International Women in Engineering Day: Spotlight on Eva Melendrez

In honor of International Women in Engineering Day (June 23), we’re spotlighting 2022 Summer Science Program alumna Eva Melendrez.

Eva is currently a mechanical engineering student at Columbia University.

What first inspired you to pursue engineering, and how did the Summer Science Program help shape that interest?

I have always been curious about how the world works and how math provides a blueprint for everything around us. Growing up, my mom encouraged me to find math in the world, from the rhythm and movement of dancing to the patterns in nature. The Summer Science Program was a pivotal turning point for me because it introduced me to high-level research and coursework that I hadn’t yet experienced in high school.

While my focus has since shifted from astrophysics to mechanical engineering, the Summer Science Program shaped my enduring interest in space research. More importantly, it taught me that I can do hard things. Transitioning into rigorous coursework was stressful at first, but with dedication, I realized I was capable of succeeding in challenging environments. I carry that confidence with me in everything I do today.

Is there a specific memory, project, or moment from the Summer Science Program that still stands out to you today?

The most lasting impact of the Summer Science Program was the community. I formed an incredible bond with several other young women in the program. We spent many long nights together tackling psets and analyzing our data, supporting one another by leaning into our different technical strengths. This early experience showed me the importance of a tight-knit, strong community of like-minded people. Those friendships showed me that engineering is collaborative and that we are much stronger when we uplift each other.

What challenges have you faced as a women in engineering, and how have you navigated them?

Mechanical engineering remains a male-dominated field, and there are still moments where I feel ignored or my contributions are undermined. It’s frustrating, but I refuse to let it discourage me. I worked hard to earn my place in my program, and I know my worth. To navigate these challenges, I prioritize excellence in my work and surround myself with a community of strong women who support and uplift one another. I know many of the rooms I enter in the future will be male-dominated, but I have learned to enter them with confidence, because I have the skills and community to back me up.

Can you share a project, research experience, or accomplishment you’re especially proud of?

I am particularly proud of my current work as a student researcher in the Cardiovascular Biomechanics Research Lab at Columbia. My research involves investigating how microgravity affects heart function and circulation. It is incredible rewarding to apply mechanical engineering principles to medical challenges, potentially helping to inform how we monitor heart health for future space exploration.

What advice would you give to young women considering engineering or STEM programs like the Summer Science Program?

Never be afraid to take up space. It can be intimidating to enter a field where you don’t always see yourself represented, but you are just as worthy as anyone else to be there. Build a community of like-minded peers, find mentors who believe in you, and never be afraid to ask for help; it’s a sign of strength, not weakness. Your perspective is valuable, and your voice belongs in the room.

Where has STEM taken you? Share more about your own life path after the Summer Science Program.