Women In Engineering: Caitlin Walde

This profile series introduces materials scientists from around the world who happen to be females. Here we speak with Caitlin Walde, senior materials engineer, Solvus Global, Worcester, Mass., and Boston Chapter Chair.

What part of your job do you like most?

I love the variety. I work with a variety of materials for a variety of applications with a variety of customers and colleagues. No day is ever boring and there’s something new and exciting every day.

Did you ever consider doing something else with your life besides engineering?

Never! Both of my parents are engineers and I excelled at math and science in grade school, so I never gave anything other than engineering another thought. It was just a matter of which field of engineering.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

The best advice I’ve been given is to be stubborn about your goals and flexible about your methods. That really resonates with me from my experiences training for races and is something I can translate into my professional career.

What are you working on now?

I earned my Ph.D. researching processing of aluminum powders for cold spray applications. Now I work on a much wider range of materials, from aluminums to steels to refractory metals, still in the cold spray field. I used to do a lot of microscopy and TEM but am more focused now on bulk powder properties and consolidated mechanical properties and microstructures. I also spend more time writing proposals than I ever imagined.

Are you actively engaged with ASM?

I am actively involved in the Boston ASM Chapter—currently as chair, and as vice chair and secretary before that. I was also actively involved in WPI’s Material Advantage program during grad school.

Hobbies?

Running, baking, cooking, and renovating my home.

Favorite motto or quote?

The journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step.

Last book read?

The Answer Is… by Alex Trebek.

Do you know someone who should be featured in an upcoming Women in Engineering profile? Contact Vicki Burt at [email protected].