The Unboxing Project: Recent Episodes
Kari Sebern
Interview Series-- Breaking down stereotypes in STEM-- Promoting diversity-- Exposing kids to STEM-- Doing life differently
Welcome to the FIRST UP Interlude! These monologues will be taking a visit to the deep recesses of my thoughts. Get ready to exercise your brain! :) And I'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics too: kari@vector-collab.com
"A strong work ethic, integrity and a curious mind can take you far." This is the ingrained mindset of Monica Wilson. She is an environmental scientist, biophilic, and runway model. As a digital nomad herself, she has clients all around the world that seek her out to create spaces that are environmentally conscious and invite nature indoors. She is passionate about the ways in which cities are developed, technology and improved environments and how these things can change one's life trajectory. She holds a degree in environmental science and sustainability from the University of Virginia. She was exposed to the effects of climate change at a young age and took it on as her personal mission to combat the effects of this. She has had a strong connection to nature and honed in on self sufficiency from an early age. Enjoy!
theunboxingproject #mathscienceart #biophilia
Jarrett is an architect specializing in facade design. Essentially, he explores parametric and free form design and frequently finds himself pushing the edge on innovation in an effort to create beautiful, creative, work of art buildings. Violent geometry is his playground. As a person deeply rooted to the earth and nature, Jarrett is intrigued by complex patterns found in nature and frequently uses these as inspiration in his design work. He is a people connector and loves enhancing lives through design. He has his own podcast, The All Nighter where he and his co-hosts explore all things architectural and education. Jarrett enjoys mentoring architectural students and loves travel and culture with strong ties to Ecuador and Brazil. Also discussed: best restaurants in Denver.
theunboxingproject #stem #mathscienceart #theallnighter #spaceform #facadedesign
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-all-nighter-podcast/id1518602619
Holly is a licensed mechanical engineer specializing in building design and a business partner with BBS Architects l Engineers. She balances business ownership with engineering design and several hobbies including bicycling, music, smoking meats and home remodeling projects. Co-ops, internships and electives helped her hone in on her passions and favorite path in mechanical engineering. No two days are the same which keeps things challenging and interesting. Holly loves interacting with end users and sharing her expertise so that they can do their jobs better. Listen to Holly's insight on how business ownership is an exercise in wearing many hats and that you don't have to know everything starting out (or ever for that matter). Enjoy this discussion!
theunboxingproject #stem #mechanicalengineer
Aaron is a people person. At one point he was the spokesman for media for the Iowa Section of ASCE and pulled it off like a seasoned news reporter. He is engaging and driven to propel to the next level, always. While at the University of Iowa, Aaron was a division one football athlete, had a job, and earned bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Civil Engineering. He later went on to get his MBA from the University of Iowa. The grit developed during this time serves Aaron to this day. He is always striving to grow and challenge himself. He currently serves at the IT Chair for the Iowa Football Club and is the Chair of the Professional Advisory Board for the University of Iowa - Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering. One hidden (subjective) fact: Aaron is a world class pie connoisseur. I forgot how much I laughed during this interview!
https://www.theunboxingproject.com
theunboxingproject #mathscienceart #forterra #asceinthenews #asce #iowafootball
Jennifer Lyn is a successful Indie Blues-Rock musician and structural engineer. Her band, Jennifer Lyn and Groove Revival is just getting ready to release their third album, Nothing Holding Me Down. As if writing, recording and producing a new album isn't a big enough undertaking, she is also finishing up the spring semester as the Department Chair of Geomatics, Engineering and Mathematics and Associate Professor of Engineering at Bismark State College. Oh and she also coaches soccer. Jen has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in civil-structural engineering and a master's degree in fire protection engineering. We might just share some "back in the day" stories in this interview. :) I think you will find that Jen has created a life that uniquely suits her interests. Her passions include mentoring students and creating music. And today the first single from her new album drops. Check it out!!
https://jenniferlynandthegrooverevival.hearnow.com/ https://shopjenniferlynmusic.com/collections/pre-order https://jenniferlynmusic.com/ https://www.theunboxingproject.com/
theunboxingproject #jenniferlynmusic #jlyn_music #nothingholdingmedown #sdstate #gojacks
Sidney May lives in color. We met at a conference several years ago and bonded over our cute shoes. In an engineering fashion sea of grey, we both see and live in color. No polos or khakis for us. Sidney is a published author, instructor, entrepreneur, engineer and visual artist. She has bravely crafted a life that is unique and authentic to her. She is a fervent learner, constantly curious and always seeking out different and creative things in all aspects of her life. Asphalt and art are two of her main passions. Enjoy this conversation!
https://www.sidneymaype.com/
theunboxingproject #schoolofpe #sidneymaype
Kelly is a structural engineer and one of the best relationship curators that I have ever met. She values her clients as individuals and has found a way to connect with them in a very meaningful way. She has worked at the same company since college graduation but her role has changed drastically throughout the years, largely in part to her willingness to take on new risks and challenges. Listen as Kelly talks healthy competition, building a team and connecting with clients.
theunboxingproject #stem #structuralengineer #imegcorp
While earning his BS in Computer Science, Aaron started his career as a web developer. He currently works for the State of Minnesota on a website that receives tens of thousands of hits every month. If something happens with that site, he hears about it instantly. But even more important, are his roles as a father and husband. He firmly believes that the lasting legacy that he is instilling in his kids is far more important than any career contribution. Also, he is my brother so I hope you enjoy our humorous (to us) family dynamics.
theunboxingproject #gojacks #sdsu #stem #engineersiblings
Eva started her career as an actuary and has evolved into the Vice President of Behavioral Health at Evernorth, a subsidiary of Cigna Healthcare. She leads a team of 1500 people towards a common goal, mostly from her home office in Iowa. She has lived in Iowa and worked remotely for the Connecticut based company for over a decade, all while climbing the corporate ladder of a large corporation. You will see that she is very passionate about math and curious about learning. Also, a side note, she summited four Colorado 14ers (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet) in one day last summer. To say she is driven is a major understatement!
theunboxingproject #stem #math
Caroline is a driven achiever with two demanding and accomplished careers. She is brave and has forged a path that is uniquely true to her but looks unlike anyone else's. She has been passionate about helping people since she was a little girl and is constantly curious. She is always learning something new and is happy to share her expertise regarding faith and medicine. Pastor Caroline's perspective regarding God and faith always helps me to see things in a different way and unlocks new ideas in my own mind. Enjoy this talk about things close to the heart!
theunboxingproject #lutheranchurchofhope #stem #faith
https://www.lutheranchurchofhope.org/ https://www.theunboxingproject.com/
"My success is my client's my success. And my client's success is society's success." Hope has a vested interest in each of her clients and ultimately, a vested interest in society as a whole. She has been passionate about architecture since a young age and figured out a way to craft a career perfect for her. She earned a degree in architecture from Cornell University, worked in private practice while also doing social media work on the side and eventually merged the two together by providing online marketing support for architectural companies. Her unique skill set makes her a real asset to any team!
https://www.charrettevg.com/
https://hopeworksdesign.com/
https://www.theunboxingproject.com/
theunboxingproject #stem #cvg #architects #aia #noma #aspiretobemom
Kiersten is a goal oriented and driven Ironman triathlete and mechanical engineer. In 2013 she started showing signs of Lyme Disease which turned out to be her greatest life challenge. She is overcoming this challenge, persevering and considers it her mission to spread awareness. Talk about inspiring. Learn more at www.texaslymealliance.net and www.ilads.org
stem #theunboxingproject #lymediseaseawareness
Dimitrius is a humble visionary. His personal mission includes creating an equitable world through design. He creatively implements his mission as Founder and Principal of an architectural firm, Lynes, and by hosting the Spaces Podcast which dives into conversations pertaining to the spaces in which we inhabit. He is also the Chief Creative Officer of Gabl Media which is a platform for a variety of content creating entities within the architectural, engineering and construction (AEC) sector. Dimitrius is flipping the script on industry norms and using his voice for change and a more informed general public when it comes to architecture and design. It was a real privilege to have this conversation with him!
theunboxingproject #spacespodcast #gablmedia
Dr. Wehbe wins the award for the most influential professor of my college career. He expertly integrates real world experience into his instruction. He is able to take very complex engineering concepts and deliver them in clear, concise, and engaging ways. He takes a vested interest in each of his students and genuinely believes in them. It was so much fun to sit down with him, almost 20 years later, and see that he hasn't changed one bit. Enjoy this conversation and get ready for some unexpectedness too!
theunboxingproject
www.theunboxingproject.com
Marsia found her passion for engineering at an early age when she asked her parents to take her to a public meeting to learn more about water quality implications imposed by a local gold mine. She is a people person with many speaking engagements to her credit including testifying to Congress on behalf of small businesses. Marsia is a true advocate for the engineering industry and the youngest generation of engineers as she serves on multiple boards and committees of professional organizations and college advisory panels. I met Marsia several years ago at a conference where she was speaking. Once I learned that she graduated from the same university as I did and that she was also an entrepreneur, my interest was piqued and she has been a mentor ever since. It goes to show, if you can see parts of yourself modeled in someone else, you feel inspired to chase your own dreams too. Marsia is also a gardener and loves books and podcasts. I think you will also see her passion for team building and leadership coming through in this discussion as well. #theunboxingproject
Emily moved from Panora, IA to New York City at the beginning of a global pandemic to start her career as a Neonatal Physician Assistant in a NICU. She is a risk taker and an adventure seeker. It has been so fun to see her grow up from a babysitter for my kids to a healthcare professional, establishing herself in her field of expertise. She also has an artistic side and is always in the middle of a project. Enjoy this conversation! #theunboxingproject
Rai is a fusion of intuition and logical implementation. Their passion for the environment, the hydrologic cycle and wanting to help people led them to the field of civil engineering. Rai is also a taekwondo instructor, volunteer with Big Brothers Big Sisters and a karaoke jockey. Rai is one of the bravest people I know. And also a deep thinker and unique in the fact that they are able to zoom out and think of the big picture and global impact. I can't help but think that this characteristic is a major asset and deeply appreciated by Rai's clients. Enjoy this deep dive!
www.theunboxingproject.com
Kate is a licensed architect and brings a wide range of experience to her projects. She has lived in Rome, California, Colorado and now back to Iowa. She has taken pieces of aesthetic, experience and style from each of these places. Kate is also very passionate about mentoring to students and serves on the board of direction for the Professional Women in Building, Des Moines as the Scholarship Chair. When I think of Kate, I think of a very optimistic, big idea, free spirit architect that is driven to give her clients a space that fully reflects who they are. Full disclaimer, Kate and I are good friends and professionally and personally collaborate frequently. And I have to say it's hardest to interview someone you know well. Especially when funny things keep happening. #theunboxingproject #PWBWEEK2020 #PWBProud #buildingwomen
Andy is a national expert in fluid mechanics and computational modeling pertaining to surface water. He also has a social media presence under the hashtag #fluidmechanicsinthewild. Andy is the co-founder of BTC200, which is a non-profit organization that brings awareness to human trafficking issues and raises funds for victim restoration. What originally started as an annual bike ride from Des Moines to Okoboji, IA has now grown into multiple events in multiple states, all with the same mission of breaking the cycle of human trafficking. Super smart and passionate about making the world a better place. That's how I would describe Andy! www.theunboxingproject.com
Kancheepuram Gunalan (Guna) grew up in India, met the love of his life, Duru, moved to Texas to work on his PhD and stayed in the US. He is the President of an international society of 150,000 members (ASCE) but you may not guess it at first encounter. He is approachable, personable and also very humorous. Ethics, the future of the civil engineering profession and his family top his list of priorities. You will have to wait until the end of the interview to find out his go-to karaoke song. www.theunboxingproject.com
Now that we are four episodes in, I figured it was time to actually introduce this as a podcast! I'm so glad you are here.
www.theunboxingproject.com
Avery Bang connects people, literally and figuratively. She has built an organization that has connected over 1.2 million rural people around the globe to essential services such as healthcare, education and job opportunities by building pedestrian bridges over waterways that would be otherwise impassible during wet seasons. I think this makes her a full-fledged World Changer too.
Liz is a trailblazer. She is getting ready to serve on the board of direction for the most widely respected civil engineering professional organization in the world. She is on an international committee that is taking a deep dive into what our world will look like in the future and how engineers can best prepare for the needs of that world. She also has a YouTube channel where she gives hair and make up advice. She's unexpected and a lot of fun to spend time with. See for yourself!
"Well roundedness is not only important but fulfilling." Listen as Jennifer describes ways that she actively engages a wide range of interests including water/waste water engineering, modern dancing and playing the french horn.
Richard and I met at a conference a few years ago and instantly bonded over our interests in engineering, entrepreneurship and karaoke. He's a very accomplished civil engineer who advocates for diversity, sustainability and legislative action supporting infrastructure. He's also a lot of fun.