As one of the most prominent engineers at design and engineering software firm Autodesk Inc., Melissa Thomas has a unique responsibility: helping students and educators understand how to enhance design and engineering software used to create everything from automobiles to equipment to the ubiquitous iPod. More importantly, she has staked her claim among the growing (but still underrepresented) number of female engineers who are changing the industry perspective on not only technical innovation but on the possibilities of engineering itself.

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	"You can create so much more as a member of a team than you can as an individual."

Thomas's introduction to engineering during her formative years was an unexpected one, revealing to her not only a hitherto unexplored field of study, but a latent talent of which she was completely unaware.

"I had a great teacher in high school who taught mechanical drawing. He encouraged me to learn about design. I really enjoyed the class and was surprised that I had a natural talent for engineering. As a joke, some of the guys from that class sent in for information on mechanical engineering college programs, pretending to encourage me to study after high school … and the rest is history."

Another important factor in her decision to pursue a career in engineering was the influence of her father, whose utilitarian understanding of machines and automobiles helped shape her professional ambitions.

"I used to sit and watch my dad fix cars. I think that did have an effect on me when choosing a career. Learning about the complexities of how a machine works and witnessing the satisfaction of being able to fix something by hand made me want to learn more and to eventually become an engineer."

An accomplished student, Thomas began her formal instruction in engineering at Pennsylvania State University, where she studied mechanical engineering technology. Regarding her time as an undergraduate, she observes, "I absolutely loved it. I loved the learning part of school — it takes math and science and gives [them] real meaning. Once you get into machine design, it takes mathematical equations and brings them to real life."

But math and science weren't the only things on her radar at Penn State. She also involved herself in several campus organizations relevant to her interests as an aspiring engineer.

"I was a part of Greek life, and the American Society of Mechanical Engineers, and I worked part-time for a manufacturer designing a water purification system that allowed power plants to recycle water. Being involved in different things in school definitely provided a well-rounded life experience and taught me how to multi-task and skillfully juggle multiple commitments."

As her time at Penn State was coming to a close, Thomas landed a summer internship with Ametek, a fractional horse power motor manufacturer. Her time as an intern would prove vital, as the official launching pad to her future success.

"I can't tell you how valuable that experience was in solidifying my desire to become an engineer and also in finding a job in my field after graduation. I went back to that same company after I graduated to work full time as a project engineer working on fractional horse power motors that were eventually used in vacuum cleaners, spas, and computers. I was also able to work with customers, which I really enjoyed."

Of course, solidifying her credentials as a formidable and expert engineer would take several years, which she did in a variety of positions with several companies. Once she had established herself as an authority on mechanical engineering and computer design, opportunity came knocking.

"I worked for manufacturing companies for the next eight years and then was approached by someone at Autodesk. Now I'm a solutions specialist for Autodesk's worldwide education division."

Her role at Autodesk is not strictly confined to the usual engineering grind: she serves as a sort of industry ambassador between Autodesk and universities, helping to attract and fashion the coming generation of American engineers.

"In my role, I work with professors at leading universities throughout the United States to help them take advantage of Autodesk's teaching and learning resources in mechanical engineering and manufacturing. I visit leading engineering schools to speak with faculty and to even deliver lectures to engineering students to help prepare them for careers in engineering."

In ranking her most notable career accomplishments, Thomas highlights her work used to implement new security measures in the midst of national crisis.

"The project that sticks out most in my mind is one I worked on as an R&D engineer at Will-Burt and Federal Signal in the wake of 9/11. We designed an emergency light that can be seen for miles when an accident occurs. It has lights mounted on a bar that, when fully extended, is located about four feet above the hood of a car. We went to New York City for the first article inspection at their station in Queens. So if you are ever in New York, look for these lights on the highway. What I remember most about this project is that it was such an intense experience. I was also involved in every aspect of the project — from the design to the manufacturing process — so I was really proud to see the finished project."

And what is the most important lesson she's learned along the way? That collaboration, not isolation, is the key to success.

"I think that the best lesson I've learned is that you can create so much more as a member of a team than you can as an individual. In all organizations I've worked for, you have to have team spirit in order to do outstanding work. You can try to do things on your own, but you can accomplish so much more working with others. This is something I've witnessed at Autodesk as a part of a team of solutions specialists — we are all working together to help educators improve engineering education and to ensure more students graduate prepared to work in the field, solving important engineering challenges and competing in the global economy."

Among the colleagues she has worked with, she notes one as being not only a great boss, but a great teacher as well.

"One of the greatest role models in my career was my boss David Finkenbinder. He taught me so much that I don't even know where to begin. He is one of those great leaders that make you feel like an equal. I learned as much from working with him as I did during my college education."

"Here at Autodesk I have another great mentor — Jimmy Scott. He is a great leader as well, and I am learning so much from him."

Thomas further advocates the necessity of mentors and role models for engineering students, saying that, "It is so important for professional engineers to serve as mentors to engineering students, who often struggle through their first few years of their undergrad. I try to help students when I visit different campuses throughout the country. In fact, I feel so strongly about mentoring that I've created a blog to help engineering students find the resources they need to succeed. The blog is called Engineering Education for the Non-Civil Minded. You can read it by visiting: engineeringeducation.typepad.com."

Since so much of her job entails dealing with students and helping them understand the fundamental necessity of engineering and its truly boundless possibility, Thomas is expectedly a veritable fountain of sound advice and wisdom. But more than that, she hopes to change popular perceptions of engineering at the very core of social education.

"First of all, I would love for elementary and middle school students who have a passion for design, math, science, or technology to think about careers in engineering, which is not just about building automobiles or bridges. Engineers can change the world. We think of doctors, lawyers, and politicians as being world changers, but it's actually engineers who can help to solve critical issues like global warming, rapid population growth, and to prepare cities, states, and even entire countries for natural disasters like hurricanes and floods."

"I'd also advise engineering students to learn the tools that professionals use, such as Autodesk Inventor, Alias Studio, or AutoCAD. These tools are used by industry-leading professionals and will give you a huge competitive advantage when you begin looking for a job. You can download student versions of these programs for free and access other learning resources at the Autodesk Student Engineering and Design Community at www.autodesk.com/edcommunity. There you can network with more than 175,000 students and faculty from more than 82 countries, share projects and ideas, and even look for internships and jobs."

"Above all, I would advise students who are just starting their engineering courses to listen. There is so much to learn, and there are people there to help you through it. Find yourself a mentor, and know that you can do it!"

"For young engineers just getting started in their careers, I'd recommend finding mentors who can help you navigate the field, challenge yourself, and even become a mentor yourself. Just being visible can help inspire others to become engineers — especially young women, who typically shy away from engineering careers."

Thomas has already proven that engineering is her domain, and that everything — from expanding the industry's traditional paradigm to changing the world through technical breakthroughs — is fair game indeed.

Q. What do you do for fun? A. I take my dogs to the dog park, meet friends out for dinner, or work on the house. Q. What CD is in your CD player right now? A. I have 24 albums in my CD player right now (I like variety). The one that I listen to most these days is Toby Mac's Portable Sounds. Q. What was the last magazine you read? A. Mechanical Engineering, the monthly publication of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers. Q. What is your favorite TV show? A. Any detective show. Q. Who is your role model? A. My father. He's such a loving and giving person and he accepts people for who they are. He inspires me to put others' needs before my own. Q. What makes you laugh? A. People who state the obvious: "So, you're a female engineer . . ."

On the net:

Autodesk, Inc.

Engineering Education for the Non-Civil Minded

Autodesk Student Engineering and Design Community

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