Melanie Peckham's Story
Melanie Peckham works on the consulting side of environmental engineering. She is proud to hold the position of an operations manager. She enjoys managing projects and overseeing the work of engineers. Her work involves the design and construction of water and wastewater infrastructure. This includes pipelines, pump stations, and treatment plants. She enjoys the design process of engineering and being able to see it being used by the public is very rewarding.
Like many high schoolers, Ms. Peckham didn’t know what she wanted her major to be in college right away. She originally thought about being a marine biologist because she liked math, science, and animals. Her dad is a mechanical engineer and so she had some exposure to what an engineering career entailed. In her first year of college, she was a computer engineering major. After discovering an interest in water chemistry and other areas of science, she declared an environmental engineering major in her sophomore year of college. For students majoring in engineering, the first year of college is largely made up of core classes so that all engineers have a solid foundation in math and science. Ms. Peckham did not find it difficult to switch to environmental engineering in her second year of college.
Ms. Peckham notes that when working in a field that is predominantly male, there may be times when your professional opinion is not respected. She has experienced subtle forms of discrimination and says it’s important to always remain professional and confident. It’s crucial to always speak up for yourself and express your ideas. Ms. Peckham also mentioned that there are a lot of opportunities for women in engineering and that she has never had trouble finding opportunities. The world will always need engineers and many companies are seeking diversity and inclusion.
Over the years, Ms. Peckham has noticed that there are more women engineers and that there has been a growth in professional organizations focused on women in engineering. One example is the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). All over the world, there has been a growing focus on discrimination and an awareness of how women and other minorities are being treated. Now, women are more respected in engineering and STEM and there are more opportunities for women to rise up in the profession. She believes that women as managers are often empathetic, nurturing, and strong, which are qualities that are important in leadership positions.
Some suggestions Ms. Peckham has to improve the representation of women in engineering is the implementation of STEM programs in high school and outreach programs. High school is a time when students are trying to figure out what they are passionate about, but their schedules are often filled with the required classes in order to graduate. More STEM-related electives and clubs would help girls discover if they’re interested in pursuing a STEM-related career such as engineering. There need to be more opportunities for students to branch out and discover what they’re passionate about. It would also be helpful for women engineers and organizations to reach out to high schoolers to educate them about what engineers do and how they help the world. Through SWE, Ms. Peckham has visited schools and talked to students about women in engineering. Shadowing programs would also be helpful for girls to gain exposure and learn about what the engineering field entails.
Ms. Peckham’s advice for aspiring female engineers is to talk to women engineers and ask questions. Be curious and discover what you’re passionate about. She also acknowledges that there will be times in college when the curriculum will be challenging. Stay true to yourself and if engineering is your passion, don’t let a challenging class or anyone discourage you. Believe in yourself and keep working because engineering is a very rewarding profession.
Like many high schoolers, Ms. Peckham didn’t know what she wanted her major to be in college right away. She originally thought about being a marine biologist because she liked math, science, and animals. Her dad is a mechanical engineer and so she had some exposure to what an engineering career entailed. In her first year of college, she was a computer engineering major. After discovering an interest in water chemistry and other areas of science, she declared an environmental engineering major in her sophomore year of college. For students majoring in engineering, the first year of college is largely made up of core classes so that all engineers have a solid foundation in math and science. Ms. Peckham did not find it difficult to switch to environmental engineering in her second year of college.
Ms. Peckham notes that when working in a field that is predominantly male, there may be times when your professional opinion is not respected. She has experienced subtle forms of discrimination and says it’s important to always remain professional and confident. It’s crucial to always speak up for yourself and express your ideas. Ms. Peckham also mentioned that there are a lot of opportunities for women in engineering and that she has never had trouble finding opportunities. The world will always need engineers and many companies are seeking diversity and inclusion.
Over the years, Ms. Peckham has noticed that there are more women engineers and that there has been a growth in professional organizations focused on women in engineering. One example is the Society of Women Engineers (SWE). All over the world, there has been a growing focus on discrimination and an awareness of how women and other minorities are being treated. Now, women are more respected in engineering and STEM and there are more opportunities for women to rise up in the profession. She believes that women as managers are often empathetic, nurturing, and strong, which are qualities that are important in leadership positions.
Some suggestions Ms. Peckham has to improve the representation of women in engineering is the implementation of STEM programs in high school and outreach programs. High school is a time when students are trying to figure out what they are passionate about, but their schedules are often filled with the required classes in order to graduate. More STEM-related electives and clubs would help girls discover if they’re interested in pursuing a STEM-related career such as engineering. There need to be more opportunities for students to branch out and discover what they’re passionate about. It would also be helpful for women engineers and organizations to reach out to high schoolers to educate them about what engineers do and how they help the world. Through SWE, Ms. Peckham has visited schools and talked to students about women in engineering. Shadowing programs would also be helpful for girls to gain exposure and learn about what the engineering field entails.
Ms. Peckham’s advice for aspiring female engineers is to talk to women engineers and ask questions. Be curious and discover what you’re passionate about. She also acknowledges that there will be times in college when the curriculum will be challenging. Stay true to yourself and if engineering is your passion, don’t let a challenging class or anyone discourage you. Believe in yourself and keep working because engineering is a very rewarding profession.