In this episode, I talk with Tiffany Layton, owner of Math Tutor Tiff, about how math math shapes engineering, powers problem-solving, drives innovation, and empowers engineers to break barriers and shape the future of engineering excellence.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Asked Tiffany:
- How have your early experiences with math, like learning fractions with your dad and budgeting with your mom, shaped your passion for math and influenced your career path?
- Why is it crucial for women engineers to understand the role of math in innovation and success in engineering fields?
- Can you provide specific examples of how math plays a vital role in both engineering and daily problem-solving?
- What strategies have proven most effective in helping young engineers build confidence in their math skills and overcome challenges?
- How can a greater appreciation for math inspire more women to pursue careers in engineering and STEM?
- How can women engineers help change the narrative around math being intimidating for the younger generation?
- What final piece of advice would you give to women engineers about embracing the power of math in their careers?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Math Shapes Engineering and Unlocks New Possibilities:
- Early childhood experiences with math, including lessons during everyday interactions with family, instill deep confidence and lead many to successful careers in industrial engineering. These foundational skills emphasize the critical role of mathematics in professional development and innovative applications within the engineering field.
- For women engineers, comprehending the integral role of math is pivotal for fostering innovation and achieving professional success. Insights into how math influences daily and professional tasks encourage women to utilize their analytical skills, thereby enhancing their contributions to technology and engineering.
- In the automotive industry, math is crucial for achieving efficiency and safety, with applications ranging from vehicle ergonomics to fuel efficiency optimization. This demonstrates math’s vital role in engineering solutions and daily functionality.
- Hands-on activities, such as creating manufacturing setups for simple products, are effective in demystifying complex engineering concepts. These practical experiences enable engineers to see the tangible results of their work, enhancing their confidence and understanding of math’s real-world applications.
- A greater appreciation for math can inspire more women to pursue STEM careers by demonstrating its practical applications and relevance in everyday life and professional settings. This understanding helps reduce intimidation and empowers women to embrace roles in technical fields where they can innovate and lead.
- Women engineers can alter the intimidating narrative around math by being visible role models and actively engaging in mentoring. Sharing their experiences and demonstrating practical math applications in engineering encourages younger generations to view math as an accessible and essential skill for their future careers.
- Encouraging women engineers to openly share their experiences with math stresses the importance of visibility and engagement in dispelling math-related fears. By showcasing how math underpins engineering and sharing their successes, they inspire both current peers and future generations to embrace math as a powerful tool in their engineering toolkit.
More Details in This Episode…
About Tiffany Layton
Math Tutor Tiff’s love for math created a desire in her to help others. She would love for children not to be intimidated by math, but instead to appreciate, understand, and acknowledge math. She is a Youngstown, Ohio native, who received her B.S. in industrial & systems engineering from The Ohio State University and her M.S. in industrial engineering from Youngstown State. Her love for math started at an early age. She can remember hanging out with her dad in the garage, as he was fixing things, he would teach her how to use fractions. When she went to the grocery store with her mom, she was responsible for calculating the cost and making sure they stayed within the budget. Her love for math continues to grow as she helps her students build confidence in their math skills. Math Tutor Tiff knows the more you practice math, the better you can be at math.
About the Host: Tiffani Teachey
Tiffani Teachey is a Sr. Mechanical Engineer, Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) advocate, TEDx international speaker, and international best-selling author of the children’s book “What Can I Be? STEM Careers from A to Z,” the STEM Crew Kids Adventures series, and three empowerment books. She is the host of the Read It Right Radio Show on WDRBmedia. Tiffani is the owner of Thrive Edge Publishing and owner/publishing consultant of Inspired Authors Publishing. She holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Mechanical Engineering as well as a Master of Science degree in Engineering Management, both from The University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She is currently a Leadership Studies Ph.D. student at North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University.
As an engineer with more than 19 years of experience, Tiffani has a passion for inspiring the next generation to engage in STEM careers. She was born and raised in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, and enjoys traveling and being a youth mentor. For more about Tiffani, visit her website at www.TiffaniTeachey.com. Check out the free STEM gift – 10 STEM Scholarships & Organizations e-book at www.stemistheway.com.
Sources/References:
MathTutorTiff
General Motors
Ohio State University
We would love to hear any questions you might have or stories you can share on how math shapes engineering and unlocks new possibilities.
Please leave your comments, feedback, or questions in the section below.
