Take Five!

Great inspiration can come from a simple conversation, so, to keep you inspired, ASABE is pleased to offer this series of casual interviews with Society members. This month, spend a few moments getting acquainted with. . .

Cara Cowan Watts

With what kind of projects are you involved? Currently, I am working on my dissertation in Biosystems Engineering at Oklahoma State in Stillwater. My work is on 'Numerical Nutrient Criteria Supporting Cherokee Nation's Culturally Significant Waters.' In addition, I am pushing for new and expanded educational programs at the Cherokee Nation supporting science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) for our K-12 programs. Some of those programs include the annual Cherokee Nation Science and Engineering Fair, funding local American Indian Science and Engineering Society (AISES) K-12 chapters and an annual STEM summer camp for Cherokee kids.

What was it about the discipline that drew you to agricultural and biological engineering? I love the broad multi-disciplinary aspects of biosystems engineering coupled with the solid foundation of fundamental engineering knowledge. Any applied earth sciences is exciting and critical to a sustainable future regardless of what area you focus on within the broader discipline.

What was your biggest challenge when you started out in your career? My biggest challenge was corporate expectations in the work place and discrimination. Although I am a second generation college graduate, my parents did not have the experience to prepare me for corporate life and the inevitable conflicts that arise from personality differences, gender differences or cultural differences. Through mentors in AISES, I was able to work through differences in a way that was a win-win for me, other employees involved, management and the company. As engineers, we do not talk enough about the soft issues surrounding our work place. Women and minorities are often left out in the cold concerning work place comraderie, daily decision-making and other things that are so often assumed by folks raised with the unwritten rules. Mentoring others through the 'soft issues' would open up an entire new group of talented engineers given a little bit of investment by folks who care. Often discrimination issues could be stopped with a little bit of education and a savvy woman or man who is able to stand up for themselves at the moment something happens which makes them uncomfortable. In other words, most folks have good intentions and need to be told they are acting improperly.

What element of your work gives you the most satisfaction? The ability to directly apply my work to resolve real world problems facing communities gives me the ultimate satisfaction.

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Name: Cara Cowan Watts

Current home: Claremore/Verdigris, Oklahoma

Born/raised: Shawnee and Seminole, Oklahoma

Education: BS, Mechanical Engineering; MS Telecommunications Management, Oklahoma State University - Stillwater (BS) and Tulsa (MS)

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