Female engineers participate in important conversation about women in science

Photo above, Left: Selisa Rollins, general engineer, Power and Operations Planning, Right: Kelly McFarlane, electrical engineer, Transmission Operations group

Engineers Week, celebrated the third week of every February, is designed to recognize the important work of engineers while also engaging the next generation of innovators.

We asked two of BPA’s engineers, Kelly McFarlane and Selisa Rollins, to share their insights with those considering an engineering career.

When people ask me what I do for work I tell them…

Selisa:  I apply complex mathematical formulas to model and analyze the operation of the Columbia River System, including several hydro projects in Canada. Since coming to BPA, I’ve worked with an awesome team of engineers, analysts, hydrologists and economists within Power and Operations Planning.  Our work involves carrying out studies that coordinate the operation of hydroelectric dams in the Northwest.  This coordination helps minimize flood risks and optimize power generation in the region.

Kelly: As an electrical engineer in the Transmission Operations group, I support real time issues occurring on the power grid, helping to analyze all disturbances that occur. This includes outages due to weather, equipment failures, equipment misoperations, etc. I also test and review transmission protection schemes designed to mitigate problems that could occur on the grid, so we can deliver safe and reliable power to our customers.  Before I began working in Transmission Operations, I worked at BPA substations across the Pacific Northwest in the Test and Energization group, installing and testing power system equipment. That hands-on experience has been invaluable to my success at BPA. I am excited to say that I will be starting as a permanent supervisor in the Test and Energization group in a couple months. I have always known I wanted to work in management so this next step in my career is a very special one for me!

What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?

Selisa: I was inspired to pursue a degree in engineering after attending a National Society of Black Engineers conference during my freshman year of high school.  I walked away from that conference feeling inspired and thinking, “Wow! Engineers have the privilege of designing and optimizing things we use on a consistent basis!”  The experience also broadened my perspective about how my passion for mathematics and chemistry could be combined to pursue a degree in chemical engineering.   

Kelly: My mom. She has a Ph.D.in Electrical Engineering and was a trailblazer in her field. She was one of the only women in her workplace and regularly dealt with less than welcoming personalities, yet she established herself as a diligent and knowledgeable colleague.  She retired as vice president of her organization at the age of 50 after having my youngest sibling (her seventh child!!!).   

What is a challenge you encountered that you think others should be aware of?

Selisa: The scarcity of mentor-mentee relationships among underrepresented groups in STEM is a significant challenge today.  For the next generation of innovators, it’s extremely important and beneficial to have access to the everyday STEM trailblazers – who already have paved a pathway of professional success in their field.  These mentors, who are willing to take the time to give direction, not only help the next generation in the STEM field avoid certain pitfalls, but they can also help mentees map out their short-term and long-term goals in a strategic and efficient manner. 

Kelly:  Engineering can be an intimidating field to join and inevitably, you will face challenges. I recall taking classes where I really struggled but I decided to stick with it and persevere. I retook a class or two (maybe three?), which felt humiliating at the time, but it was very much worth it. When I started working at BPA I similarly felt in over my head but a combination of hard work and a desire to learn pushed me forward. Do not let the occasional failure stop you from continuing and excelling within the engineering industry!

What is the most important piece of advice you would give someone who is interested in pursuing an engineering career?

Selisa: I highly recommend you become an active member of a professional engineering organization that supports K-12 initiatives. Building this connection with an organization at an early stage in your education helps strengthen your network to find a mentor in your area of study, enables you to participate in free college/career fairs, showcases your school project(s), and prepares you to compete in national (sometimes international) science competitions. 

Selisa recommends the below organizations and programs as a place to start to find a mentor and other educational opportunities within the STEM field:

• American Indian Science and Engineering Society
• Get Into Energy / Get Into STEM
• National Society of Black Engineers
• Society of Hispanic Professional Engineers
• Society of Women Engineers

Kelly:  Networking has been an invaluable tool for me. I recommend meeting as many people as you can, try to understand the work they do, and seek out a mentor! Mentoring is an excellent tool to connect with others and learn about experiences and opportunities that can help you grow.