In this interview, we have the privilege of delving into the remarkable journey of Pamela McCauley, President of TSTEM Research & Expert Witness Services and Dean of the School of Engineering at Widener University, the trailblazing career she has crafted in the field of engineering, education, and innovation. Pamela’s story is one of inspiration, resilience, and unwavering commitment to making a meaningful impact. Join us as we explore her motivations, triumphs, and the wisdom she imparts to aspiring entrepreneurs, engineers, and leaders in today’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape.
Finding Inspiration and Becoming a Trailblazer
Pamela McCauley’s journey into the world of engineering was shaped by her father’s encouragement, her mother’s boundless optimism, and her innate aptitude for science. Despite her father’s initial aspiration for her to become a medical doctor, Pamela’s fascination with problem-solving led her to choose engineering. Her deep-rooted belief in the power of engineering solutions to transform lives inspired her to pursue a career as an educator, entrepreneur, and leader. She has channelled this inspiration into exciting and impactful activities throughout her career, leaving an indelible mark in the field.
Overcoming Challenges and Building a Support Network
Pamela has encountered significant challenges in her career, both professionally and as a woman of color in the innovation and engineering sectors. To navigate these hurdles, she recognized the importance of building a robust professional support network. One invaluable resource has been the Career Communications Group, known for organizing conferences like the Black Engineer of the Year and Women of Color in Technology. Over three decades, Pamela has cultivated influential relationships that have guided her at every career stage. Professional societies like the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE), American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE), National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE), and the Human Factors and Ergonomics Society (HFES) have also played pivotal roles in her journey. These connections, forged through collaboration and mentorship, have provided her with insights, strategies, and the courage to overcome challenges.
Staying Innovative in a Fast-Paced Environment
In a rapidly evolving business environment, staying ahead of the curve and maintaining an innovative edge is crucial. For Pamela, staying connected to the needs of the people she serves is paramount. Whether in her roles as an educator, leader, or entrepreneur, she immerses herself in reading, engaging with various industries, and conversing with people to understand their challenges and needs. This approach has led to unexpected opportunities and innovations, such as her work with U.S. Department of State in the healthcare industry, ergonomics researched focused initiatives with NASA and leadership roles such as her role as Program Director for the Innovation Corps at the National Science Foundation and current role as Dean of the School of Engineering at Widener University.
Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Pamela’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs revolves around a deep understanding of industry pain points and gain opportunities; in other words, as an innovator, determine the problems that need to be solved or how to take a current solution and amplify it so that it goes to the next level in meeting customer needs. She emphasizes the importance of identifying what isn’t working and how your expertise can elevate solutions. This often requires direct engagement with customers and stakeholders, a process she equates with “customer discovery”, a term frequently use in the I-Corps and innovation community. Getting out, talking to people, and active interaction can uncover opportunities to innovate and make a significant impact with innovation, engineering knowledge, and technology.
Key Strategies for Success
One of Pamela’s consistent strategies for success is building relationships as she enters new spaces or opportunities. Understanding your network and how to connect for mutually beneficial engagement can be an amplifier for leaders, innovators, and entrepreneurs. Her collaborations with researchers who had success with organizations like the National Institute of Health (NIH) ultimately led to opportunities for her firm with NIH and other institutions. These relationships have opened doors and propelled her growth as an entrepreneur, educator, researcher, and leader.
Shaping the Future of Human Factors and Ergonomics
Pamela sees the growth of artificial intelligence as a significant trend shaping human factors and ergonomics. The interaction between humans and AI systems will require extensive research and innovation to refine these interactions, for optimal outcomes as well as to ensure safety and accuracy. She anticipates new breakthroughs in managing and enhancing the use of artificial intelligence systems alongside humans.
Fostering a Culture of Creativity and Innovation
To foster a culture of creativity and innovation within her organizations, Pamela encourages strong collaboration, supports risk-taking, and cultivates an environment where failure is not feared. She recognizes that diverse voices are essential in the decision-making process and believes in the power of substantive collaboration.
Influential Mentors and Bibliomentoring
In Pamela’s journey, mentors have played a pivotal role in her growth from her years as a student at the University of Oklahoma to her entrepreneurial endeavors and leadership roles in academia. She also emphasizes the influence of books, or “bibliomentoring.” Books such as “The E-Myth,” “Good to Great,” “Mindset,” and others have served as sources of information, inspiration, and guidance, shaping her entrepreneurial path.
Proud Initiatives and Projects
Pamela takes immense pride in the expert witness work conducted by her company, which applies engineering principles to provide scientific evidence to support legal cases and enhance the lives of individuals, organizational culture and federal agencies. Her involvement in evaluating unmanned aerial vehicles and biological agent detection systems for the U.S. Department of Defense has contributed to national security, a resulting in a source of deep satisfaction for her on a professional and personal level.
Recognitions and Career Achievements
Pamela McCauley’s illustrious career has garnered numerous accolades and recognitions. Notable awards include being named a Fellow of the American Institute for Medical and Biological Engineering (AIMBE) and the Institute of Industrial and Systems Engineers (IISE). She is also a Fulbright Scholar and has received the Technologist of the Year award from Career Communications Group. Additionally, she has been recognized as a Top Woman in Technology by Connected World Magazine. Her contributions to education have earned her the Black Engineer of the Year Educational Leadership award and Engineer of the Year with the Florida Engineering Society.
Advocacy for Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging
Diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging have been central to Pamela’s career. She has led initiatives, received funding, and organized events to promote these values. Her work with the National Science Foundation and the I-Corps Innovation Inclusion Summit (I3S) has fostered diversity within the STEM innovation community. At NC State, she chaired the Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Committee, actively engaging faculty in recognizing DEIB efforts in the tenure and promotion processes. Today, as an entrepreneur, innovator and Dean of the School of Engineering at Widener University, she continues her efforts to increase diversity and make all those considering an engineering career feel like they belong and are welcome in the engineering community.
Pamela McCauley’s journey exemplifies the transformative power of determination, mentorship, and a commitment to making a positive impact. Her story serves as a beacon of inspiration for aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders seeking to navigate the ever-evolving landscape of innovation and engineering.
