Regan Alex
REGAN ALEX, '21
Engineer, Naval Surface Warfare Center Carderock Division
Where I've been in my career and where I'm going... In the Spring of 2021, I graduated from Virginia Tech with an Ocean Engineering degree, focusing on structures. While at school, I was a member of the Human Powered Submarine Team, eventually becoming the team's Event Coordinator my senior year. Additionally, I participated in the Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program the summer before my senior year. This internship led me to my current position at the Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division. Here, I work in the Ship Structures Branch of the Platform Integrity Department. In this role, I prepare models of Navy ships for Finite Element Analysis.
Fondest memories of AOE...
Competing in the International Submarine Races with the Human Powered Submarine Team.
Favorite Virginia Tech tradition...
Jumping to Enter Sandman.
Challenges you've had to overcome in aerospace engineering...
The challenge about being a woman in AOE is feeling as though you must prove to everyone else that you belong. On countless occasions, I have been told that it is much easier for women to get into an engineering program or get the position they want compared to a man. I believe it is important for women to remember that they worked just as hard to get to where they are and that they wouldn’t have their success in engineering if they did not deserve it.
Faculty member who had the biggest impact on you...
My Ocean Structures Professor, Dr. Gilbert helped me get to where I am. Her classes sparked my interest in structural work which put me on the career path that I am on today. In addition, she was a valued mentor for my design team, so I was able to work closely with her throughout my time at Virginia Tech. Dr. Gilbert also wrote me a letter of recommendation for my internship that eventually led me to the position that I have today. I am extremely grateful for the help and advice she has provided me with over the years.
"I wish I knew then"...
It's okay to not be good at something. It took me a long time to accept the fact that some subjects, that come naturally to others, might not be as easy for me. Now, I work in a position that focuses on subjects I enjoy. I also know that if those subjects come up in one of my future projects, I am surrounded by a team of intelligent engineers that will provide me with the help I need.
How AOE equipped you for the "real world"...
My design team and group projects in AOE provided me with the interpersonal skills required to work and communicate with my coworkers. In addition, I graduated with a strong foundation of knowledge in my field, so I was able to confidently start my job. I also have a great community of friends that I made in AOE to reach out to if I ever need help or advice.
What you miss most about Virginia Tech...
Being surrounded by so many opportunities. Every year I found a new class or club that I thought would be interesting. In my junior year, my friends and I joined an innertube water polo team just because we could—it ended up being my favorite part of the week. My senior year, I took a class called "Witchcraft and its Repression" due to its interesting name, and now I recommend the class to everyone. I still have a list of things I wish I could go back and try.
How do you stay connected with fellow Hokies?
We have been staying in touch through dinners, texts, and social media. I also enjoyed visiting Blacksburg for a couple of football games this season!
A woman who helped you get to where you are...
I want to thank my peers in the Ocean Engineering Class of 2021. Specifically, I want to thank Lauren Heslop, Hannah Funk, and McKenna Steele. School would have been more difficult and much less enjoyable without the long homework and study sessions we had together. I owe a good portion of my success to them, and I am incredibly grateful that I made such amazing friends. I miss you guys!
Advice to current women studying in AOE...
Don't waste your energy comparing yourself to others and never let anyone convince you that you don't deserve to be there. You got this!