Hello everyone!
My name is Natalee Castillo and I’m a research engineer at a company that designs orthopedic medical devices. I’ve been in this position for over a year. I’m working on a project aimed at developing a new surface topography for orthopedic implants to reduce implant infection.
It might sound a bit complicated, but ultimately, what I’m developing helps decrease orthopedic infection rates, which benefits patients and helps alleviate the antibiotic resistance crisis.
More specifically, since I work in the Research Development branch of my company, I’m involved in developing new technologies aimed at improving patient health.
Fortunately, my schedule hasn’t really been affected by the Covid-19 crisis. I’ve been going to work and wearing a mask every day. My office has sent as many people as possible to work from home to help with social distancing measures.
Just because the path isn’t easy doesn’t mean you don’t belong there.
As for my educational background, I earned a bachelor’s degree in bioengineering from Lehigh University in Pennsylvania, USA. I focused on biomechanics and biomaterials.
I chose biomedical engineering because I love math and science, and I’ve always been interested in healthcare. Growing up, I was good at math. If I hadn’t been in this field, I probably would have chosen another healthcare field, or I would have gone to medical school. I’m passionate about contributing to meaningful work that improves everyone’s health.
As a “first-generation college graduate”, which means I’m the first in my family to go to college, and also a woman of color in engineering, it’s also important to me to create more representation in this specific industry.
One of the most difficult parts of my journey was managing being a first-generation student. The process was very ‘trial and error’ and I didn’t have much guidance during my educational journey.
I also had several jobs and dealt with health issues while being a full-time student, so it was difficult at times. However, all these obstacles I encountered in college made my degree even more meaningful. Today it’s one of the accomplishments I’m most proud of.
It was worth it and I want to use my story to encourage other women of color and/or first-generation students to consider careers in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering Mathematics)!
No one should have to look a certain way, or build robots in their spare time to be able to study engineering! Some of us like watching Netflix and shopping at HomeGoods and that’s perfectly fine! 😉
I remember being one of the only girls in my class during my undergraduate studies. To be honest, I was mostly surrounded by white men. Engineering is still very male-dominated and as the stereotypical ‘girly’ girl, I still struggle to feel like I belong.
However, I constantly remind myself that I worked hard to get the same credentials as many people in the industry and I don’t need to change who I am or how I present myself to prove my worth to others. I try to let my work speak for itself because ultimately, that’s what matters. I’ve never been openly questioned about my place as a woman or even a woman of color in this industry, but I’ve experienced various microaggressions that made me feel not good enough, based on my appearance and age.
I practice a lot of positive affirmation to remind myself that I belong in the STEM world and the Women in STEM Instagram community really helps me remember that!
Besides work, I enjoy spending time doing things that make me feel happy and relaxed. I like watching Netflix and Hulu with my dog/baby Sophie. 😉 Right now, I’m obsessed with Desperate Housewives and The Vampire Diaries. I also love shopping and I’m a fan of fashion and home decor. I love makeup too, and treating myself to new products! Finally, I find time to work on my Instagram page (@babesofstem) and my website (babesofstem.com).
I started Babes of STEM because I think there’s a big representation problem in the STEM industry and a lack of information available to the female public in particular. Before I got to college, I had no idea what engineering was. I thought it was just about building buildings and robots! I literally had no idea there were several types of engineering. Even when I changed my major to engineering, I “wasn’t quite sure what I was getting into.”
I think if I had known a female engineer or seen someone like me portrayed in a STEM role in the media for example, I would have been exposed earlier. I saw engineering as something you were born with, like being naturally gifted at building robots. This whole universe seems really intimidating, until you realize that anyone can do it, with enough determination and work!
‘I dream it, I work hard I grind ’til I own it’
Beyoncé’s “Formation” is one of my favorite feminist anthems 😊
Whenever I feel discouraged, I try to remind myself that I can do anything I set my mind to and that I’ve worked hard to get where I am! I always tell myself that I deserve all the opportunities that come my way.
So, if you want to get into STEM, just do it! It will certainly be difficult at times, but if it’s really what you want and if you’re passionate about it, then it’s worth it. The number of times I almost gave up is countless, but I persevered and stayed determined. If I did it, you can too! Just because it’s not easy doesn’t mean you don’t belong. Find a mentor/role model and don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Written by Pilar
Natalee CASTILLO: Improving orthopedic implants while staying feminine
