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The project used flow charts, value stream mapping, and simulation to determine if Pfizer’s process for sterilizing and utilizing rubber stoppers could be improved. As the global leader in vaccine production, each injectable product manufactured includes a rubber stopper to seal every vial transported worldwide. 

Connecting for senior design was one more opportunity for Bridgitt and Robyn to share their industrial engineering experiences with each other. 

“I find it exciting to connect with my daughter on most topics regarding industrial engineering. It is rewarding to watch her understand the inner workings of an assembly process, planning a work cell and puzzling out a project plan,” says Robyn, process automation compliance lead at Pfizer. “The path of a young engineer takes perseverance, tenacity and the ability to be adaptable. I enjoy sharing my career successes and challenges as well as hearing hers.” 

For Bridgitt, learning about industrial engineering included growing up watching her mom work. “I loved watching the spreadsheets and analyses she was working with,” says Bridgitt, who is now a sourcing specialist for facilities and operations services at Walt Disney World in Florida. 

These two industrial engineers shared perspectives on the opportunities and challenges of the field.

Bridgitt: “The diversity of skills, industries, and projects you can really apply industrial engineering (IE) principles to is exciting. IE practices to improve waste reduction for time, labor and materials is becoming more and more important for all industries. I enjoy the idea of being able to work in any industry. And for all of those industries, the lessons of a global pandemic included improving flexibility and versatility as well as making the most of all materials to address supply chain shortages that disrupt inventory ordering across the world. Our professors have really helped us to be able to evaluate problems and find solutions that encompass as many aspects of the system as possible to help plan for potential issues like that.”

Robyn: “One of the biggest challenges I observe in any of the industries I have worked is the diversity of the workforce. As the past president and a current member of South-Central Michigan Society of Women Engineers, I strive to bring more STEM connection to girls and women. It is a challenge and I want to impress on them that they have a lot to give to the engineering industry and can obtain a position in a solid company. I work
to help mentor and support the women in my company for knowledge, opportunities and collaboration. I did not always have this support in my early career, but I did have a few key allies who helped bolster me and keep me motivated to be a successful, independent and resilient engineer.”