Engineers Hub Podcast Mamadou Diallo

In this episode, I’m joined by Shaibu Ibrahim, an electrical engineer with a rich background in power generation and a current focus on the solar industry. Shaibu hails from Ghana, where he completed his bachelor’s in electrical and electronic engineering and began his career in the electricity sector. 
He shared his journey from working with the Electricity Company of Ghana (utility), Karpowership (offshore thermal power plant), and Aksa Energy (onshore thermal power plant) to his transition into the solar industry after pursuing graduate studies in the United States. Shaibu provides an in-depth look at the complexities of designing and operating power plants onshore and offshore. He highlights the differences in cooling systems and fuel types used in thermal power generation and discusses the importance of reactive power in maintaining grid stability. Shaibu also shares his current role, conducting various power system studies essential for designing large-scale solar projects.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories and career advice from engineers across various disciplines.
Key highlights


[00:02:29] Shaibu's Background and Education
[00:03:30] Transition from Ghana to U.S. Graduate Studies
[00:05:37] Differences in Power Plant Operations
[00:07:01] Fuel Types for Power Plants
[00:08:26] Roles in Power Plant Operations
[00:10:39] Designing Electrical Power Plants
[00:15:08] Pursuing Graduate Studies in Sustainable Energy
[00:17:19] Transition to Working in the U.S. Solar Industry
[00:18:05] Current Position and Responsibilities
[00:20:02] Power Systems Studies and Design
[00:25:45] Reactive Power
[00:27:56] Importance of Power System Studies
[00:29:12] Influence of Environment on Reactive Power
[00:38:02] Site Selection for Solar Power Generation
[00:41:23] Timeline for Power Studies
[00:45:39] Pre-Study Site Selection Process
[00:47:01] Future of Renewable Energy
[00:50:02] Personal Interest in Electrical Engineering
[00:53:47] Career Aspirations in Engineering
[00:59:03] Advice for Students Interested in Renewable Energy
[01:03:07] Hobbies and Activities Outside of Work
[01:12:47] Strategies for PE Exam Preparation

Resources


To learn more about the Engineering Career Pathways Institute, access additional resources, get featured, or work with us, please visit us at engineeringcareerpathways.org.
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On this episode of the Engineers Hub Podcast, I had the opportunity to speak with Sabry Leithy and learned about his engineering career, journey, and what he does on a day-to-day basis. Sabry spent his 1st year at Cairo University as a Computer Science major before realizing that he wanted to take a different career path. This led him to studying English in Malaysia, pursuing a degree in Civil Engineering, and eventually graduating with a BS in Civil Engineering from the Missouri University of Science and Technology. 
Sabry shares his journey with us as a Construction Engineering professional working on infrastructure projects including roads, bridges, rail, and transit across the US. He emphasizes the importance of always asking questions, reading contracts, and maintaining good relationships with contractors and colleagues. Sabry also highlights the fulfillment of being able to see the impact of his work on communities and improving people's quality of life and encourages young engineers to be open to new experiences and always strive to give their best. Lastly, Sabry discusses his love for soccer, and his passion for continuous learning, as evidenced by his pursuit of a master's degree in engineering management. 
Join the conversation now and hear what it takes to be a construction engineer.

Key highlights:

[00:06:06] Sabry’s educational background and how he chose civil engineering
[00:11:19] The process of transferring credits from an international university to a US university
[00:13:36] Sabry’s transition from student to working in the construction industry
[00:17:55] Day-to-day responsibilities of a construction engineer
[00:19:06] The different phases of a construction project
[00:21:42] Sabry’s decision to pursue a master's degree in engineering management
[00:26:24] The possibility of obtaining a professional engineering license
[00:30:22] What horizontal structures are in the context of construction engineering
[00:32:06] Experience working with designers and the importance of communication
[00:33:42] The timeline and scope of construction projects
[00:36:54] Sabry’s experience with choosing projects and the importance of career development
[00:40:43] Sabry’s words of wisdom to students interested in pursuing a career in construction engineering
[00:46:44] Importance of building relationships and maintaining respect in the construction industry
[00:49:15] Benefits of working collaboratively with contractors and foremen
[00:54:01] How to maintain a work-life balance
[00:56:11] How to connect with Sabry

Connect with Sabry on LinkedIn


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In this episode, I’m joined by Michael Collins, working at Impact Automation. Michael shares his background in engineering, specifically in the field of material handling and automation. He discusses his transition from a technical role to a consultative sales position, focusing on building a commercial business vertical and finding innovative solutions for customers in the material handling industry. Michael emphasizes the importance of passion and curiosity in pursuing a career in engineering and highlights the various paths available to individuals interested in the field. He also discusses the shifts he has witnessed in the industry, including advancements in safety, data management, and the integration of AI technology. 
Tune in to learn more about bridging the gap between engineering curriculum and industry skills, career pathways and industry exposures, and increasing diversity in the engineering workforce. Also, remember to sign up for the newsletter to stay informed about new episodes, insights, resources, and upcoming events and opportunities.

Key highlights from the call


[00:03:27] Increasing sales and automation
[00:06:03] The importance of combining sales and engineering in Michael’s role
[00:09:26] Michael's views on shifts in education and neglect of technical skills
[00:13:07] The need for a balanced education with technical skills to address the tradespeople shortage
[00:15:17] The importance of staying curious and following one's passion
[00:19:00] Traditional education and hands-on learning
[00:24:41] The role of material handling in automating product movement within facilities
[00:27:23] Advancements in conveyor technology for enhanced safety, efficiency, and versatility in product handling
[00:30:08] The role of data in warehouse operations
[00:36:01] The role of middleware software
[00:38:02] How AI and predictive analysis can help in optimizing warehouse efficiency
[00:42:00] The essence of Michael's daily routine
[00:50:08] The importance of a holistic sales experience
[00:53:08] The influence of Michael’s parents on his career path
[00:57:20] Michael's advice
[01:00:02] The importance of both curiosity and passion in pursuing a career
 

Notable Quotes


●       There's a requirement to stay curious. Always, always drive. If you have a passion and you're going for that passion, there's going to be hurdles. There will be times along that path that you ask yourself, am I doing the right thing? Should I be doing this? Should I change that? And that's, I think, a natural thought process whenever you come across a hurdle or a challenge in a career path or an educational path. 
●       I think without passion, it's hard to maintain resolve or kind of keep on that path regardless of what it is, whether you're autodidact teaching yourself or whether you're going to university or technical school, if you don't have passion for it, it's very difficult.
●       The traditional education system is broken when it comes to hands-on technical skills. We need more focus on trades and technical education.
●       I think people fear automation because they think it will replace humans. But my argument to that is I think just like our cell phones and our earbuds and our hearing aids and pacemake
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In this episode, I’m joined by Howard Berkof, Deputy Program Manager for the Navy's Littoral Combat Ship Shipbuilding Program. We discuss Howard's diverse career journey, encompassing mechanical engineering, technical sales, and government naval acquisition. We explore the significance of adaptability and an entrepreneurial mindset in large organizations such as the Navy, where innovative technologies demand a thorough understanding of organizational pain points and needs. 
Howard's experiences reveal that ensuring technology reliability, safety, and user-friendliness significantly impacts decision-makers willingness to invest in new advancements. Howard traces his professional journey from mechanical engineering to a successful Navy acquisition career, detailing his shift from technical sales to program management. He underscores the early importance of extracurricular engagement for network-building and leadership skills.
Tune in now!

Key highlights from the call


[01:15] Howard’s background 
[03:22] How Howard decided to pursue a sales position despite his engineering background
[07:56] Exploring alternative career paths in engineering 
[15:16] Some driving factors to consider when introducing innovative technologies 
[19:34] Demonstrating value and addressing pain points to drive innovation adoption
[22:45] Identifying and addressing latent problems and gaining buy-in for innovation
[31:10] Benefits of extracurricular activities and soft skills for young engineers
[36:19] Importance of building diverse and inclusive teams 
[40:20] Navigating the language and learning curve in a new field
[43:10] Mastering situational handling and quick decision-making
[45:37] Effective Task Tracking and Prioritization Strategies
[50:11] What Howard does for fun
[55:25] Howard’s words of wisdom to college students studying engineering       

Notable Quotes


●       To be effective, you have to understand more than just the technical side, the math, science, and engineering. You have to understand the business side and the financials.
●       Understanding all the non-technical sides of running a company or a business is vitally important.  Every industrial company out there has to understand how to run a business to be successful, or you'll go out of business. You must understand that you must take in more revenue than expense to be profitable.
●       You need resilience, that's for sure. You need conviction, resilience, to be committed, and you have to be in it for the long haul.
●       We need to identify what's the pain point, what's the need that needs to be solved, and then come up with that. Or find that technology or that innovation to solve that problem.
●       Many people will say no upfront or just kind of give you lip service or whatever, but you have to be persistent. You have to be resilient, find and identify those people who think like you, and get them to start speaking the same language to help you advocate. And you just have to keep at it over and over.
●       When you're responsible for people, the game changes significantly because everything you say and do in your actions is magnified that much more and means so much more because those people are counting on you for leadership, work guidance, and being there for them. But al
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In this episode, I’m joined by Brian Wayman, a seasoned engineer with a mechanical and biomedical engineering background. Brian shares his journey from studying mechanical engineering at UMBC to pursuing graduate studies at Georgia Tech. He discusses his transition from academia to industry, highlighting his work at various companies. The conversation explores the intricacies of engineering for the medical field, emphasizing risk management, human factors, and meticulous quality control due to the paramount importance of safety in medical device development. 
We also discuss the intricate process of medical device product development, highlighting the importance of understanding user needs, design controls, milestones, and regulatory considerations. Brian shares insights into his lead role, involving cross-functional collaboration, communication with government sponsors, and overcoming challenges. 
Tune in now and learn!

Key highlights from the call


[02:07] Brian’s background 
[04:16] What motivated Brian to engineering
[09:07] The unique approach and considerations in biomedical engineering 
[13:15] The stringency of quality control and checks in biomedical engineering
[17:36] FDA’s role in regulating health-tracking wearable devices made by tech giants
[19:44] The difference between fast-product development with safety-focused industries 
[22:46] The impact of global events like the COVID-19 pandemic and geopolitical conflicts on various industries
 
[24:37] How Brian’s typical day looks like
[26:49] The key milestones in the product development process for medical devices
[32:51] The intricate process of identifying user needs for medical device design
[35:16] The significant impact of engineering in the medical field
[37:59] What Brian does during his free time
[42:10] Guidance for mechanical engineering students aspiring to enter the medical field
[44:24] How to connect with Brian

Notable Quotes


●       What comes to mind when you bring that up is risk management, which is a huge part of what we do in the design and development of medical devices and combination products. As we think about developing any product, in addition to that risk management piece, we think about what we call human factors. 
●       Regulated industries have defined development processes. Within the f d a in terms of medical devices, the regulated process is called design controls, and that's at a high level how you control the development of that design throughout the development journey. The first step in that process is understanding the user's needs.
●       I give back by serving his cub master for the youngest. And so I give back in that regard because the Cub Scouts teach them life lessons and leadership skills in a different way than what they get through sports and school. So being outdoors, enjoying nature, safety learning, just outdoor stuff, is fun and balances them out.
●       Suppose you ever had the opportunity to present at conferences and things of this nature. In that case, it broadens your horizons and perspectives in terms of what opportunities are out there. For those on the fence, I'd say take a look at it. It is fascinating engineering, challenges, and very rewarding, you know, opportunities out there. 

Resources

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In this episode, I’m joined by Ameer, an experienced engineer specializing in satellite technology. We explore Ameer's journey from Michigan to his current role in the space industry, including his educational background and transition to designing and building satellites with a focus on radio frequency subsystems. The discussion covers the evolving space industry, the rise of startups and small satellite technology, and Ameer's insights into satellite-building. 
Ameer shares insights into the evolving landscape of the space industry, the shift towards smaller satellites and constellations, and his career journey from electrical engineering to satellite design. He also advises students, emphasizing the importance of pursuing what one enjoys, treating education like a job, and building valuable connections. 
Tune in now and learn!

Key highlights from the call


[02:07] Ameer’s background 
[04:10] Challenges encountered juggling courses spread across different campuses while at the University of Michigan
[05:41] Ameer’s educational background and career path in electrical engineering
[10:00] The recent substantial growth in the space industry's prominence 
[16:30] Growing opportunities and accessibility in the space industry
[20:10] Satellite technology and its role as payload in rockets 
[22:46] Factors taken into consideration when building satellites
[38:35] The significance of industry experience in molding one's career trajectory
[46:48] What Ameer likes doing for fun
[49:15] How to connect with Ameer

Notable Quotes


●       There are different sizes of rockets and different classes of rockets. Some can launch larger spacecraft, and others can launch smaller spacecraft. And, to launch a lot of larger spacecraft costs more money.
●       The feeds are also on the satellite, so you'll have a receiving network in which you send signals from the earth to your spacecraft. Those signals will hit your reflectors and then bounce into the feeds, and you'll be able to receive those signals. And then, on the output side, it's just a reverse process. Signals got through amplification, then to your feeds, and the feeds send signals to your transmit reflectors or the earth, sometimes the same reflector as your receiver, and then it transmits those signals down to the earth. 
●       The vibration test simulates your launch because when you're launching, your spacecraft's vibrating, so you want to ensure that nothing comes loose or a jar when it's going through this vibration test.
●       I advice you to pursue what you enjoy. I wouldn't pursue something just for the aspect of, like, just trying to get paid and like get a lot of money just because, at this point, I feel like there's money in, in all industries, if you're willing to put the time in.

Resources
Connect with Ameer
-          LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ameeralgharib/
-          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ameer_metime/
Connect with Mamadou
-          LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mamadou-diallo/
-          Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pathpaver_diallo/
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