In this episode of Upon Further Inspection, Branden and Greg sit down with Melanie Brewer, MI Authority at Third Coast and a 20-plus-year veteran of the mechanical integrity space. Melanie traces her unexpected path from aspiring aerospace engineer — inspired by the NASA programs of the 1980s — to chemical engineering at the University of Dayton, where a co-op program gave her real-world exposure to industrial plant environments. Her early career at an acrylonitrile plant quickly converted her initial skepticism about plant work into a genuine passion, and it was there that she built the professional network and technical foundation that would define her career in MI and reliability.

Take a listen and hear about the themes that have shaped Melanie's leadership philosophy: navigating a male-dominated industry in the 1990s, the power of strong mentorship, and the importance of remaining authentic rather than conforming to industry stereotypes. Melanie shares the story behind co-founding Women in Mechanical Integrity (WIMI), a grassroots organization that has grown into a recognized forum for professional development, mentorship, and candid dialog. The episode closes with Melanie's perspective on the role of human factors and sound risk management in an era of rapid AI adoption, arguing that technology can augment but never fully replace the judgment of experienced inspectors and engineers.

If you enjoyed this discussion, part 2 of our conversation with Melanie will be published on Thursday, July 30. Subscribe to Upon Further Inspection so you are notified as soon as the new episode drops.

01:21 From Aerospace to ChemE

02:28 Co-op to Texas Plant Life

04:34 Early Career and Mentors

08:24 Women in Construction Challenges

11:14 Respect and Boundaries

12:50 Women in MI Network

15:30 Personality and Leadership Lessons

22:18 Human Factors and AI

26:17 People First Management

28:53 Why Mechanical Integrity Matters

29:40 Petroleum Products in Daily Life

31:32 Public Perception and Education

32:42 Cleveland Environmental Memories

34:00 Air Force Museum and SR-71

37:13 Engineering Awe and Pilot Tales

40:06 Switching into Mechanical Integrity

43:54 Certifications and Trial by Fire

46:41 Corporate Support and Equity Roots

51:02 Risk Language and Budget Reality

56:52 Leadership Tradeoffs and Accountability

59:46 Building Programs and Closing Notes

Episode Acronyms & Abbreviations

API – American Petroleum Institute

ChemE – Chemical Engineer 

CWI – Certified Welding Inspector

MI – Mechanical Integrity

MT – Magnetic Particle Testing

PSVs – Pressure Safety Vessels

PT – Penetrant Testing

WIMI – Women in Mechanical Integrity

UT – Ultrasonic Testing

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Note:  The views and opinions expressed by the guest are their own and do not necessarily reflect those of the hosts or the Upon Further Inspection podcast. This podcast is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal or professional advice. Listeners should seek their own qualified advisors for guidance.