Wendy Hahn

Wendy Hahn

B.S. Statistics
Grand Valley State University, 2000

M.S. Operations Research and Statistics
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, 2003

Applications System Engineer
Smiths Aerospace

I am an Applications Systems Engineer at Smiths Aerospace working on the Flight Management Systems control display pages, test procedures, and navigation. I graduated with a Bachelors of Science from Grand Valley State University with a major in Mathematics and a minor in Engineering Sciences. After about two years I went back to school and graduated with a Masters of Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a major in Operations Research and Statistics with concentrations in Systems Engineering and Simulation.

There is not necessarily a direct correlation between a mathematics major and a career, unlike an accounting major and a career in accounting. That is what is so fun about a mathematics major. It is so flexible. Most large technological companies find mathematicians assets because they have the problem solving skills and creativity.

In my career I have discovered that my mathematical background has been used in several programs that I have worked on. I would say that all my mathematics classes have been helpful. The knowledge and understanding of logically proving mathematical truths is used in ensuring that equipment is properly tested given the requirements.

Choosing to major in mathematics and minor in engineering sciences was a good choice for my career. It has given me a great foundation of problem solving with the fundamental knowledge of engineering techniques.