IT IS quite rare to find womenin the field of mechanicalengineering and applied

mechanics. However, ChevonaeWalcott, a graduate of theUniversity of Pennsylvania(UPENN), has proved that shecan break the glass ceiling in amale dominated field, where shestudied mechanical engineeringand applied mechanics.

She describes the transition toUPENN as one she had toendure.

“I moved to a new country at17, living away from my family,and dived into a male-dominatedenvironment and into a presti-gious school where some stu-dents did not require any finan-cial aid,” she noted.

“While doing my major, I hada student job, so I had to sacri-fice my remaining time to study,which others could have donefor free.”

However, from her days at theWolmer’s Girls’ School, Walcottwas always determined to suc-ceed.

She noted that she alwaysremembered her alma mater’smotto: ‘Age Quod Agis’(Whatever you do, do it well).

At Wolmer’s, Walcott wasencouraged by her teachers andpeers to pursue a career in thefield of the sciences.

“All of my science teachersthere were women – for chem-istry, physics, and mathematics– so I had good role models andsupport all around.”

TRAVELLED FROM MAY PEN

Additionally, she had to tra-verse to Wolmer’s from MayPen every morning.

“Many persons, when theyfound out, could not believe Itravelled daily from May Pen,Clarendon, where I lived. I wokeup at 5:30 a.m. in order to get toschool ... and I’m pretty sure myattendance was close to perfect.My mom always made sure of it.”

She added with a laugh: “Mymom also worked in Kingston,so my sister and I drove withher. The journey was worth itand got much better with thehighway.”

At the University ofPennsylvania, Walcott also

developed an interest in engi-neering entrepreneurship andtook it up as a minor. She alsobecame heavily involved inmultiple extra-curricular activi-ties.

“I just worked hard and triedto make the most of theresources around me. I joinedthe Modular Robotics Lab as astudent researcher. I was also onthe board of Advancing Womenin Engineering, and I gave backduring spring breaks on volun-teer trips, and things like that.”

DESIGN COMPETITION

As part of their UPENN sen-ior year, students were requiredto participate in a student designcompetition, and her team,Oceanus, was awarded firstplace for its project onautonomous wave-powereddesalination.

Walcott has been accepted tothe Mechanical Engineering andApplied Mechanics Master ofScience in Engineering pro-gramme, but there will be noneed-based aid.

As a result, she is interning ata start-up in Toronto, workingon product development, dataanalytics, and inventory man-agement.

“I deferred my admission tothe master’s [degree] so I canboth get experience in my majorand minor and try to save what Ican to help facilitate anotherdream of mine.”

Chevonae says one has to“stay positive” and be “faithful”to achieve one’s dreams.

“I would say that surroundingyourself with those who supportyour ambitions and goals isimportant. Jamaicans can trulydo anything when they have avision for themselves. Thenwhile working towards thedream, it is key to stay positiveand faithful. Some days, I myselfdidn’t know how I would everunderstand a topic, and when Ienrolled, I didn’t know how thefinances would stretch.”

Walcott hopes her examplewill encourage other young girlseyeing the science, technology,engineering, and mathematicsfield.

– Mikhail Williams

• www.jamaica-gleaner.com • gleanerjamaica • jamaicagleaner • NEWSTHE GLEANER, THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016 A7

LARGE ABROAD:JAMAICANS FIND SUCCESS OVERSEAS

CHEVONAE

in male-dominated field

I would say that

surroundingyourself withthose who support yourambitions andgoals is important.Jamaicans cantruly do anythingwhen they have avision for themselves.

“

”

breaking glassCEILING

CONTRIBUTED

Chevonae Walcott