Engineering profiles

Paper instructions:
Carefully review each of the profiles. Respond to the following questions. (2 pages)
•    What did you find interesting or concerning about the engineering profiles you reviewed?
•    Did the profiles reveal anything new to you about the profession or pathway towards engineering? If so what?
•    If you were to pursue a professional career in engineering, write a profile for your future self, 10 years from now.

Profile of a Biomedical Engineer:
Sue H. Abreu, Ft. Bragg, North Carolina
Occupation
Lieutenant Colonel, Medical Corps, United States Army
Medical Director, Quality Assurance, Womack Army Medical Center
Education
IDE (BSE, Biomedical Engineering), 1978
MD, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences, 1982
Studying Engineering
As I started college, I was planning to be a teacher. Because of
taking an elective class in athletic training, I developed an interest
in sports medicine. I ended up taking most of my classes in aero-nautical engineering so I could study the lightweight structures
and materials that could be used to design artificial limbs or pro-tective equipment for sports. Late in college, I decided to go to
medical school and ended up graduating from college with an
interdisciplinary engineering degree.
Career Life
After medical school, I specialized in nuclear medicine. In nuclear
medicine we use small amounts of radioactive compounds to see how things work inside of
people. By using special cameras that detect radiation and computers that help gather the
data, we can watch how various organs function. We can do three-dimensional studies and
quantify results. In nuclear medicine, I am a consultant to other physicians: I help them
decide what tests might be helpful and discuss the meaning of the results of the nuclear
medicine procedures we do for their patients.
I ended up in a field I never had heard of when I started college, but I found it as I kept
exploring areas that intrigued me. I tried new classes and looked for opportunities that
interested me, even if they didn’t fit the paths most students followed. As a result, I found
a specialty I enjoy, and I’m now doing a great deal of teaching within my specialty of
nuclear medicine and in my current work in quality assurance.
So, be sure to follow your dreams—if you can take something you love doing and find a
way to earn a living doing it, you will end up much happier than if you set money or prestige
as your goals.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work I enjoy skydiving. I volunteer as the team doctor for the U.S. Parachute
Team and have traveled all over the world with them. I currently live in a large house on six
acres in the country, not far from an airport with a parachuting center. I share the house with
an airline pilot and an artist—both expert skydivers—who help make it a great place to live.
Although I was married, I chose not to have children; but the dog and cats help keep us com-pany here.
Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers 75
Profile of a Mechanical Engineer:
Linda G. Blevins, Gaithersburg, Maryland
Occupation
Mechanical Engineer, National Institute of Standards and Technology
Education
BSME, 1989; MSME, 1992; PhD, 1996
Studying Engineering
During high school I discovered that I enjoyed mathematics. I
learned about engineering when I participated in a six-week sum-mer honors program at the University of Alabama before my sen-ior year in high school. I took college

calculus that summer, and I
was hooked. I chose to study mechanical engineering because
the course subjects are diverse and the industrial demand for
mechanical engineers remains steady. As a co-op at Eastman
Chemical Co., I worked on engineering problems in power and
chemical plants. The concepts that I learned in classes came to
life during the alternate semesters that I worked, and the money I
earned helped pay for school. After earning a BS degree from the
University of Alabama, I obtained an MS degree from Virginia
Tech, and a PhD degree from Purdue University. I never would have set or achieved these
goals without encouragement and advice from faculty members. Because these mentors
played such valuable roles in my life, I would advise college students to get to know their pro-fessors well. These personal investments will be rewarding for years to

come.
Career Life
I am a mechanical engineer in the Building and Fire Research Laboratory at the National
Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST), a national research laboratory operated by
the U.S. Department of Commerce, located in Gaithersburg, Maryland. Our goals are to
study the ways that fires ignite, spread, and extinguish so that our nation can minimize the
loss of lives and property to fires. My primary job function is to improve the accuracy of
measurements made during fire research. A few things routinely measured are toxic gas
concentration, temperature, and heat intensity. I spend my time developing laser-based
instrumentation, devising computer (math) models of instrument behavior, designing labo-ratory equipment, tinkering with electronics, publishing papers, writing and

reviewing
research proposals, and presenting talks at conferences. In addition, I work on a project
funded by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) to study fires in
space. Working in a research laboratory ensures that I am constantly learning and growing,
and I realize every day how lucky I am to be here. My job is exciting, fun, and rewarding.
Life Outside of Work
During my free time, I enjoy hiking, rollerblading, and reading. I participate in a weekly bowl-ing league and I manage a softball team each summer. I also volunteer

as a member of the
Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board at the University of Alabama. This allows me to
travel home to Alabama (and visit my family) several times a year. Finally, I volunteer regu-larly to educate children and community members about the excitement of

engineering.
Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers 81
Profile of an Electrical Engineer:
Timothy J. Bruns, St. Louis, Missouri
Occupation
Software Manager at Boeing Co.
Education
BSEE, 1983
Studying Engineering
I became interested in electronics at a young age by building elec-tronic kits from companies like Radio Shack and Heathkit. As a
teenager, I became very active in local citizen’s band (CB) radio
groups. It was an easy decision for me to pursue a degree in engi-neering. The technology has changed so much since I graduated,
and I have needed to stay current with the latest technology and
to find ways to apply it to my line of work. If you are just starting out
in engineering, I encourage you to apply yourself and do your very
best in all your classes. When I arrived at Purdue I felt as if I was
the least prepared of any of my classmates, but I worked hard and did very well. Some of
the better-prepared students did not apply themselves from the beginning and suffered as
a result. One thing I would have done differently is to get to know my professors and teach-ing assistants better. In large universities and organizations it is easy

to get lost in the crowd,
and I wish that I had formed better friendships and relationships with my instructors.
Career Life
I am the software manager for a team of 15 developers that is creating a Windows NT appli-cation. This application uses the latest technologies such as MFC, COM and

ActiveX. A typ-ical day is spent reviewing the technical work of the team, along with reviewing schedules and
making estimates for future work. I often meet with customers of our product and suppliers of
our software development tools. Since our program is just getting started, I have been spend-ing a lot of time interviewing people who would like to join our team. It

is difficult to say how I
apply my engineering training directly to my current job. I know that my engineering degree
has given me the ability to plan and organize the work of our team, and to solve the many
problems that come up. The thing I like best about my job is the wide variety of assignments
I have had in my 15 years with Boeing. Working in a large company gives me the ability
to have several “mini-careers,” all while working for the same company. A significant accom-plishment that I have made while working at Boeing is the introduction of

new tools and
tech nology into the software development process. One tool that we have introduced auto-matically produces source code from a graphical representation. This tool

enables us to
bypass much of the labor-intensive and error-prone aspects of software design.
Life Outside of Work
In the engineering field, particularly in electrical and computer engineering, you will find that
the technology changes very rapidly. In my case, I stay abreast of the latest technologies by
enrolling in evening computer classes through the local universities. I enjoy home “engi-neering” projects such as designing a new deck. My wife, Donna, and I keep

very busy rais-ing our two sons, Garrett and Gavin.
Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers 83
Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers 85
Profile of an Agricultural Engineer:
Bethany A. Elkin Fabin, Waterloo, Iowa
Occupation
Design Engineer, 8000 Chassis Design Team – John Deere Waterloo Works
Education
BS, Agricultural and Biological engineering
Studying Engineering
When I began to explore career options, I was told that an engi-neering degree was the ticket to achieving success in a variety of
fields. I investigated the Agricultural and Biological Engineering
program at Penn State and discovered therein the opportunity to
examine many aspects of engineering and agriculture under one
discipline. I found my niche. This major provided the chance to
“sample” many engineering topics and thus make knowledgeable
decisions on what areas I wanted to pursue in future jobs. My Busi-ness Management minor also afforded many opportunities, and I
would recommend that every engineer take at least a few business
classes. I would also recommend getting involved in professional
societies whenever possible. They provide many networking
opportunities and a good preview of the job market. If I were to start my schooling over, I
would take more of the hands-on classes. Also, I cannot begin to convey the importance of
an internship or some kind of related work experience. Having the opportunity to work for a
variety of companies in a variety of positions has helped me greatly in my career.
Career Life
In my current position as a chassis design engineer for John Deere, I work with others to
design parts for tractor frames, coordinate homologation and standard reviews for update
programs, and coordinate projects with supporting teams. In the latter role, I develop gen-eral specifications to ensure that we meet customer requirements and

implement verifica-tion processes.
In a typical day of work, I spend a couple of hours working on Pro/E software designing
and modeling parts. I also spend time working with suppliers and purchasing personnel to
get parts quoted and ordered. In addition, I spend some time in our shop checking on pro-totype builds or test procedures, and some time in meetings working with

different groups to
keep people informed. The thing I like best about my job is the freedom I have to work on a
variety of projects. It’s nice to work for a company that has developed a strong name for itself
and works diligently to stand behind their products.
Life Outside of Work
Outside of work, I welcome every opportunity to travel with my husband and play host to out-of-state friends, relatives, and foreign exchange students. MBA classes are

taking up much
of my time off the job currently, but in my free time I find I enjoy music, sports, rowing, train-ing my dog, remodeling my house, and gardening. My membership in the

local chapter of the
American Society of Agricultural Engineers also keeps me busy with meetings and seminars.
Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers 87
Profile of a Computer Engineer:
Steven E. Fredrickson, Houston, Texas
Occupation
Project manager of the Autonomous Extravehicular Robotic Camera for NASA; Electron-ics Engineer, NASA Johnson Space Center, 1995 – present
Education
BS, Computer and EE 1992; PhD, Engineering Science, 1995
Studying Engineering
To prepare for a leadership role in the emerging information society,
I studied electrical and computer engineering as an undergradu-ate. At Purdue I supplemented engineering studies with non-engineering courses and extracurricular

activities, and sought
experiences to develop practical business skills. One highlight
was the Cooperative Education Program. Three “Co-op” tours at
NASA introduced me to software design, robotic control systems,
and neural networks. This early work experience intensified my
inter est in advanced study of electrical engineering and robotics. To
simultaneously satisfy my desires to engage in advanced aca-demic research and to gain personal international experience, I pursued an engineering
doctorate program in the Robotics Research Group at Oxford University.
I am extremely pleased with the universities I attended and the fields of study I completed
to prepare for my current career. I would offer three recommendations to anyone pursuing
an engineering path: 1) participate in Co-op or similar programs, 2) develop effective oral
and written communications skills, 3) explore opportunities to study abroad.
Career Life
When I returned to NASA as a robotics research engineer, I transitioned from specialized
research in artificial neural networks to broadly focused applied engineering. As project
manager of the Autonomous Extravehicular Robotic Camera (AERCam) project, I have led
a multidisciplinary team of engineers in development of a free-flyer robotic camera to pro-vide “bird’s eye” views of the Space Shuttle or International Space Station.

Despite this delib-erate transition to a project leadership role, it has been imperative for me to maintain my core
technical skills. To ensure continued technical proficiency, I participate in several training
courses and technical conferences every year.
Life Outside of Work
As much as I enjoy working at NASA, I believe it is essential to maintain outside interests.
For me, that starts by spending time with my wife, Becky. Since Becky is pursuing a joint
engineering and medical career, it can be demanding at times. The key for us has been to
develop outside activities that we can enjoy together. Currently these include teaching Sun-day school, participating in Bible study, attending concerts and plays,

jogging, lifting weights,
climbing at an indoor rock gym, and traveling. In addition, we allow each other time to pur-sue individual interests, which for me include reading, aviation, and golf.
Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers 89
Profile of an Industrial Engineer:
Karen Jamison, Dayton, Ohio
Occupation
Operations Manager, Jamison Metal Supply, Inc.
Education
BSIE, 1988; MBA, 2000
Studying Engineering
I didn’t grow up knowing I wanted to be an engineer, but luckily my
high school guidance counselor recognized my science and math
abilities and encouraged me to try engineering. I firmly believe that
engineering is a wonderful career in and of itself, and that it can be
an excellent stepping stone for any other career you may wish to
pursue in the future.
I chose industrial engineering because I am highly interested in
improving the processes people use to do their work. Industrial
engineering provides both technical challenges and the opportu-nity to work with all kinds of people.
If you are just starting to think about engineering or are trying
to choose a specific discipline, talk to as many practicing engineers and professors as you
can. Become involved in organizations on campus that will let you interact with other engi-neering students and practicing engineers.
I also highly recommend the co-op program. I had over two years of work experience
when I graduated, and I knew what types of work I would enjoy. It is definitely to your advan-tage during interviews to know what type of job will best suit you, and

to be able to speak
intelligently on that subject.
Finally, remember that grades aren’t everything but that your education is invaluable. If I
were to do one thing differently, I would study to truly learn and understand the content
instead of with the goal of getting a good grade in the class.
Career Life
Until last year, I was a consultant focusing on process improvement and business process
re-engineering. Now I am learning to run Jamison Metal Supply, which is a business my par-ents founded 25 years ago. My job includes anything and everything that needs

to be done.
My primary responsibilities are overseeing operations to ensure quality products and timely
deliveries, ordering steel for inventory and special orders, and pricing the material we sell.
I use my engineering training in all kinds of ways. I am working on updating our physical
inventory system to better utilize warehouse floor space; I schedule customer orders to meet
promised delivery times; and I am updating our computer system. Most importantly, engi-neering has taught me how to approach solving a problem and how to manage my

time.
Life Outside of Work
My time outside of work is concentrated on completing my MBA degree, but I do find time
for having fun as well. One of my favorite hobbies is crewing for a hot air balloon. I also teach
a sign language class at the University of Dayton, and am vice president of the Purdue Club
of Greater Dayton, Ohio. I think engineering is a very flexible field that allows individuals to
prioritize their lives any way they wish.
90 Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers
Profile of a Mechanical Engineer:
Beverly D. Johnson, Waterloo, Iowa
Occupation
Supervisor in Wheel Operations at John Deere Waterloo Works
Education
BSME; MS, Engineering Management
Studying Engineering
My education includes a BS in Mechanical Engineering from the
United States Military Academy, an MS in Engineering Manage-ment from the University of Missouri, Rolla, and my current study
in the Executive Master’s Degree Program at Northwestern Uni-versity, Evanston, IL.
I think engineering is a very rewarding career because you can
see the results of your effort every day. Engineering offers oppor-tunities to create, build, design, and sometimes even destroy. Also,
the analytical tools you develop in your engineering coursework
make studying other subjects easier, and they are applicable to
everyday life.
I truly enjoy my career in engineering. It is a dynamic career field that has taken me to
many different jobs and many different places. I have done everything from constructing
buildings and roads in Germany and the Hawaiian Islands to my current work as a supervi-sor in the wheel operations for the John Deere Waterloo Works.
Career Life
I have been with the John Deere Waterloo Works for two years, working in various engi-neering assignments such as quality engineering, project management, and process
redesign. My current assignment as a supervisor in Wheel Operations is focused in produc-tion. I am responsible for the assembly processes pertaining to the tires and

wheels for the
7000 and 8000 series tractors. I am also responsible for the daily supervision of the wage
department personnel. Although my job is sometimes hectic, it is also very rewarding as I
watch what our department is able to accomplish every day.
Prior to joining John Deere I spent nine years as a military officer in the U.S. Army Corps
of Engineers. My primary responsibilities included the construction of buildings and roads,
and the development and training of other engineers. My work with the military allowed me
to live in, and travel throughout, Europe and the Pacific Islands.
Life Outside of Work
Although I chose engineering over journalism, my favorite pastimes are reading and writing.
I also exercise regularly and compete in sports. I volunteer my time to the Boys and Girls
Club of Waterloo, the American Red Cross, and a local university. However, my most impor-tant responsibility, and the most enjoyable, is the time I commit to the care

and development
of my two children, Colbert, 6, and Randy, 3.
Profile of an Industrial Engineer:
Jeanne Mordarski, Albuquerque, NM
Occupation
Sales Manager, LightPath Technologies, Inc.
Education
BSIE; MBA
Studying Engineering
The engineering workload at Purdue was quite a shock to me. My
first two years were a struggle and I was afraid to get involved in
extracurricular activities. By my junior year, I became more con-cerned that I was missing out on the “college experience” than I was
about my grades. I became an active member in several campus
organizations—the best decision I ever made. I was forced to bal-ance my studies and personal life. I broadened my network of
friends, developed leadership skills, and learned to manage my
time more effectively. As a bonus, my grades improved tremendously.
My emphasis within the IE curriculum was on Production and Manufacturing Systems. I
accepted a production supervisor position with Corning Inc. after graduation. This role put
me in the middle of the action, and taught me to think on my feet and make sound decisions.
For eight years I worked at Corning in various engineering and manufacturing capacities.
During this time, I was able to land a one-year tenure in Japan implementing Process Man-agement Systems at our facility in Shizuoka.
For three years I took evening classes working toward an MBA from Syracuse University.
In my course work, I realized how much I enjoyed the business side of things. Upon com-pletion of my degree, I accepted a sales manager position at Corning in the

telecommuni-cations market.
Career Life
I recently left Corning to work as a sales manager for a start-up company, LightPath Tech-nologies, Inc. Working for a large company directly from college gave me

invaluable expe-rience. The structure enabled me to work more effectively. However, as I progressed through
the ranks at Corning, I realized that this same structure was limiting my ability to contribute
because of the many management layers. In my current role at LightPath, we are introduc-ing new products to the telecommunications market.
Life Outside of Work
I have an eclectic mix of interests outside of work. I truly enjoy exercise and the outdoors.
On weekends, you’ll find me skiing, camping, hiking, rock climbing, or biking. I love interna-tional travel and scuba diving, and take every opportunity I can to

participate in both. I have
recently taken up Latin social dance and kickboxing. I am also involved with the Purdue
Alumni Association in Albuquerque. I like to keep busy and have worked very hard to strike
a balance between my career and personal life. I seldom work more than 40 hours a week.
I made it a goal to be more productive during work hours to minimize overtime and unnec-essary stress. It usually works.
Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers 95
Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers 101
Profile of a Mechanical Engineer:
Patrice Vanderbeck, Cedar Falls, Iowa
Occupation
Electronics systems engineer for the 6000 and 7000 series John Deere tractors
Education
BSME, 1982
Studying Engineering
I like to understand how things work. Math was my favorite subject
in high school, followed closely by the sciences. Engineering
seemed like the appropriate career for me, based on my interests.
My college advisor recommended I study mechanical engineering
after assessing my capabilities and interests. It sure was the right
direction. The engineering curriculum can be difficult, but an engi-neering degree gives you many options. You can go into design,
management, marketing, sales, law, manufacturing, or research,
to name just a few areas. If you decide you want a change, it
makes it easier for you to move on in a new direction. The engi-neering degree will open doors for you.
Given the opportunity, I would have changed two things about
the path I took. First, I would have developed better study skills in
high school, or earlier in college. I had to do some backtracking
because of this. Also, I would have worked at a company that manufactures a product (like
tractors) directly out of college instead of starting at a consulting firm. I learned it was impor-tant for me to work where a product is manufactured.
Career Life
I have worked at three companies since graduating in 1982. I am currently the electronics
systems engineer for the 6000 and 7000 series John Deere tractors. I make sure that the dif-ferent engineering teams within the electronics and vehicle groups are

communicating with
each other. My job combines design, program management, negotiating, and communicat-ing. I deal with current tractor-related  issues and the designs for new tractor

programs at the
systems level. I love my job because it is never boring. I am always learning. I work with many
talented, dedicated people. When I was in a previous position at John Deere, I had design
responsibility for a device for left-hand control of the forward and reverse movement of a trac-tor. It had 38 subassemblies. Between the supplier and me, we designed

these subassem-blies into a very small package. It took a lot of development effort to get the assembly to work
perfectly within the entire system of the tractor. In the end, the device was well received by
our customers for its function and reliability.
Life Outside of Work
I enjoy biking, skiing, weaving, entertaining, and reading. I belong to an investment club and
a reading club. I am married to another engineer. We have a vacation home on the Missis-sippi River where we do a lot of boating and entertaining. We love to travel.

My husband and
I do volunteer work with Habitat for Humanity and with our church. Our engineering jobs
allow us to live a comfortable life and to enjoy fun things like travel and boating.
Profile of a Chemical Engineer:
Jack Welch, Fairfield, Connecticut
Occupation
CEO of General Electric (Retired, 2002)
Education
BSChE; MSChE; PhD
Career Life
The man called “CEO of the century” by the editor-in-chief of  Time
magazine is an engineer. Jack Welch, who led General Electric’s
transformation over the past two decades into a global technology
and services giant, started with the company as an engineer in
Pittsfield, Mass. He had earned his BS ChE from the U of Mass in
1957, and followed that with an MS and PhD from the U of Illinois
in 1958 and 1960.
In high school he had captained the hockey and golf teams and
earned the distinction of being voted “Most Talkative and Noisiest Boy” by his classmates.
“No one in my family had ever gone to college, but I had that ambition,” Welch recalls. “Of
course, believe me, my mother had that ambition for both of us.”
“Life is a series of experiences, a series of steps if you will,” he continues. “Every time
you’re reaffirmed, every time someone tells you you’re Okay, you can go on to the next step,
the next challenge. Well, my teachers in the Engineering Department told me I was Okay. In
fact, they told me I was really good. A couple of them practically adopted me, and told me I
had what it took to go on to graduate school. I had never even thought of graduate school.
But they really believed in me.”
After earning his PhD, Welch returned to Massachusetts and GE’s Chemicals Division for
his first job as a development specialist. It was on that first job that he demonstrated many
of the leadership traits that characterize him to this day.
“I was an entrepreneur in a small business outside the mainstream of GE—the plastics
business. My technician and I were partners working on the same thing. We had two people,
then four people, then eight people, then 12. Today, GE Plastics is a $6 billion business. But
it started that way. Everyone’s involved. Everyone knows. Everyone’s got a piece of the
action. The organization’s flat. All these things are from when I was 26 years old.”
Welch’s rapid rise in GE continued, and in 1981 he became the eighth chairman and CEO
of the company that was founded in 1892. Although he recently retired, the organization he
led was named “Most Admired” by  Fortune magazine and “Most Respected” by the  Finan-cial Times.
Yet he described his job running a company with 1998 revenues of approximately $100
billion as “not rocket science.” Instead he saw his key role as allocating both human and
financial resources in a way that will continue GE’s growth. “My job is allocating capital,
human and financial, and transferring the best practices. That’s all. It’s transferring ideas,
putting the right people in the right jobs and giving them the resources to win,” he says.
Welch, now the father of four and recently a grandfather for the fourth time, continues on
the golf course his winning ways that began in high school. He’s twice won his club cham-pionship and has even bested well-known pros in friendly play.
102 Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers
Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers 103
Profile of an Electrical Engineer:
Shawn D. Williams, Twinsburg, Ohio
Occupation
Product General Manager at GE Appliances
Education
BSEE, 1985
Studying Engineering
The opportunity to further my math and science abilities attracted
me to engineering. I really enjoyed calculus, chemistry, and
physics in high school, so I attended Marion Blalock’s Target Cities
Luncheon in Chicago. At the luncheon, Purdue engineering stu-dents spoke about engineering, and their comments opened my
eyes to engineering as a possible career.
As a freshman in engineering at Purdue, I queried several jun-iors and seniors in various engineering disciplines on their course
work. I concluded that electrical engineering would allow me to
leverage my foundation in mathematics and physics. In addition,
computers were becoming more popular, and I concluded that EE
would provide insights into computers. My advice to students is
that you remain persistent and disciplined in pursuing an engineering degree.
Career Life
Currently, I am a regional sales manager for General Electric Industrial Systems. My primary
job responsibilities include delivering top-line sales growth on an annual sales volume of
$130 million. I lead a team of 70 employees (mostly engineers) throughout six states in the
Midwest as they execute business strategies in their local trading areas.
In the course of a day, I may do such things as interview for an open sales engineer posi-tion, review a trading area strategy with a general manager, expedite a

delivery with a fac-tory for a distributor principal, and provide coaching to a new sales engineer on a project.
The best aspect of my job is the variety of strategic and tactical tasks in which I engage. My
engineering degree provided the solid foundation for me to understand the technical nature
of the products, but the ability to handle multiple tasks is key in executive management.
Life Outside of Work
Obtaining an engineering degree has assisted me in providing a lifestyle for my family that I
never thought possible while growing up. It is imperative for me to balance work and family
life. My wife and my son and I spend weekends visiting the zoo, seeing friends, playing board
games, and attending church.
On a personal note, I am the primary provider for my family, so keeping in shape physi-cally, mentally, spiritually, and intellectually are keys to a successful life.

I accomplish this by
running 3 to 4 miles three times a week; consistently working on lowering my golf handicap
of 13 by playing golf with customers and friends weekly; and incessantly learning about life
through Bible reading, management books, and by mentoring and coaching employees, stu-dents and family members. I can honestly say that without my engineering

experiences, the
life I have now would still be just a dream!
Profile of a Mechanical Engineer:
Dr. Adel A. Zakaria, Waterloo, Iowa
Occupation
Senior VP, Engineering and Manufacturing, Worldwide Agricultural Equipment Division
Education
BSME, Egypt, 1967; MSIE, 1971;  PhD, Industrial Engineering, 1973
Studying Engineering
Growing up in a developing country, I viewed engineering as an
instrument for making genuine progress. It has offered me an
opportunity to be part of moving things forward in our generation.
In particular, I was interested in how things are made. Manufac-turing offered a unique way to work with three domains: things,
people, and systems. In today’s highly technical society, engi-neering will offer a student an ideal foundation for several careers.
A co-op or summer job experience can be very helpful in getting
early exposure and making one’s study a lot more interesting and
meaningful.
Career Life
Within a $7 billion Worldwide Agricultural Equipment Division, I guide the work of 20,000
employees who engineer, manufacture, and provide product support to our customers.
A typical day for me in the last year might include:
• visiting with key customers and their servicing dealer in Nebraska
• chairing a Worldwide Combine Product Council in Germany
• visiting a new joint venture site in India to review progress of the factory construction
• reviewing the results of a business improvement team
I enjoy the breadth of my job, working with a variety of people, the disciplines they repre-sent, and the constant challenge of leading change. Not only have I been

able to apply engi-neering training, but I have had to constantly augment it by learning and expanding my
knowl edge in new, evolving areas.
Significant accomplishments in my career include the early development of cellular man-ufacturing, the development of computer aided design and manufacturing tools

(CAD/CAM),
guiding the development and introduction of our company’s first worldwide tractor product
platform, and the breakthrough in forging a new win/win labor strategy with our unions.
Life Outside of Work
My hobbies outside of work include racquetball and photography. Our family (including our
two daughters) has traveled together in over 30 countries. We enjoy learning about the
world’s people and cultures. We also have camped in most of the U.S. and Canadian national
parks. At various times I have been active in a number of national engineering societies. I
also have participated in  a number of community volunteer groups, including a hospital
board, United Way, and the Boys & Girls Club.
104 Chapter 3: Profiles of Engineers