Dallas SWE is pleased to present a new series – Stories of Women in STEM – to feature stories of some of our talented members that highlight their STEM field, background, and advice for pursuing STEM. We hope this blog provides inspiration and an opportunity for girls to learn more from real engineers and the exciting possibilities in a career in STEM. Enjoy our Stories!
Please enjoy this feature with Shelley Stracener, past president of Dallas SWE and medical device engineer at Abbott.
Dallas SWE: Tell us about yourself! Please include your background, your journey, and why you decided to pursue a STEM field?
Shelley: I grew up in Fort Worth, TX and attended public schools, including a magnet program for science and engineering professions. My sister and I showed both aptitude and interest in math and science. While in high school I took a particular liking to chemistry and an esoteric elective, radiation physics. I was fascinated by medical technology. Early in college I thought I wanted to be a pharmacist, but ended up changing paths to electrical and computer engineering. This degree offered a combination of courses in both electronics hardware and software development, which turned out to be very useful! My university didn’t have a very good job placement program at the time, so I didn’t get much exposure to engineers in the “real world.” I had no idea what I wanted to do. I spent the first decade of my career in business computing and aircraft products but discovered a way to use my fascination with medical technology with my engineering skills: the medical device industry! At my current employer, Abbott’s Neuromodulation division, I have spent the last six years exploring three different job functions: electrical engineering, systems engineering, and regulatory affairs. I really enjoy using my technical skills to help improve the lives of our patients who suffer from chronic pain and movement disorders. Engineering and SWE have afforded me lots of opportunities to learn and grow as my interests and skill sets have changed!
Dallas SWE: What advice do you have for girls interested in STEM? What are some of the ways to learn more? What helped you when you were young?
Shelley: Girls today have so many more opportunities to learn than when I was a kid! The internet and YouTube did not exist back then, so the library was our main resource for learning outside of the formal curriculum of our schools. Having access to information from all over the world and being able to learn from so many accessible resources online offers wonderful opportunities for expanding your knowledge and perspectives. Look for problems in your own life to solve. Find out what problems people in other parts of the world experience. See if you can brainstorm some solutions and find common values in your pursuit of a better life for everyone.
Dallas SWE: Do you have a favorite quote or any famous words that you live by?
Shelley: “If you’re passionate about something and you want to make a difference, I guarantee there’s a way to do that with engineering.” ~Elizabeth Bierman, Society of Women Engineers FY16 President
