“…I’m inspired most by the people and teams I have the opportunity to work with. I’ve been fortunate to be able to work with amazing students, staff, faculty and research colleagues, and I’m inspired by and take such pride in their accomplishments. It’s such an important part of my life to see them succeed.”
–Karen A. Thole, Robert J. Vlasic Dean of Engineering at the University of Michigan (U-M COE) and Professor, Mechanical Engineering, Aerospace Engineering.
Previously, Karen served as a Distinguished Professor and department head in the Department of Mechanical Engineering at Pennsylvania State University where she founded the Steady Thermal Aero Research Turbine (START) Lab, a center of excellence for two turbine manufacturers. She also founded the Engineering Ambassadors Network, an organization focused on mentoring and developing future leaders in engineering and STEM. A recipient of numerous awards, she holds degrees from University of Illinois (BS and MS, Mechanical Engineering) and University of Texas (PhD, Mechanical Engineering).
You were named the United States White House Champion of Change for STEM. What changes might we expect to see at the U-M COE in the coming years?
It was an honor to be recognized by the White House for my work in encouraging engineering as a program of study to all high school students, to encourage students from all backgrounds to consider the engineering profession. This is still a passion, and one that I know is shared by many across the College — with numerous programs to help young people from a variety of different backgrounds discover engineering and choose Michigan Engineering as the place where they want to prepare for their future. I expect this to be a continued theme as we launch our strategic planning process, which will bring forward a number of ideas as we think about the future of Michigan Engineering.
You grew up on a farm. It seems that people whose livelihoods are tied to the land sometimes have a different perspective on climate change related events. Could you explain how your background influences how you think about climate change?
As I was growing up, I quickly learned how the predicted weather forecast would shape the days’ work ahead. Whether it was cutting hay at the right time to make sure it dried before baling or planting the corn to make sure it received adequate, but not too much rain, absolutely everything we did encountered weather risks. Today, weather patterns continue to have a significant impact. My experiences reinforce both the complexities and challenges we face due to climate change. Engineers have and will continue to play a critical role in addressing important issues aimed at reducing climate impacts by increasing fuel efficiencies, using technology to maximize crop yields, and by reducing the use of chemicals.
You were driving a tractor in fifth grade. Did taking on a big task like handling a tractor at a young age help give you some of the strength and confidence needed to succeed in a male dominated field? If so, do you have any advice for people who are facing similar challenges?
One of the most influential things I learned from growing up on my small family farm was that it was a team effort. Whatever needed to be done, all four of us worked as a team to make it successful, and we all contributed different skills. I applied this in my work by hiring and building teams with a diversity of skills and backgrounds, aiming for inherently better solutions through the team’s efforts. The composition of teams can influence culture, as well, creating a more welcoming and inclusive experience. I also have a nature of taking negative remarks or feedback and turning them into opportunities to prove them wrong. So, being told that I could not do something was more inspiring than limiting. Although not everyone approaches such situations the same way, my advice is to continue building confidence one step at a time.