Shriya Sathaye
Degree, program, and planned date of graduation:
Master’s of Engineering in Industrial and Systems Engineering.
Planned graduation:
Fall 2024.
Dates of working with the WGD Program:
I worked as a Graduate Assistant with the Women and Gender in International Development team from August 2023 to May 2024.
Short intro to yourself:
I am a second-year master’s student in the Industrial and Systems Engineering department at Virginia Tech with a focus on Manufacturing Systems Engineering. I have a professional experience of working as a project engineer at Industrial Valve manufacturing companies in India. Some of my favorite subjects are Production System Analysis, Production, Planning and Control (PPC) and Lean Manufacturing. I am also an avid Table Tennis and Formula 1 fan.
In 50 words or less, explain your work associated with the WGD Program:
I assisted the WGD Director in research on topics pertaining to gender development by conducting literature searches on potential projects, proposals and papers and prepared weekly meeting agendas and minutes. I supported the WGD Discussion Series by creating promotional content, hosting the event in-person and virtually and post event activities like transcription.
WWhat has been the most exciting part of your experience, interesting discovery you’ve found, or connections you’ve made while working with the WGD program?
The main highlight of the assistantship for me was the opportunity of working and assisting Dr. Maria Elisa Christie and other colleagues at the CIRED office. Coming from the engineering background, this area of work was very new to me. Dr. Christie helped me navigate this new field with her constant and kind guidance throughout my time here. I learned a lot about the ongoing and potential projects on gender development. I also had the honor of engaging with distinguished experts in gender studies and international development because of the Discussion Series. These exchanges enhanced my comprehension of global gender dynamics, thereby enriching my academic and professional knowledge.
What do you hope to do after graduating or what are you doing now?
I am currently pursuing a master’s in industrial engineering. I will be interning this summer at Volvo Trucks North America at their Greensboro office as a Supply Chain Intern. After graduating, I wish to work in the engineering and technology industry, a field that women have traditionally been underrepresented in.
How did your work with the WGD program influence your future?
After having worked with CIRED, I gained more knowle of and thus more sensitivity toward gender issues. This awareness and the knowledge garnered during my time with the WGD program will help me make informed decisions in a leadership role, something that I aim to achieve in the future.
