2007-2008 Engineering Ambassadors: Melissa Mollner

Major:Material Science and Engineering, Chemistry Minor

Hometown: Midvale, Utah

Why I'm an Engineering Ambassador

I am an engineering Ambassador because far too many people think of engineering as either a train conductor, or a nerd with tape on his glasses and a pocket protector; that just isn't true. I also want to inspire girls to get into engineering, until this semester I was the only girl in my department. Come on girls, we can do it better than the guys!

What I'm working on

I'm working with Chevron Pipeline Company on an oil flow problem. When oil is brought up from the ground it is warm; as the oil cools it begins to crystallize, forming a build-up that eventually blocks the pipeline. This blocked section of pipe then needs to be cut out and replaced. Of course the areas around this replaced section have then started to get blocked of as well; the oil must then be highly pressurized to push the sludge off of the inner pipeline wall and start the flow again. Pressurizing the pipe often causes sections to burst, creating new problems. I am part of a team trying to find a more economical and reliable solution.
I also work in the Materials Characterization Lab on campus. I test samples from companies like ATK, MegaDiamond, Boeing and BD Medical. I use a Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive Spectroscope and X-ray Diffraction Machine to find processing issues, material flaws, contamination, etc.

Why I like the U's College of Engineering

The U's College of Engineering is very well-rounded. Upon graduation the U's students will have gained basic knowledge from every engineering discipline on campus. Also, the U is the only school in Utah that offers a Material Science and Engineering Program.

What I plan to do

I don't know yet what I want to do after I graduate, either go straight to work or attend graduate school. I plan on staying in Utah, though there are plenty of opportunities nationwide.

If I decide to go to work right away, I want to work for a composites company like Hexcel or Rocky Mountain Composites. I'd also like to work for a bio-medical company like Bard or Varian.

Do you have any hobbies outside of studying, working and attending school?

I like to go rock-crawling and camping in Moab. Of course I enjoy shopping, going out to dinner, and to movies. I also love board and video games; I just got a Wii and am hopelessly addicted. I love to cook; my grandmother is Italian and instilled that love of food in me.