Baughman Making the Most of her NCSU Days

When junior Carrie Baughman receives her Mechanical Engineering degree in December 2009, and joins the fast-paced corporate world, she’ll have no trouble adjusting to it.  She lives that lifestyle now.  But if you asked her to fit one more thing into her schedule, she’d find a way.

Carrie participates in several organizations, including NC State’s Women in Engineering program (WE).  As student coordinator for WE, she works over the summer on a mentoring program, finding student mentors who will assist incoming freshman in the fall.  She also works during the semester planning events for WE and working on ways to promote the program.   As a current mentor, Carrie enjoys helping new students as they explore the world of engineering.   “I am glad other women can benefit from the things I learned my first couple of years here just as I did from others before me,” says Carrie.

In addition to WE, Carrie is a member of ASME, Society of Women Engineers, Tau Beta Pi, Pi Tau Sigma, Pi Kappa Phi, and an alumna of WISE (Women in Science and Engineering).

Academically, Carrie has worked hard to earn two scholarships during the past year.  She received the College of Engineering’s G.H. and Ruth F. Singleton endowed scholarship for her junior year, which can be renewed yearly.  Carrie also was awarded the Reuben Trane scholarship in February from the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration, and Air Conditioning Engineering (ASHRAE), which is good for two years beginning this fall.

Dr. Chau Tran has been very pleased with Carrie’s progress in MAE.   “Carrie does well in all of her MAE classes because she genuinely loves mechanical engineering.  She doesn't just take her classes, she explores them,” said Dr. Tran.

Perhaps Carrie enjoys engineering so much because she was exposed to it while growing up--her father is BAE Associate Professor Jerry Baughman.  She has four older sisters, and in addition to spending time with her family, enjoys crafts and puzzles.  After interning this summer at Progress Energy, Carrie is looking forward to another busy year at NC State.