Young girls, dare to dream, pursue your passion for engineering, and break down barriers.

One initiative SME proudly supports is International Women in Engineering Day, which observes the extraordinary women engineers across the globe that are making an impact through careers in STEM. Started by the Women's Engineering Society (WES), International Women in Engineering Day celebrates outstanding achievements and promotes the amazing work that women engineers are doing around the world. The goal of this international awareness campaign is to raise the profile of women in engineering and focus attention on the amazing career opportunities available to girls in this exciting industry.

A perfect example of these success stories can be seen by the many women who are members of SME. It’s important to acknowledge the people in your community who’re making an impact through manufacturing and helping others along the way. SME Membership team sat down with Irina N. Ciobanescu–Husanu, PhD, Associate Clinical Professor with the Department of Engineering, Leadership, and Society at College of Engineering, Drexel University, Philadelphia, PA. Her main current research interest is in engineering pedagogy, focusing on the development of integrated mechanical engineering technology curricula for enhanced student learning experience. Learn more about Ciobanescu–Husanu’s manufacturing journey and the family support system that helped her reach her goal of becoming an engineer and impacting the next generation of manufacturing talent.

Can you briefly share your journey as a female engineer? What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

As a kid I always wanted to explore, I was curious. I was relentless, I loved nature, and I loved to see how things work. I loved science and math with a curious passion, wanting always to understand how you prove a theorem, and how is applied. I was a problem solver. My brother and I share a passion for building model planes. As we grew older, we developed a passion for computers and we started building our own personal computer from scratch, by looking at an old ZX Spectrum architecture. The passion was sparked by our dad, an avid programmer and, at that time, an assistant professor at Bucharest University of Economic Studies in Romania.

Both of us grew up amongst computers, spreadsheets, and logical algorithms. We learned from a very young age to code and to understand the functionality of a system, and its components. I went to a science and mathematics specialized high school and my capstone project was related to improving the programming code for an industrial electrolysis process for galvanization of plates for electrotechnical applications. I was fascinated by my work with engineers and technicians that would pay attention to a teenage girl, willing to share with me their knowledge and listening to my ideas and my approach to computerized technology that was just emerging in the mid-80s. Their encouragement and patience, their detailed explanations of every question that I had were priceless to my decision to embrace an engineering career. I really wanted to discover new things, to create.

But I shared another passion with my dad: airplanes and their powerful engines, therefore I needed to learn more about them. So, I pursued a degree in aerospace engineering, specializing in propulsion systems, at the Polytechnic University of Bucharest. What kept the passion lit was not only theoretical knowledge but rather practical applications. The projects that we developed during my college years were sponsored by industry and research institutes, having the privilege to work with engineers most of the time. Our faculty had extensive experience in industry (aerospace mostly), and they would share this experience with us at all times. I remember one of our professors (materials engineering) would give us a part, and we would have to analyze it by thoroughly looking at and touching that part and tell him everything we could infer about how that part was manufactured, the potential defects and solutions for improvements. It seemed so tough then, but even today, after so many years, that knowledge stayed with me. Thank you, Professor Dolphi Drimer!

From my dad, I learned how to change a faucet, lay out tiles in the kitchen, build shelves, and paint. From my mom, a dedicated medical doctor, I learned biology and anatomy, chemistry, and physics. I learned from her about the cell as a powerhouse and how to look at nature for inspiration for my engineering explorations. But more importantly, I learned to care, and I learned to lead. She was my role model to succeed in life and career, to balance work and family, and to find my way.

After graduation, as a new engineer, I chose to be a researcher and an experimentalist because of my passion to create knowledge. I worked in Romania at Romanian R&D Institute for Gas Turbines COMOTI and then, at the Romanian Ministry of Research and Technology, as it was named at that time (early to mid ‘90s). Due to the economic environment in Romania at that time, I drifted away from my engineering career, however, in 2000 I came to the United States to pursue a PhD in mechanical engineering at Drexel University. Embracing my academic career afterward I stayed as a faculty with Drexel University. I love teaching and what I value the most is interaction with students. I do try, the best that I can, to share my knowledge with them and most importantly, I want to give them the same experience that I had as a student and young engineer. I want them to feel the same connection with this profession as I did and I still do, to feel the joy of creating knowledge and technology, something novel, new, and useful.

How have you overcome any gender-related challenges or biases in your field? What advice would you give to other aspiring female engineers facing similar obstacles?

I always strived to be a professional, I worked hard to prove myself, but also to advocate for myself. Gender-related biases and microaggressions are taking a huge toll on our lives and most importantly on our self-esteem and mental health. I was never afraid to speak for myself, most of the time weighing the risks and benefits of one action or another. But I always found a kind way to make my voice heard. The drawback is that I always worked harder, many hours more than my male counterparts, sacrificing a lot, but I do not regret it, not even a second. My advice: find your way and know your value. Be your own advocate and lead. And lastly, be kind but firm.

In your experience, what unique perspectives or strengths do women bring to the field of engineering?

I believe that we are more thorough, and we lead with care. We bring to the table our soft skills and we combine them with a brilliant mind. We are problem solvers by nature. We are nurturing caregivers, communicators, and organizers, and add these qualities to an educated engineering mind, that’s a perfect combination.

Are there any specific projects or accomplishments in your career that you are particularly proud of? How did they contribute to your growth as an engineer?

One project I am really proud of is related to engineering education. We combined virtual reality, numerical simulation, and personalized learning to generate a learning tool to enhance students’ understanding of fundamental concepts and of engineering systems. It was a teamwork project, with students and faculty sharing knowledge, discovery, and experience. I believe that we all had a growth experience, learning from each other. While we, as faculty, shared our knowledge with students, they, on the other hand, shared their learning experiences with us, helping us tailor the system to their needs. I believe that this is one way that learning will happen in the future.

How do you think we can encourage more women to pursue careers in engineering? Are there any specific initiatives or strategies you believe can make a difference?

My greatest support came from my family. I believe that we need to have more parents educated in helping their girls embrace engineering careers.

Another way is to generate a mentoring system between female engineers and high school students. Having a stronger relationship between K-12 teachers and industry experts and engineers – an equivalent of Research Experiences for Teachers – Industry Experience for Teachers, and not only for STEM-related teachers. That would put a practical face on math and science subjects but also would encourage reading and exploration.

School systems are severely underfunded. Industry can help support them through lab equipment and programs which in turn provide role models to the next generation.

Are there any technical fields or areas within engineering where you believe there is a need for more female representation? If so, why?

All, but mostly mechanical, robotics, and aerospace. Female representation is these areas are statistically very low.

On International Women in Engineering Day, what message would you like to convey to young girls who are considering a career in engineering?

I want to start by saying that you are capable of achieving incredible things in the field of engineering. Don't let anyone tell you otherwise. Engineering is a dynamic, exciting, and rewarding field that offers endless opportunities to make a positive impact on the world.

First and foremost, believe in yourself and your abilities. You possess unique perspectives, creativity, and problem-solving skills that are essential in engineering. Embrace your strengths and know that your contributions are valuable and needed in this field. Don't be afraid to dream big and set ambitious goals for yourself.

Remember that engineering is not limited to a particular gender. You have every right to pursue your passions and interests, regardless of societal expectations or stereotypes. Engineering needs diversity to thrive, and your presence and ideas will enrich the profession. Embrace your passion for STEM subjects and explore the fascinating world of engineering with curiosity and enthusiasm.

Seek out opportunities to learn and grow. Education is the foundation of a successful engineering career. Engage in science and math courses, participate in STEM programs, and explore engineering-related activities. Don't be discouraged by challenges or setbacks along the way. Instead, view them as learning opportunities that will help you develop resilience and problem-solving skills.

Build a supportive network around you. Seek out mentors, both men and women, who can guide and inspire you in your engineering journey. Connect with like-minded individuals who share your passion and can offer support and encouragement. Surround yourself with people who believe in your abilities and will lift you up.

Never underestimate the power of perseverance. Engineering is a challenging field but remember that every great engineer faced obstacles and failures on their path to success. Embrace those moments as opportunities for growth and keep pushing forward. Your determination and resilience will carry you through difficult times and lead you to incredible achievements.

Finally, remember that engineering is not just about technical skills—it's also about making a positive impact on society. Engineers have the power to create innovative solutions, improve lives, and shape a better future. Whether it's designing sustainable infrastructure, developing life-saving medical technologies, or addressing global challenges, your work as an engineer can have a profound and lasting effect on the world.

So, young girls, dare to dream, pursue your passion for engineering, and break down barriers. The world needs your talent, creativity, and vision. Believe in yourself, work hard, and embrace the incredible opportunities that await you in the field of engineering.