Q&A Session with Debbie Schenberger

Q:  Why do you think girls are still overlooked in math and science and not
    taken seriously about pursuing careers in those fields?  What can be 
    done to help change that?

A:  People are very traditional. Look around and you will not see a lot of 
    women in math and science, therefore people assume that women don't 
    want to go into those fields. When they do meet a woman in a 
    technical field, it surprises them because it is rare. The only way 
    to change that is for more women to choose technical fields. You as 
    an individual can help change viewpoints by listing off all the women 
    you have heard of that have pursued technical careers. You'll also 
    find that the farther you proceed in your education, the more people 
    you will meet who are exposed to technical women and don't find it
    odd.


Q: What do you find the most rewarding in this kind of work?
 
A: Finishing a design, having thought out all the details and making it work.


Q: What are some ideas you have for us about improving female enrollment in
   math and science classes and careers.

A: Let them know that gender is unimportant to career choice. People (not 
   just women) give up on math and science because it's "too hard", but 
   that's just not true. It's very analytical, but those are only the 
   introductory classes. After that, the work in school becomes very  
   applied and is quite interesting. In the long run, the math becomes 
   quite easy and just a tool to help with the job.


Q:  Girls are often overlooked by math teachers here, but are afraid to say
    anything.  How can I speak up for myself or others?

A:  The only way to keep from being overlooked is to raise your hand or walk 
    up to the teacher after class and ask again. If the answer isn't 
    complete enough, you just have to keep asking. It sometimes helps to 
    first explain everything you do understand before asking a question 
    so that the teacher can recognize that you are learning and will be 
    more willing to help you.


Q: Did your strong background in English skills help you succeed in science
   and math?  If so, in what ways?
 
A:  Yes definitely. A lot of engineering involves publishing technical 
    papers, preparing presentations, and giving speeches. The more 
    literate you are, the better you can express yourself.


Q: Can you describe a problem you are working to solve i.e. an example of
   an actual project?

A: I am trying to seal two fans to a filter housing with a "dynamic" seal 
   that can be moved out of the way. This involves using cams and seals 
   that can be released.


Q: What is very inspiring about your work?

A: Working with researchers and scientists on fascinating projects and 
   knowing that my contributions will make a difference.


Q: What are the biggest drawbacks?

A: The amount of time and effort involved in getting design drawings 
   absolutely perfect before they can be released.


Q: What is your opinions on whether we should push for all female math 
   classes?

A: ABSOLUTELY NOT! That only strengthens the division between the genders. It
   should not matter if a person is male or female. Females are not 
   intimidated by males being in their class, but by the theoretical 
   nature of the assignments. The only thing I would suggest pushing for, 
   is more application of what is learned rather than just straight 
   equations, etc.


Q:  If you could not be a mech. eng. anymore, what job would you choose?
    Maybe carpenter or woodworker?

A:  I would be a teacher because I enjoy helping people learn. I am 
    constantly asked for advice on how to use software, etc. and I really 
    enjoy that. Woodworking is a hobby for me and I wouldn't want to 
    have  to do it as work. It would make me impatient and that would 
    take away the fun.


Q: How do you balance free time with your work, especially with lab work or
   experiments which may last into late shifts?

A: I do not work overtime because it would interfere with my time with 
   family.


Q:  Did you have to change who you are to be one of the guys in college in
    order to succeed in a mostly male major?

A:  No. Most of the guys treated me as an equal right from the beginning. 
    They didn't know how to treat me, so they let me define my own place. 
    I guess they figured I would have to be different from them since I 
    was a woman. Most of my friends and study partners in college were 
    male and I never really noticed it.


Q:  Did men professors in college ever sexually harrass you?  If so, would
    you handle it differently now than you did then?

A:  Never. All the professors I have met have had lots of women in their 
    classes over the years and treat you exactly the same as anyone else. 
    Within the technical profession, most people are exposed to lots of 
    women, so they don't think of it as odd. It's only in the general 
    public that you find lots of ignorance. They only difference I 
    experienced in college was that I was always remembered by name by my 
    professors because I stood out. That was an advantage because they 
    would greet me in the hall and it made me feel welcome.


Q:  Did the guys in your college classes put down girls or make rude remarks
    about them?  If so, how did you handle their comments - did you speak up,
    ignore them, or?

A:  Sexy jokes and comments about dumb women are common, but you'll find 
    that they are not including you in that classification. I think it's  
    best to just let it pass and not be uptight about every little thing 
    you hear. I think it has been detrimental to my friendships at work 
    that all of this "equality training" has taken place. It makes all 
    the men paranoid that I will take offense if they pat me on the 
    shoulder for doing a good job or comment on the attractiveness
    of my new suit. Most men don't mean any harm by what they say and 
    you should try to see it in that light. Really offensive things are 
    extremely rare, but you'll know when you have to say "I don't find 
    that humorous" or "I hope you don't mean me when you say that."