Today is International Women’s Day, “a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural, and political achievements of women.”1 Since 2018, ASNT’s monthly journal Materials Evaluation (ME) has dedicated its March issue to increasing awareness of women in NDT. This year, ME interviewed several women in NDT who are relatively early in their NDT career to hear their perspectives on the opportunities and challenges that the NDT industry is currently facing. The following are excerpts from these interviews; ASNT members can read the full article, “The Changing Faces of NDT,” in the March 2024 issue of Materials Evaluation.
Adwoa Kyeiwaa Owusu
Knoxville, Tennessee
Can you share a bit about yourself and what motivated you to pursue a career in nondestructive testing?
I am a second-year PhD student at the University of Tennessee, Knoxville, studying mechanical engineering. I come from Ghana, West Africa, where I pursued a bachelor of science degree in petroleum engineering.
I transitioned into the NDT industry working as an operations support engineer at an oil company. As an end user of inspection reports, I had very little understanding of the physics of NDT but rather its role in asset reliability and integrity. I have seen perfectly fine-looking handrails fall to the deck, gratings cave in, and pipes leak after inspection. The pursuit of graduate research into NDT was prompted by the yearning to understand the physics of NDT techniques and get hands-on experience to better understand the requirements for maintenance and reliability.
In your opinion, what steps can employers take to foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace? What can national organizations such as ASNT do?
Employers should give everyone, regardless of gender or race, the opportunity to learn. The opportunity to learn is what gives exposure. Exposure over time leads to experience and expertise. Everyone is capable of that regardless of gender.
ASNT can introduce female students (high school and college) to NDT. I feel NDT is such an important element in every asset, but it’s only known to people who have been exposed to it, and not enough people care about it.
Jeri Short
Franklin, Idaho
Can you share a bit about yourself and what motivated you to pursue a career in nondestructive testing?
In my late 20s, while working as a bookkeeper for a testing and inspection company, an opportunity arose for additional field support. Eager for a challenge, I seized the opportunity. My first inspection involved liquid penetrant testing on intricate aluminum masts designed for capturing large drones. I found myself captivated by the complexity and high stakes of the work. As someone with a deep-rooted love for science, I consider myself incredibly fortunate to have serendipitously discovered a career that aligns so perfectly with my passion.
In your opinion, what steps can employers take to foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace? What can national organizations such as ASNT do?
Promoting inclusivity and diversity in the workplace is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic advantage for any organization. The following steps can foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace: educational initiatives, inclusive policies, diverse leadership, regular feedback and assessments, equal opportunities for advancement, community engagement, and transparent communication.
Nur Syahirah A Aziz
Malaysia
Can you share a bit about yourself and what motivated you to pursue a career in nondestructive testing?
I am 28 years old and have been in the field for almost six years. What has motivated me is the excitement I feel about NDT. In the world of NDT, you’re like a skilled detective, uncovering hidden flaws and ensuring the integrity of critical components. Whether it’s inspecting welds, assessing material properties, or detecting defects, your work contributes to safety, quality, and reliability across industries.
In your opinion, what steps can employers take to foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace? What can national organizations such as ASNT do?
Employers can implement diversity and inclusion policies; conduct training programs to raise awareness and promote a culture of understanding and respect; ensure equal opportunities and address unconscious biases in hiring/promotion processes; encourage mentorship/sponsorship programs for underrepresented employees; create employee resource groups; implement flexible work arrangements; and have transparent communication.
ASNT can advocate for diversity and inclusion within the NDT industry. Some ideas include: raising awareness about the benefits of a diverse workforce through publications, conferences, and events; providing resources and training materials for organizations; offering workshops or webinars focused on fostering inclusivity in the workplace; facilitating networking opportunities; and conducting research and collecting data on diversity and inclusion in the NDT industry. ASNT could establish recognition programs that highlight companies and individuals in the NDT field who excel in promoting diversity and inclusion, collaborate with educational institutions to encourage a more diverse pool of students to pursue careers in NDT, and support scholarship programs for underrepresented groups.
Cameron Jones
Statesboro, Georgia
Can you share a bit about yourself and what motivated you to pursue a career in nondestructive testing?
As a young girl, I loved the idea of seeing how things in this world were manufactured and help people function on a day-to-day basis. Many of these ideas intrigued me, and I pursued this strong interest. I majored in mechanical engineering at Georgia Southern University and graduated with a bachelor’s degree in 2023. I was introduced to NDT through a research professor that I worked well with. He showed me how NDT technology is used in the world today.
In your opinion, what steps can employers take to foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace? What can national organizations such as ASNT do?
The best advice is to allow women and minority women to give input into the major decision-making of the company’s projects and roles. Open doors for women in STEM and provide equal opportunities.
Muriel Magloire
Concord, North Carolina
Can you share a bit about yourself and what motivated you to pursue a career in nondestructive testing?
I am Haitian American and a first-generation college graduate. My journey to NDT was unintentional, as I was simply accompanying my son on a tour of the NDT program at our local community college. By the end I knew that I too would be enrolling in the program at the start of the fall semester.
In your opinion, what steps can employers take to foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace? What can national organizations such as ASNT do?
In my opinion, the first step employers should take is to create and maintain a culture that supports this type of work environment. I could brainstorm a few ways to execute that, but I believe they should start by embracing change. The one constant in this world is change, yet so much energy is invested in fighting it. Other ways are to consider women in planning logistics as well. For example, ensuring we have equal access to restrooms. National organizations such as ASNT can help by getting the conversation started.
[Editor’s Note: Muriel Magloire is also one of ASNT’s “Faces of NDT,” an advocacy and outreach program. Learn more about it on ASNT Pulse.]
Shanna Warner
League City, Texas
Can you share a bit about yourself and what motivated you to pursue a career in nondestructive testing?
Sure! My name is Shanna Warner (she/they) and I’m currently an eddy current assistant. I found out about NDT during a program information session at the community college where I worked as a senior administrative assistant. It sounded intriguing, so I signed up for classes. I graduated with my associate of applied science and a Certificate of Technology in Nondestructive Testing. I’m approaching my first full year in the field, and it’s been a blast!
In your opinion, what steps can employers take to foster a more inclusive and diverse workplace? What can national organizations such as ASNT do?
Just as there isn’t a one-size-fits-all method in NDT, there’s never a single approach to inclusivity and diversity. The answer can be as straightforward or complex as the current climate of accessibility, equity, and inclusion in the workplace dictates. Both employers and ASNT have been working to improve their approach, and there is always room for improvement. Advocating for equitable treatment in the workplace, where contributions are valued based on merit rather than gender expression/identity, is crucial. Providing necessary accommodations when required ensures an inclusive environment where all employees can thrive. It’s also essential to foster an atmosphere where women are respected as valued members of the team, rather than being singled out as novelties.
[Editor’s Note: Shanna Warner served as a guest blogger for ASNT’s Annual Conference in 2021. Revisit her experience on ASNT Pulse.]