PROFESSORS OF PURDUE: Avneet Hira
PhD Candidate in Engineering Education with a Masters degree in aerospace engineering from Purdue University
Words of Wisdom on Overcoming Self-Doubt:
Have a strong community that you can talk to. Surround yourself with people who tell you that you are good enough and believe in you, and have faith in your own abilities.Philosophy:
“The world needs women engineers...I think engineering as a profession is a profession of service, and so you cannot be serving people whom you do not understand. And that’s why you need women to be understanding what problems other women are facing.” direct quote from Avneet
More about Avneet . . .
- What advice do you have for female engineers? It can be in regards to being a female, engineering, school, finding a job, life, etc.
- Historically, engineering has not portrayed as a profession for women. “The world needs women engineers!” “Engineering is a profession of service”
- Women doubt themselves more than men. Strong community of people there to talk to. Critiques of the world. Train myself to not doubt yourself, not taking things personally!
- Be yourself! More masculine associated. Women shouldn’t have to adhere to “masculine” crharacteristics. “To not feel the need to ascribe to certain characteristics” to fit in. Do what you are interested
- What inspired you to begin your research and start in engineering in the first place?
- Why get a PhD: aerospace eng. Degree for undergrad. Indian born astronaut, went to the same school as Avneet.
- Was working at Purdue on Master’s at Purdue, more interested in building things. Morgan Hynes is advisor.
- Most fond memory: workshop for minorities in engineering, asked them to make whatever they wanted. 4 girls made a carrying case, they were questioned whether that was engineering.
- Largest obstacle that you’ve ever overcome?
- math! 6th grade integers, next 2 yrs. Petrified of it. Female teacher, Comp. eng, told her she can do it! Brough Avneet tools to explain these things!
What do you do in your free time?
- Loves to travel! Been to lots of countries. Camping etc. Plays 6 different instruments: guitar, best at bass, drums, piano was first instrument. Constants in her life!
- What's your favorite aspect of your job?
- Big knowledge person. Knowing how particular people understand things. PhD gives her credibility to claim things, do research, and learn more.
What's your favorite memory involving engineering?
- SPEED forum in India- community service activity: engineering solution to a problem. Took cardboard etc. to build things. Keep window closed, portable fan, little board with cartoon characters of people in the class!
What was the best advice you received when you were in undergrad?
- Freshmen yr debated going into law b/c felt out of place in mechanical classes: you’re closer to the end than the beginning. Charge to get what you want! Still charging!!!
What happens after getting PhD?
- Wants lesser heard voices to be heard in engineering. Continuing research. Maybe teacher education programs.
Teaches 2 classes: facutly apprentice for grad. Level courses, helps teaches a level 600 class!!
Look out for more Professors of Purdue features to come every Wednesday!
- Compiled by Women in Engineering Recruitment Project Committee Members
Annaliza Canda, Bailey McConnell, Cassandra McCormack, Dani Marty, Elizabeth Chattin, Hannah McGinness
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