HAW RIVER While studies show that many women who study engineering leave the male-dominated field, Alexandra Alex Simmons, 24, says shes found opportunity and ample room to grow at Andersen Sterilizers, a medical device manufacturer in Haw River.

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a doctor, said Simmons, who excelled at math and science in school. However, I didnt want to invest the many years required to become a doctor. Engineering appealed to me, and when I learned I could pursue bioengineering, I thought it would make good use of my creativity and love of science.

According to the Harvard Business Review, engineering is the most male-dominated profession in the U.S. In fact, in 2022 only 16% of women self-reported as working in science and engineering as compared to their male counterparts, who were two and half times more likely to work as engineers.

A native of Greenville, S.C., who now lives in Durham, Simmons said her upbringing and love for art and design helped shape her dreams. She said she owes her work ethic to her mom, who worked long hours in Greenville as a stylist to support Simmons and her aspirations.

My mom supported everything I ever wanted to do and helped me get to where I am today, she said. No matter what it is I wanted to do, my mom never showed any doubt in my abilities to get there and did what she could to help me pursue those interests. I think having that kind of support allowed me to excel.

Simmons earned a bachelors in bioengineering at Clemson University.

After graduation, I was looking for a job in the medical device field, she said. I accepted a contract position as a validation engineer with Merck.

But Simmons wasnt sure her work at Merck, a global pharmaceutical company with more than 74,000 employees, was making an indelible mark.

I felt like a number, just one among thousands who could easily be replaced, Simmons said. But at Andersen, I feel like I have value and purpose. My contributions make a difference.

Andersen Sterilizers is a family-owned company employing roughly 130 employees. Simmons works with three other engineers, all of whom are men.

Its fulfilling to work with my colleagues and alongside every department at Andersen, Simmons said. Contributing to the production of safe and efficient sterilizers has been exceptionally rewarding.

Simmons said she feels her ideas are heard, and she hopes that more women would recognize the opportunities and rewards found in STEM occupations.

At Andersen, Simmons dedication has earned her high praise, including from Ryan Russell, director of engineering.

Alex is so smart and has such a good mind for detail; something absolutely required of an engineer in any medical-related industry, Russell said. But I think what I like most of all is her stubborn-like determination. ... We are lucky to have Alex.

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Haw River woman trailblazing in bioengineering | | thetimesnews.com - Burlington Times News