What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job out of college was very interesting, but I could never tell anyone what I really did. I worked for the Air Force as an analyst in solid rocket propulsion. I needed a security clearance from the government to be hired into that position. I have known people that were turned down or lost their clearances because of drug use or financial problems in their past. Once you have lost or been denied a clearance, your ability to ever get a job in the defense industry is severely limited. The process of getting a clearance taught me that choices you make in your personal life can determine if you can get or keep certain jobs.

Who is your hero, mentor, or person you admire most?

I think having heroes is unwise. You cannot put people on pedestals and then expect them to live up to your expectations. It's better to set high standards for yourself and then raise the bar periodically.

What are you most proud of (either professionally or personally)?

Like most mothers, I am very proud of my children. Through several transfers where they changed schools, my son and daughter always adjusted well and didn't complain. They are great kids that know the importance of family.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?

I would tell her not to let the technical courses overwhelm you. Take some fun electives, too. Learn all you can, and carry that through into your new job.

It's important to have an overall view of whatever you may be designing. So many times people say, "That's not my responsibility", but the requirements of one part of a system affect the others. Keep communications open between disciplines; their needs may shape your designs. Ask people what they are doing; everyone loves to discuss their pet projects if you only let them.

Don't be afraid to admit that you don't understand something. If you act like you do, you may be called upon in the future to use that knowledge. It's better to ask for more information the first time, rather than play catch-up later.

Finally, I would tell her that it is possible to take time out and have a family. So many women feel that they cannot afford to take time away from their careers to raise their children. You must make the decision on what is best for your family, but the time you invest in your children will never be viewed by them as a waste of your time.

What is your favorite book?

I found a book last year that has been very helpful professionally. In college, emphasis was always made on your current classes, but pulling it all together was difficult to envision. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) published "Tactical Missile Propulsion," edited by Jensen and Netzer. It gives a systems perspective to its overall design approach and I would highly recommend it to anyone in the field.

Personally, I have been impressed with a book that is helping my relationship with my son. "Voices from Fatherhood: Fathers, Sons, and ADHDA," by Kilcarr and Quinn, is full of practical advice from fathers and mothers about their ADHD children. And, as anyone with an ADHD child knows, we need all the advice we can get.

What is your favorite Web site?

My time to surf the web is limited, but lately I've been visiting www.travelocity.com to find different options for vacation planning. They find low airline fares, and give you the option to fly into nearby airports at reduced prices. Of course, since I work in a cubicle atmosphere for a large corporation, I also enjoy The Dilbert Zone.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?

I enjoy investigating and researching new or experimental technologies. The challenge becomes determining feasibility of incorporation, and weighing that against the possible benefits. Then, recommendations can be made to allow decisions based on reasonable expectations of cost and risk.

What was your darkest moment professionally, and what did you learn from it?

The most stressful time for me professionally was the first few months after I started my current job. I had been out of the workforce for 9 years, had only worked for the government in the past, and the computer revolution had passed me by. I had been out of college for 13 years, but had little professional experience. I was very upfront with my superiors about my lack of computer skills, but they didn't always remember. I learned not to be afraid to ask for assistance, and that most people are very willing to help. Within a short time, my skills had improved dramatically, and with it my confidence. As my faith in my abilities grew, so did my level of responsibility.

What do you do to relax?

Our backyard is landscaped with many plants and flowers, a small pond with a waterfall, and a hot tub under a gazebo. After a long day, once the kids are in bed, my husband and I head for our retreat for an undisturbed recharge.