Photography by LORI SPARKMAN PHOTOGRAPHY
Prospect Steel, Lexicon Inc. Company | Project Coordinator
BEGINNING INTERESTS
I always liked jigsaw puzzles and building kits. I enjoy putting small pieces together and building something bigger. I have also always been good at math and building things that will last. Being exposed to different computer programs throughout my college career helped me be proficient with the tools I use today. My STEAM education taught me how to read drawings with all the section views – understanding the measurements and the pieces detailed so I can visualize in 3D how parts and pieces are put together on the 2D plan.
LOVE THE WORK
I get to be part of the team that builds big, complex structures all over the country. For example, Lexicon did the roof structure on the Dallas Cowboys stadium. Being able to tell people, “My company built that,” makes me feel proud. Our company was also the first in the United States to purchase a robotic welding assembly line for our steel shop. I was part of the team that went to Austria to train how to program and use it – understanding lengths, widths, angles, vectors, etc. This work leaned heavily on my math and engineering background.
ADVICE
Anybody can excel. People used to think construction and engineering was a boy’s club, but it’s not anymore. There is a huge need across the country for well-educated, trained employees in the STEAM fields. A lot of companies offer on-the-job training, and it can be a very rewarding career. You can be a part of building projects that will last a lifetime.
These wonder women are redefining what “full STEAM ahead” means in Arkansas. With exciting careers in science, technology, engineering, the arts and mathematics – each reflects WIT (Women in Tech) and true grit for making the most of every opportunity. Here’s to the powHER of knowledge.
