This year’s theme for WE17 is Always Connecting … Always Engineering. You cannot attend a WE conference without forming connections, and we know that engineering is more than just a profession…it’s a mindset and outlook that defines who you are and how you think.
So, in anticipation of the largest conference for women engineers, we’re asking our members how they’re Always Connecting and Always Engineering in their lives.
Rabab Danielle Alrayes
University of Michigan-Dearborn, Electrical Engineering“Electrical engineer by day–baker by night! I have always been passionate about cooking, especially baking. Before starting my studies in engineering, I seriously contemplated becoming a chef, or a pastry chef. Pies, cakes, muffins, tarts, cookies–you name it, I’ll bake it!
For me, it’s not just about the outcome of baking, but more about the process. There is very clearly a science to it; I often compare chefs to chemists. Cooking has so many of elements of chemistry and math: altering one ingredient can completely change the outcome of your product. The delicate balance of acids and bases in a recipe must be a priority when creating a recipe (another term for food-algorithm, I like to say). A fraction of a change in ingredients can change quite a bit in a recipe. Heat is also a huge element in cooking–the chemical reaction ingredients have with heat has always been fascinating to me. Apply different amounts of heat for specific times to achieve different results. A cookie baked at 350 degrees F for 10 minutes is completely different than a cookie baked at 400 degrees F for 5 minutes.
Cooking is always an experiment for me. You’re able to push limits, alter recipes to produce different outcomes (very much like coding, in my opinion), and play with the proportions in ingredients until you achieve the results you’re looking for. Like any experiment, there is trial and error, and I’m constantly making hypotheses while cooking. The more I learn in school, the more I understand the science behind cooking. In my studies, and in the kitchen, I still have a lot to learn, but I’m improving every day!”
Tell us how you’re Always Connecting…Always Engineering with #AlwaysEngineering. Tag @SWETalk on Twitter and Instagram, and @sweorg on Facebook!
Register for WE17
Engineering is a way of life. It’s how you look at the world, ask questions, find answers, and connect solutions to problems. Join thousands who share your “always engineering” mindset and register today for WE17— the world’s largest conference and career fair for women in engineering and technology.
Expand your “Always Engineering” Mind
- 275+ sessions, mega sessions, plenary panels and 15-minute lightning talks
- Professional development tracks focused on leadership, advocacy, career management and more
- Two dynamic keynote speakers
Experience Many Ways to Connect
- Explore opportunities at the world’s largest career fair for women engineers
- Find—or be— a mentor
- Re-connect with colleagues
- Meet new friends
Learn, network, and get inspired with the Society of Women Engineers. Register now for what we promise will be three unforgettable days!
