Defying Stereotypes in Engineering - Creating the SWE

Engineering has often been considered a male-dominated major, but in recent years, a large number of females have joined the program of Science and Engineering here at Merrimack College. The re-creation of the Society of Women Engineers (SWE) chapter, recognized as a Collegiate Interest Group, is helping women engineers gain recognition in their field of study.

Tori Thistle ‘18, a Mechanical Engineering student in the Honors Program, played a role in the re-creation of the SWE chapter at Merrimack. The chapter had originally existed 20 years ago, and won an award for National Best New Student Section in 1995. Maureen Sakakeeny, Director of the Science and Engineering Program, brought up the idea to Thistle about recreating the SWE chapter last November. To be able to get this club approved, Thistle had to go through many steps. The Program’s Graduate Fellow, Phil Coontz, worked with her to update and rewrite its constitution to reflect the school’s values. After receiving approval from the Student Government Association in late January, the SWE chapter at Merrimack was officially recognized as a club.

From February 26 to February 28, Thistle, along with advisors and select members from the club, attended a SWE conference at the West Point Military Academy in West Point, New York. Tori said, “It was neat having the conference at West Point, because I got to learn about the culture at the school. It is the 40th anniversary of women being able to attend it!” The conference allowed them to meet other chapters, start networking, and experience what it’s truly like to be a part of the SWE community through different sessions and leadership skills.

Overall, the conference was an amazing experience. Thistle noted that, “Having SWE here is a good way to be able to meet other female students majoring in these fields.” More women involved in engineering means more action on defying the stereotype that it is only a field males can enter. Congratulations on the start of SWE, Tori!