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Technology |
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Name: Travis Stinson
Career: Mechanical / Electrical Engineer
Company: Alabama Power
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"I enjoy the problem-solving process. Math and science are my personal strong points. The fact that I enjoy these topics made my choice of Mechanical Engineering an easy pick."
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Recall a moment in your life when you realized science was really cool.
I have always been interested, but not until I took a physics class in high school did I truly appreciate the field of science. The complexity intrigued me most. Some things I still have problems solving but when I understand the process, whatever that may be, it gives me a rush.
What made you decide to pursue a career in science?
As I stated before, I enjoy the problem solving process. Math and science are my personal strong points. The fact that I enjoy these topics made my choice of Mechanical Engineering an easy pick.
What’s the most exciting part of your job?
Working with Alabama Power gives me avenues to use all of my personality, science, technical, and human interaction. I energize when I have the chance to meet and get to know new people. On an everyday basis I have several opportunities to come in contact with lots of different customers.
What training did you need to succeed on your job?
I believe training and studying is life long. There are always new things to learn and comprehend. I shifted gears from Mechanical Engineering to a career that is widely performed by Electrical Engineers. Therefore, my first training was to learn the basics of our electrical system; how power was generated as well as the reliability procedures we take to serve our customers. Another important aspect to remember is that electricity is a very dangerous product to work around. Knowing this danger, I had to learn safety procedures to help protect not only our employees but the public as well.
What skills do you need to have on your job?
Both math and science skills are very important to me in my career. In addition, I rely on my intuitiveness and ability to work with others. Making the right decisions is not always easy to accomplish. Having people that trust you and you put trust in, may possibly be my strongest-equipped skill.
Describe an example of how you apply science directly into one particular aspect of your daily work.
I use science to properly engineer my projects daily. Mathematical equations are used to adequately size our electrical system, be that a single customer or large residential development that needs service. We improve our system yearly because of the growth that takes place, and my current job also works the budget items for the North Region of Birmingham to correct low voltage and other potential problems.
Who are your heroes, professional and personal?
One of my professional heroes is my Manager Pam Boyd. She takes her job seriously and at the same time enjoys it enough to make it fun for all. She never misses a chance to applaud others on a job well done. I appreciate her ability to go above and beyond the normal aspects of her job to make someone else feel important and wanted.
Personally, Roy Wayne Stinson (my Dad) is my hero. Through his selflessness, my childhood was spared. In the world today many children have countless problems that could have been prevented if the parents would have taken responsibility. My Dad always put his children first and instilled that most gracious quality in me by doing so.
Briefly complete this sentence: “For me, science is....”
Life. Without scientific evolutions such as the automobile and electricity our lives would not only be harder but more boring.
What would you say to a young person to encourage her/his interest in science as a career?
I would say to anyone who has dreams or aspirations to invent something to pursue the science career path. Inventions, as I mean them, are not only the first stage in making a product but can also include expounding on a previous invention. Scientists continually make life worth living, with the help of God, of course.
Many scientists suffer miserable failures before achieving great success (think Albert Einstein and high school math). Recount any similar nightmares you encountered in your pursuit.
I have had a long career of tribulations. Coming from a low-middle class, one-parent home, I thought it would be impossible for me to attend a university (much less graduate). I did not apply myself as I should have in high school, therefore making college a task. In college, I had to learn to study effectively and efficiently. Study groups proved to be an ally to me in my pursuit of a college degree. Only through knowing your weaknesses can you make the steps to overcome obstacles in life. I have God to thank for all I have accomplished.
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