By Haley Cowans
.
23 June is International Women in Engineering Day, hosted by the Women’s Engineering Society, and the theme of this year’s celebration is “Make Safety Seen.” Safety is the pillar of the work done in the NDT industry, and engineers play a crucial role in furthering the research, tools, and techniques used in our field.
International Women in Engineering Day seemed like the perfect opportunity to celebrate the important work of women engineers in NDT. These profiles originally published in the “At Work” column of our monthly journal, Materials Evaluation.
.
.
Megan McGovern
Megan McGovern is a Senior Researcher at General Motors. This profile originally appeared in the November 2022 issue of Materials Evaluation.
How did you first become involved in NDT?
As a general engineering undergraduate at University of Illinois, I was undecided between a secondary field concentration of acoustics or structural engineering. I was taking an engineering design analysis class with Professor Henrique Reis, and he devoted one lecture for his PhD student, Adam Senalik, to talk about his research using impact echo ultrasound to detect decay in wood utility poles. I realized that this area combined both of my interests! I began doing undergraduate research in the Nondestructive Testing and Evaluation Lab on using linear and nonlinear ultrasonic techniques to inspect wood utility poles and asphalt concrete pavements and stayed on through my PhD work in systems and entrepreneurial engineering. After defending my dissertation in 2016, I joined GM R&D and now lead research projects involving in-line manufacturing inspection.
Is your work focused on a particular field?
Since I work at General Motors R&D (specifically, in the Manufacturing Systems Research Lab), my work is automotive-focused and my customers are internal. All my projects involve nondestructive quality verification technologies and methods that have a path to be implemented in a fast-paced in-line manufacturing environment. With the shift from internal combustion engine vehicles to electric vehicles, my work has accordingly shifted to be focused on batteries.
What’s a typical workday like?
My job varies heavily from day to day. This is especially true because I work in research. One day I might be in the lab taking data, another day I may be in front of the computer all day coding or writing, and some days are just full of meetings. The types of projects I work on also vary. It’s very intellectually stimulating, and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Are you involved with ASNT?
I am the chair of the Detroit Section of ASNT. Being involved at the local level has afforded great networking opportunities and exposure to new technologies. I also really enjoy the various technical presentations. Recently, I joined the ASNT Research Council, so I look forward to being more involved at the national level.
What advice would you offer to individuals considering careers in NDT?
We need more NDT professionals—I say go for it! NDT is such a cross-functional discipline that you can find something to interest you, whether it’s materials and structures, physics, or technology development. For me, I initially found the field of acoustics to be fascinating but have since ventured into other areas such as thermography and radiography as the applications necessitate.
Do you have a favorite quote that inspires your work or personal life?
I have two: “Do good work” and “Character is the best ornament.” Both pieces of advice were given to me by mentors, and they haven’t steered me wrong. At the end of the day, no matter how challenging life or work is, if you maintain good character and a good work ethic, the rest will work itself out.
.
.
Natalie Rhoades
Natalie Rhoades is a Transducer Applications Engineer at Sensor Networks Inc. This profile originally appeared in the January 2022 issue of Materials Evaluation.
.
.
How did you first become involved in NDT?
I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in welding and fabrication engineering technology from the Pennsylvania College of Technology. While there, I took a few Level I and II NDT classes, and it really sparked my interest. I was introduced to Sensor Networks Inc., and I was hired right before I finished my degree.
What’s a typical workday like?
At Sensor Networks we focus on ultrasonic testing for the aerospace, oil and gas, transportation, metals, and power generation industries. We work with various metal and composite structures looking for various discontinuities. We have a lab here that has an assembly area, ceramic shop, machine shop, and a certification and engraving area. With our Installed Sensor (IS) business, we go out into the field to install and reinstall the IS product line. Every day is different. Somedays I work on design work using SolidWorks, making sure I have enough materials in stock to assemble whatever is being made and in turn making sure my assemblers are getting what we need done. I help other engineers on different projects, product development, and making sure customer orders are being filled.
What’s been your most interesting project?
My biggest challenge has been the creation of a high-temperature dual-element transducer, which is the SensorScan Model DHT-400. I was given this project as soon as I started here at Sensor Networks. Starting out, I didn’t know exactly what went into an ultrasonic transducer. I had to design this transducer, figure out what materials I needed, and design different fixtures to assemble it. I had to create assembly and testing procedures and multiple prototypes. It was challenging at times, trying to figure out what materials we needed to use, and various design changes kept me on my toes. At times I felt like I was just hitting a wall, but with some help from some colleagues I was able to get where I needed to be, and that felt so good.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of your work?
The best part about NDT is that there is always something new and different to learn. Each day is different, and I like that aspect of the NDT field. I think the most rewarding aspect of my work is completing something and seeing it work in the application it is supposed to be used for.
What are your professional goals?
I would like to continue my growth in the NDT field, including learning other disciplines outside of ultrasound such as eddy current, radiographic testing, and phased array. Throughout my time at Sensor Networks, I have been shadowing some of the senior applications engineers and have learned a lot from them. I think that this has helped me get a grasp on the industry and how I can advance my career by having the opportunity to learn as much as possible.
What advice would you offer to individuals considering careers in NDT?
Go for it! There are so many career opportunities in the NDT field and so many things to learn about.
Do you have a favorite quote that inspires your work or personal life?
Try your best and learn as much as possible, because there is always something worth learning.
.
.
More Ways to Celebrate Women in Engineering Day
Want to join in the celebration of International Women in Engineering Day? Share your own stories on social media using the hashtags #INWED23 and #MakeSafetySeen.
For another story of a woman doing important work in NDT, check out our profile of Carly Danyel Cramblit and watch her video as part of our This Is NDT: Technicians series.
You can also revisit our March 2023 issue of Materials Evaluation, which includes a feature on the history of women in engineering, materials, and testing in the United Kingdom in the early 20th century.
If you would like to get involved in ASNT’s work toward supporting and encouraging women in our industry, reach out to the Council for Women in NDT.
.
_______
.
Haley Cowans is the Content Strategist at ASNT, hcowans@asnt.org.
.