Choose to Challenge: Wendy Young
Wendy Young is a senior instructor and associate chair in the Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering at the University of Colorado Boulder. In high school, she knew she wanted to become an engineer because she always enjoyed math and science courses. She also loved problem-solving, which is why she took the engineering path versus the scientist path.
Young received her undergraduate degree in chemical engineering at Notre Dame. She completed both her master’s and doctorate degrees in chemical engineering from the University of Colorado Boulder.
Highlights
- Focus on problem-solving led her to the engineering path
- Earned degrees from Notre Dame and CU Boulder
- Worked for Intel before returning to academia
- Urges students to advocate for themselves, find balance in life
After completing her PhD, she went into the industry, where she worked for Intel for several years. Young said she loved working in the industry compared to working in research. However, while working in the industry, she realized she wanted to start teaching. At Intel, she would teach her colleagues from different parts of the world about how to use the machinery and technology they worked with. She always enjoyed the academic part of engineering and wanted to become a professor here on campus.
Throughout her career, Young had several mentors that supported her along the way. Her mom was her number one supporter and mentor, she said. She was the one that pushed Young to go and get her doctorate degree because her mom did not have the opportunity to go to college.
Another mentor for Young was Professor Rob Davis. He was her advisor for both her master’s and doctorate degrees. He eventually helped Young obtain a job as an instructor after her experience in the industry. Lastly, she said her husband has been a great support to her. He has broadened her perspective on life and her career. She is thankful for all these people who supported her.
Being a woman in STEM has its challenges; to be successful, Young says to treat everyone with respect. There will be a lot of people who try to push you down and discount your opinion. Never let that stop you from speaking up and giving your opinion. Some people are naturally soft-spoken but if you do not advocate for yourself, some people will continue to disrespect you, she said.
When reflecting on her past experiences, Young said that if she had the opportunity to speak to her younger self, the advice she would give is to find a balance in her life. She advises to not get completely caught up in your work and to make time to do other things that also make you happy.
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