Naomi Edwards, Software Engineer and Notable Woman in STEM
Can you explain to us what you do?
I work as a Curriculum Development Specialist at PTC, a computer software company. I develop computer programs for schools to use in the classroom.
I’m currently working on a Computer-Aided Design (CAD) program called Onshape. This software basically takes a student from zero to hero, as we like to say. It walks you through how to design your own product and then hopefully 3D print it. The software is completely cloud-based, so students who wouldn’t traditionally be able to access this kind of program can, because they don’t need to install anything on their local computer.
What was your education and or career path? How did you get to where you are now?
I graduated high school in 1999. I am from a small rural school in Northeast Washington state and I didn’t know what engineering really was. Software felt natural for me to get into because I could use it to build things and that was a lot of fun.
I got my bachelor’s degree in mathematics and computer science from Whitworth University. After working in software, I ended up teaching those subjects for 15 years at Kettle Falls High School. I also got into robotics partway through my teaching career, which is where I had the exposure to CAD and robotics. This opened a whole new set of doors for me and led to my current work.
What or who were some of your most important influences that guided you to STEM?
There were a couple of programming courses in high school that gave me the opportunity to be creative in a technical way.
Those courses paved the way for me to explore programming in college. Believe it or not, I started college as a music major, but soon realized I didn’t want to play or sing in a highly competitive environment. When I realized I was actually quite talented in my computer science classes, I went with that.
Here at Washington STEM, we’re starting to talk about math identity. A positive math identity, knowing you can do math and that you belong in mathematics, help students succeed in stem. What were some of your earlier experiences in math and how do you think that impacted your career choice?
I think we all remember the timed multiplication tests from our elementary math classes. Students absorb from a very young age that if you’re not quick with the answer, then you’re probably not good at math. I was acutely aware of that when I was about 10 years old, and I just assumed that I wasn’t smart. The system definitely communicated that to me and I worked hard during my tenure in teaching to try to break that stigma with my own students.
In college, I realized that I was very capable of thinking through long, tough problems. I could do that deep thinking and then apply it to other things. That’s really the value that math provides – it’s not just math for math’s sake.
What is your favorite part of your job?
Some of the most exciting moments are when I get to train teachers.
I had the great fortune to teach for years and learn a lot along the way. Being in the classroom with other educators and having great conversations is rejuvenating. I don’t pretend to know all the answers but, I love supporting other educators and holding strong conversations that can help them do their jobs better.
There’s also something exciting about changing careers in your 40s. I feel like I get to learn again and like there’s always something new and exciting around the corner. It keeps me fresh.
What do you consider your biggest achievement in STEM?
My biggest achievement is the work I’ve done with students. I continue to coach a robotics team – we actually just finished our last competition. Our team unfortunately didn’t make it into the championships, but our students built a beautiful robot they are proud of and ended their season on a high performing note!
I just cannot even put into words how exciting it is to watch those students grow and be challenged by something that’s highly technical and very competitive. Watching them turn into competent problem solvers – there’s nothing better than that. That’s my pride and joy.
Are there any stereotypes about women in STEM you’d like to personally dispel?
I got into software in 2003. The dot-com bust had just happened and the job market was really tough. Being female in the industry was also more challenging than I could have anticipated. I spent a lot of time second-guessing myself.
The striking difference that I see between men and women in the United States is that men don’t feel like they have to be right to say what they’re going to say. Women oftentimes feel like they’ve got to have all the receipts to back themselves up.
I wish that when I stand next to a male colleague at a conference, people would engage in a conversation with me and not just immediately talk to the guy. That sort of thing still happens. That’s why we have to speak up for ourselves and for our women colleagues.
What unique qualities do you bring to STEM?
There’s a lot of men in the tech industry who are great at saying: “I see the problem, I’m going to dive in, I’m going to fix that problem.” And they are often quicker to the punch on the solution.
However, my strength is saying: “Alright, what’s the entire scope of our problem? What other problems is it going to create? What other possibilities might it open?” I bring that strategic thinking to my team, even though I’m not the first one to go and find a tech solution right there on the spot.
How do you see science, technology, engineering and/or math working together in your current job?
The best way to describe it is that I have to be fluent in information. If you want to be competitive in our quick-moving society, you’re not going to get trained in college and then just be out the door and ready to go. You need to be an excellent collector of information. I know AI is creating a very interesting dynamic, but you also need a critical eye for what you’re reading to have an idea if it’s complete garbage or not.
In my current job, I can’t parrot back things I’m hearing or reading. Where my job becomes dynamic is finding ways to take in new information, make new connections, and set a course of action. I am expected to be able to interpret large amounts of data, know our product inside and out and how it is used in industry, and then help develop new ways that train the next generation of users in the mechanical engineering industry.
What would you like to say to young women thinking about beginning your career in STEM?
You are your hardest critic. I know you are.
There are going to be people who will make you wonder if you’re in the right spot, but your perspective is needed in STEM. Otherwise, we end up with garbage technology that’s not helpful for a wider audience of people.
I distinctly remember casually speaking with maintenance about a bathroom remodel that was happening in one of our schools. I brought up how having a family stall with a changing table would help our community and keep our young families involved in the sporting events or community events held there. The maintenance men were surprised and even admitted that it never occurred to them to ask a woman what should be done in the bathroom. I realize this is a bit of a silly example but, it was hugely profound! Getting diverse perspectives on products that people are making or selling is a pillar of good product design. You don’t think like a 30-something cis-white male. That’s wonderful and valuable! Treat that as one of your strengths!
Can you share a fun fact about yourself?
This always surprises people – I may work for a big tech company, but I live in rural Northeast Washington on 20 acres near Kettle Falls. I’m a small-town kid at heart. I have a couple of dogs, a handful of chickens, and a greenhouse. I love photography as a hobby and currently spend a lot time watching my kids compete in sports and do robotics.