Women in Engineering Profile: Marissa Reigel
This new profile series introduces leading materials scientists from around the world who happen to be females. Here we speak with Marissa Reigel, principal engineer for Savannah River National Laboratory (SRNL).
What is your engineering background?
I have my B.S. and Ph.D. in metallurgical and materials engineering from the Colorado School of Mines. During undergrad, I had internships at a Chevron gas refinery and NASA Glenn Research Center, both of which verified that I had made the right choice of majors. However, I guess you could say that my engineering background goes back even further since I was always helping my dad with his business, which required creative technical solutions to get telephone and computer wiring from one place to another.
What attracted you to engineering?
I really like the problem solving and continual learning aspects of engineering. I have always been interested in learning how and why things behave the way they do, so in that sense, being a materials engineer is the perfect fit for me. Every project I work on, I have had to learn something new, which is another thing that is so appealing about engineering. There is always something new to learn or gain a deeper understanding of.
What are you working on now?
My work centers on the processing, immobilization, and disposition of legacy nuclear waste. This year, my primary project is establishing erosion and corrosion wear allowances for a nuclear waste processing facility being built in Washington State. I am also working on two additional projects: The first is using additive manufacturing to assist with tritium processing at the Savannah River Site and the second is investigating novel methods to better retain problematic contaminants in immobilized nuclear waste.
What does your typical workday look like?
I’m not sure that I have a typical workday. Currently I am doing a lot of traveling but when I am back at SRNL, I am either in the laboratory, writing reports, or attending meetings. It depends on the stage of the projects I am working on and if any emergent issues arise.
What part of your job do you like most?
I like that the challenge and diversity of my job requires me to expand outside my comfort zone. I am involved with several different projects that keep my day-to-day technically interesting and challenge me to learn new things.
If a young person approached you for career advice about pursuing engineering, what would you tell them?
Go for it! There are so many opportunities in science and engineering that you can define your own career path. I would encourage them to talk to experienced people in the field they are interested in. There is so much you can learn in school, but do not underestimate the knowledge gained from hands-on experience and learning through mentoring.
Hobbies?
Volleyball, softball, hanging out with my dogs and husband, hiking, and renovating my house.
Last book read?
I am in the middle of “Skunk Works” by Ben Rich and Leo Janos. I highly recommend it for anyone with an interest in engineering and spy novels.
More information about ASM’s Women in Materials Engineering Committee.
