about engineering is an opportunity to inspire, inform, and guide the next generation of engineers, fostering their interest and understanding of the field while providing them with valuable insights and guidance for their future endeavors.” – Mili Isaza, Brindley Engineering Technician
More From the Brindley Engineering Team
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- ICYMI Check out Mili’s article on Women in Engineering
- To learn more about Brindley Engineering capabilities, get in touch today!
- To join the Brindley Engineering team, apply today!
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