NC West Virginia News

West Virginia University senior Paislee Adlington was first drawn to engineering during family vacations to Disney World, where the roller coasters piqued her interest. Today, she is pursuing dual bachelor’s degrees in mechanical and aerospace engineering.

Adlington, from Bridgeport, is among a growing number of women pursuing degrees in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields as job opportunities expand. At WVU, women account for about 18% of undergraduate students and 24% of graduate students at the Benjamin M. Statler College of Engineering and Mineral Resources. These figures have increased over the past 20 years.

For Adlington and many of her female classmates, scholarships have been crucial in enabling them to excel. Adlington is a member of the Society of Women Engineers and leads the WVU Experimental Rocketry Club as its first female president. She also studied abroad in Munich, Germany, with scholarship support.

“If it wasn’t for the scholarships I received from WVU, I don’t think I would have been able to take part in as many opportunities as I have as an engineering student,” Adlington said. “Encouraging students like myself and underrepresented people in STEM — females, minorities — to pursue their dreams and providing scholarships to help them pursue their dreams without the financial burden is something that’s extremely important.”

Abbie Lieving, a senior from Mason County, was inspired by high school math and science teachers and a cousin who enjoyed her experience at Statler College. She chose chemical engineering because it integrated chemistry and math while offering broad career options.

Lieving initially felt intimidated but found support through scholarships which allowed her to become involved as a Statler College student ambassador, math tutor, and SWE treasurer.

“Now being in my classes, I see that there are other women in engineering as well,” Lieving said. “Being a part of the Society of Women Engineers here on the WVU campus has honestly been such a great support system.”

Recent graduate Kaelyn McClain from Elizabeth, Pennsylvania chose WVU due to its proximity to home, Division I swimming program, and available scholarship support. She appreciated having a community within the biomedical engineering program.

“Women have so much potential to make great advancements in engineering,” McClain said. “Some of the best innovations come when you bring together a diverse group with different experiences.”

Emily Garner is one of more than 40 women teaching at Statler College. A native of Swanton, Maryland, Garner earned her bachelor’s degree in civil engineering at WVU before completing her doctorate at Virginia Tech. Her research focuses on microorganisms in drinking water and wastewater systems.

“Being a woman in engineering for me is about representation,” Garner said. “Teaching at WVU is an opportunity to show our students that lots of different people can be successful engineers.”

Garner noted numerous career opportunities for women interested in tackling real-world challenges such as improving drinking water quality or sending rockets into space.

“There’s a growing need for engineers across not only the United States but also globally,” Adlington said. “We’re seeing new industries like biomedical and environmental engineering emerge.”

Lieving emphasized that women bring unique skills essential for future problem-solving in engineering.

“Every day I wake up nervous about what I'll learn,” Lieving said. “But having financial support motivates me to succeed.”