Tell me more about your career in science and what you do at Spectrum Brands.
I have a Bachelors Degree in Industrial Engineering and an MBA, both from UW-Madison. Over my career I have worked in tool design for manufacturing and transitioned to consumer product design incorporating project management. At Spectrum, I am a New Product Development Manager in the Home and Personal Care division. I work in the Garment Care category designing Irons and Steamers from conception to production, acting as the “hub” of activity between Industrial Design, R&D, Quality, PEC, Marketing, Sourcing and our manufacturing vendors.
What attracted to you to a career in science? What do you love most about working in science?
I had an early interest and excelled in math and science classes in school, and was lucky enough to have a support system, namely several influential teachers over the years as well as my mother, that encouraged me to pursue those interests, sending me to “engineering camp” and helping me understand the different career paths that were a match to these strengths. I love the balance of the technical & creative aspects my current role, and many other science related jobs, provides.
How can we support women and girls (future women!) in science?
We can support women and girls in science by modeling equality for the next generation. Make a conscious effort to not proliferate gender biases in our next generation by providing equal opportunities to our sons and daughters. Let their interests be the guiding force behind what they pursue, but we have to do our part by making sure they are exposed to a wide variety of opportunities/experiences. Make STEM related activities one of them! If you are an adult in the science field, talk to young people about what you do, girls and boys. Buy those nieces and sisters and daughters and granddaughters STEM related toys. See what your local community has to offer kids (museums, camps, classes, etc). Shop in the “stem and learning” toy category on Amazon. Try a science experiment at home with the young girls in your life.
How has your science career grown at Spectrum Brands?
Spectrum Brands has great resources for testing and validating new products in our R&D labs, so it has been a joy to be able to work with such “cool toys.”
What is your best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field?
My best piece of advice for women who want to break into a science field is to take action & go for it! You’ll never know if it is “for you” unless you try.
Spectrum Brands Careers Blog 
June 18, 2021
Career Advice