During a recent back-to-school season, the University of Oklahoma College of Engineering hosted Dr. Pamela McCauley, the first African American woman in Oklahoma to earn a doctorate in engineering.

McCauley, the 2019 WOC Technologist of the Year, shared valuable life lessons from her remarkable engineering journey.

Her insights emphasized the importance of working and playing hard, while also studying even harder, a mindset that sets successful students apart.

She highlighted the significance of connecting with others through professional societies. Moreover, she encourages asking for help when needed, which distinguishes successful students from those who struggle silently.

She instilled in her audience the belief that the administrators, faculty, and staff at the University of Oklahoma genuinely want students to succeed, fostering an environment of encouragement that can significantly impact outcomes.

In a similar vein, this spring, Boise State University announced that the College of Engineering celebrated its first-ever graduate to earn a Doctor of Philosophy in Engineering during the May commencement, highlighting its commitment to pushing boundaries in academia.

This interdisciplinary Ph.D. program, designed to break down academic silos, enables students to explore various engineering disciplines, including civil and mechanical engineering, which is less common in traditional programs.

Brooke Heller exemplifies the challenges faced by many college students in STEM fields.

Unlike some who abandon their pursuits, Heller faced her obstacles head-on by pursuing a unique interdisciplinary path for her master's degree—combining her interests in education with her engineering background.

During her studies, she navigated significant transitions, including getting married, relocating across the state, and seeking new career opportunities after earning her bachelor’s degree.

While many students struggle with limited funding for graduate studies, Heller's connection with Krishna Pakala, an associate professor of mechanical and biomedical engineering, played a crucial role in continuing her education —a luxury not always available to others.

Pakala and his co-investigators are conducting National Science Foundation-funded research that compares innovative approaches to engineering education, aiming to enhance the student experience in ways that surpass traditional methods.

Heller’s difficulties in this area further fueled her desire to make a difference.

Together, through storytelling workshops in engineering classrooms, Heller and Pakala strive to improve engineering students’ sense of belonging, identity, and persistence more effectively than conventional teaching methods by encouraging them to craft personal narratives within the STEM field.

Heller concludes with practical advice for those considering an advanced degree or graduate school: have an advisor who is in your corner. This contrasts with the experiences of those who may lack support.

Their NSF-sponsored research, titled "Embedding Personal Narratives in Engineering Courses to Improve Engineering Student Success," aims to show how a personal touch in academia can lead to better outcomes than more traditional approaches.

This spring marked a historic milestone for @BoiseState. Brooke Heller became the university’s first-ever graduate to earn a Ph.D. in Engineering!

Read her story: https://t.co/s4FrWRQ3ex
#BoiseStateCOEN #FromIdeasToImpact pic.twitter.com/EV8FEHilrL

— Boise State College of Engineering (@BoiseStateCOEN) June 24, 2025