Women in Engineering Profile: Beth Matlock
This profile series introduces leading materials scientists from around the world who happen to be females. Here we speak with Beth Matlock, senior materials engineer at Technology for Energy Corp. (TEC).
What does your typical workday look like? My day starts early. I spend the quieter moments tying up loose ends, planning my day, and performing tasks that require extra concentration. I have technical responsibility for TEC’s materials testing lab. We are in the process of introducing MAX, a new, portable x-ray diffraction system. I spend part of my time making sure that MAX meets or exceeds the technical specifications, but the majority of the day is spent working with our accredited services lab. There’s never a dull moment reviewing jobs, instructing lab personnel, and discussing results with customers. Happily, I’m part of a great team, which makes my job much easier. Since we use and manufacture x-ray-producing equipment, we have a state-regulated radiation safety program. As radiation safety officer, I have the opportunity to teach and maintain radiation safety at TEC. Luckily, the safety systems in place minimize any radiation exposure to our employees and customers.
What part of your job do you like most? I have the best job in the world. I continue to learn and grow. I have the chance to solve problems, provide baselines, and compare different processes for our customers. There’s often an interesting story behind the parts that come into our lab. Working with my customers and coworkers feeds my extroverted nature. There’s enough challenges with finding a unique approach to solving a problem that the job is never dull. There’s also the reward of persevering until a project is successfully completed. We see enough variety in our lab that we don’t get bored with routines.
What is your engineering background? My degrees are in materials engineering and materials science. I started my career working for a metallurgical and x-ray lab on the NCSU campus. After graduation, I went to work for B&W’s Lynchburg Research Center (LRC). At LRC, I performed applied research on B4C, x-ray diffraction pole figures on Zircaloy, and failure analysis on nuclear components. I left the nuclear industry to join TEC. At TEC, I’ve returned to my first love—x-ray diffraction, which we use to measure residual stress and retained austenite.
Did you ever consider doing something besides engineering? I started my education with medical school in mind. I actually wanted to become a large-animal vet, but settled for the medical option. While at NCSU, I was “discovered” by a metallurgist who offered me a job on campus working in an x-ray diffraction lab. This opportunity changed my life. I quickly realized I loved x-ray diffraction. Also, scholarships were available to female engineering students that were absent in the biology/zoology programs. It did not take long for me to change my major. After graduating in materials engineering, I never thought twice about applying to medical school. The opportunities I’ve had through an engineering career have allowed me to purchase a farm with horses, cows, and chickens. When I’m not pursuing engineering tasks, I spend my time developing my animal husbandry dreams.
If a young person approached you for career advice about pursuing engineering, what would you tell them? I would first do a sanity check to see what the young person’s perception is of science and engineering and find out more about their interest in the field. Then I’d do everything possible to support and encourage them to follow their dreams. Engineering is a dynamic field and we need bright minds to build on the foundations established by the giants that have gone before us. I was raised with the belief that if I wanted something strong enough, and was willing to work for it, that I would be able to accomplish anything.
Hobbies? In my spare time, I run a beef cattle operation and I’m a church pianist.
Last book read? “The Eighty-Dollar Champion” by Elizabeth Letts.
