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#ILookLikeAnEngineer

Why did you choose engineering at CU Boulder?

I chose to engineer because I really enjoy making things. I am fascinated with the objects around us, how they work, and how I can use my skills and knowledge to make them work better.

What does #ILookLikeAnEngineer mean to you?

To me, it means giving a face to all of us working in the trenches who aren't what you usually picture when you think of an engineer (white, male, mostly nerdy). I see it as an opportunity to showcase our individuality, and that not all engineers are the same. There are so many different kinds of engineering and people within each program. Grouping us together as one stereotype does a disservice to representing our personalities and the engineer archetype.

What are three things that make you unique?

1. I create wearable technology. My senior capstone project (as well as the majority of my work in the TAM program up to this point) is creating pieces of apparel that light up. These pieces of clothing are controlled by boards that I code; so the interesting thing about this is the range of skills that go into producing this garment.
2. I have a dance minor. I am passionate about maintaining my artistic side as an engineer, so in the engineering program that means focusing on the aesthetics of my designs. I use dance as an additional creative outlet. It often influences how I think about my engineering (sometimes not thinking is the best way to solve the hardest problems).
3. I interned at an outdoor apparel design firm this past summer. My focus in my engineering program has been wearable technology, and because of the focus of my degree, I have a pretty good handle on the coding and electrical engineering aspect of my project, but I didn't know anything about taking clothing (with sensors and lights in them) from prototype to product. At my internship I learned how to produce a regular garment

What are your career goals?

I am going to be an entrepreneur. After graduating college, I am going to get a job either developing wearable technology for the medical market or continue where I interned the previous summer (in outdoor apparel, see previous response) to continue my education in apparel design in production, and then I will start a business producing performance and fashion wearable technology pieces, which will develop into a more ready-wear line.

Do you have a favorite quote or mantra?

The thing I tell myself when I am exhausted: Don't work "smart, not hard"; work smart and hard.

General philosophy: If you are not willing to take the risk you will have to settle for ordinary.

What are your hobbies?

I enjoy dancing, weight lifting, climbing, and road cycling in my free time. Most of my hobbies are exercise related because I am able to pursue much of what would be my hobbies in my classes.

What do you enjoy most about engineering?

I enjoy the challenge most. I like to push myself to the limit in all my endeavors, and engineering really lets me dive into something and understand it from the ground up, which pushes me to continue learning.

What is your favorite engineering experience?

I love presenting my work. I often get to exhibit my work because of its interdisciplinary nature, and that is what continues to drive me. It makes all the late nights and almost all-nighters worth it so that I can be an innovator creating the next thing.

Emily Daub, Technology Arts and Media, Class of 2018, Bangor High School