April 2024

April 2024
Katherine Ramirez

(BS, Mechanical Engineering, ’19)

Q & A:

1. What was your favorite class, who was your favorite professor, or what is your fondest memory of Hofstra?
   I have several classes and professors to choose from, both within my engineering curriculum and in the liberal arts. During my undergraduate studies, I unquestionably enjoyed the Aerospace concentration courses, which focused on the performance and design of aerospace systems. To fulfill the concentration requirement, I chose to take Compressible Flow, Aircraft Performance, and my ultimate favorite class: Aerodynamics taught by Dr. J. Vaccaro. Aerodynamics was by far one of the most challenging courses I took at Hofstra. Nevertheless, it was the most interesting and informative class, and I continue to practice and reminisce it about to this day. To make it brief, this course focused on the development of flow, airfoil, and finite wing theory, concepts of circulation and lift/drag, flow control over wings… I could go on. Yet, my favorite topic was compressible effects at high subsonic Mach numbers.
   
   Aside from my favorite course, my fondest memory is without a doubt introducing Mae C. Jemison, the first woman of color to go into space as an astronaut aboard the Space Shuttle Endeavor’s STS-47 Spacelab-J mission in September 1992. I was given the opportunity introduce her as a signature speaker at Hofstra’s John Cranford Adams Playhouse, where she spoke about her 100 Year Starship project – with the goal of human interstellar travel by 2112. It was truly an honor and a privilege to have met such an inspiring and powerful woman who, to my surprise, was just as amazed at my background and career aspirations. Not many people can say, “I met a real astronaut,” let alone be an engineering student introducing her as a guest speaker at Hofstra University.
2. What was your first job after graduating from Hofstra, and what was the most valuable thing you learned there?
   My first job after graduating from Hofstra, and where I am currently employed, is with Curtiss Wright, located in East Farmingdale. I have had the pleasure of growing and learning about the company, product, and processes. However, the most valuable thing I’ve learned thus far is to trust my engineering judgment, capability, and evaluation when putting together a procedure or troubleshooting or dispositioning nonconforming components or assemblies.
3. What is your field of specialty, and how did you come to work in the industry?
   I like to say, “The engineering industry chose me.” I have a very analytical, creative, and critical thinking mindset. While always having been very mechanically inclined, when it came to choosing a profession, I honestly had no idea what field I wanted to immerse myself in. At first, the medical industry caught my attention due to the scientific aspects of the industry. Yet, during my university search, I attended a campus tour at Hofstra University and the moment I stepped foot into the engineering building, I instantly knew a career as an engineer was the path for me. I made the right choice, as all my natural skills and abilities fit into my role as an engineering student and now into my profession as an actual engineer.
4. What advice would you give Hofstra students?
   The best advice I would give to Hofstra students would be the importance of asking for help, communicating authentically, and pacing yourself. These actions all go hand in hand and are interconnected. I feel that no student should ever feel embarrassed or refuse to admit they are facing challenges in their studies. Students should always feel empowered and not hesitate to ask for help, whether from a peer, professor, advisor, or any Hofstra staff member. Help is always available when you most need it. Communication is important and allows honesty and transparency between parties, so always communicate your needs and concerns about an assignment, class, or task. Of course, pacing yourself is also very important. Being able to take your time, not rushing a task or assignment, allows you to mindfully and calmly address every issue and mitigate any mistakes.
5. In one word, how would you describe Hofstra?
   Vibrant
6. How has your degree helped you?
   Both degrees (BS in Mechanical Engineering and MS in Engineering Management) have helped me grow personally and professionally and expand my knowledge in the industry, as well as grow within my company.
7. What is a typical day like for a project engineer?
   Every day is a new day for me as a project engineer, meaning nothing is continuously repetitive. For the most part, I circle among various departments – Manufacturing, Inspection, Assembly & Test, Welding, Planning/Purchasing, Configurations, etc. – providing my engineering input and support on processes, procedures, and/or components.
8. What is your favorite part of your job?
   The favorite part of my job is working with an integrated team in a world of designing and manufacturing valves from raw material to the finished product that go into nuclear power plants. As the project engineer, I have to ensure that all valves meet the respective ASME industry code requirements as well as quality standards.
9. Who was the person who most influenced you, and how?
   The person who influenced me the most would have to be my grandfather. He shared with me his wisdom and the best advice to thrive and shine in any industry (even life) despite any challenges that may come my way. The world of mechanics was second nature to him. He carried the mechanical skills and knowledge about engineering and flowed it down onto me. Because of his positive influence, I am the first and only female mechanical engineer in my family line.
10. Where do you see yourself in 10 years, and how do you see your career progressing?
    I chuckle every time I am asked this question. As much as I am the creator of my destiny, life never goes as planned and reroutes me to where I am actually meant to be. Ten years ago, I would have never imagined being and experiencing where I currently am now and with who surrounds my environment. Did I know I would be in the engineering industry? Sure. However, I did not imagine myself to be in the nuclear/manufacturing industry. Ten years from now, whether I remain in the engineering industry or decide to pursue a different career path, I do know I will be happy and successful, passionate about the work and knowledge I hone, and accepting because that is the right path meant. Whatever path I take roots back to the exceptional education I receive at Hofstra University.