Diverse Engineering

From engineer to data analyst, Connie Griffis '13 is uniquely equipped to handle the toughest business analytical challenges, thanks to her start as a UA engineer. Learn about her unique path and how her skills make her in-demand to big companies. 

You are more qualified for that job than you think. We spoke with Brandy Moorhead, B.S. Mechanical Engineering ’01, and Sr. Director Product Development - Global Off Highway at Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company. When opportunities came her way to explore new roles, she took them on and figured it out along the way. 

This episode features an engineer whose passion bridges and urban planning led to a 21-year career in civil engineering. Shelly Kendrick, B.S. Civil Engineering ’99, M.S. Civil Engineering ’02, believes in the importance of communication between planners and engineers in meeting the true purpose and need of a project and community. 

Barbara Aichinger, B.S. Electrical Engineering ’83 and VP/co-founder of FuturePlus Systems, tells the story of starting her own company with her husband and the successes and setbacks along the way.  

Hear how purchasing her own company in her 30s prepared Cynthia Slezak for running her father’s company after his unexpected death. Cynthia, B.S. Chemical Engineering, is the CEO of the RJS Corporation in Akron. 

Lessons from the top featuring Halle Jones Capers ’90 P.E., senior vice president of operations and manager of transportation at G. Stephens, Inc.

Featuring Tanya Miracle '12, chemical engineering, who is currently working as a portfolio and strategy specialist at Bridgestone Americas. She talks about how zero gravity helped her see her potential as an underrepresented engineer. 

Featuring Philip Steele '13, electrical engineering, who is a senior systems engineer at General Motors. Philip talks about how underrepresented engineers can make a difference. 

Featuring Nuwoo Smith '05, electrical engineering, who is a commercial and industrial project manager (and Six Sigma Black Belt) at CLEAResult. Hear Nuwoo's remarkable story of how his life was changed by simple acts of kindness from one particular professor.

Brought to you by The University of Akron College of Engineering and Polymer Science. 

Our first episode features a history of black engineers in Akron and history of the minority retention program at The University of Akron which eventually became the Increasing Diversity in Engineering Academics (IDEAs) program.  We interview Jane Lacey '96, chemical engineering, one of the first graduates of the program.