Interview with Erica Slusser

Featured Engineer

Erica Slusser

Erica Slusser - ECE Student at the University of Louisville Speed School of Engineering

Additional Title: Co-op Engineer at Test and Controls International

How did you get into electronics/ engineering and when did you start?

When I was a little girl I remember taking computers apart with my father. I was so amazed by all the circuits inside… they looked like little cities! From then on I was enamored with circuits and electronics. Eventually, that stemmed into a deep interest in robotics, which will be my main career interest. I have always been a tinkerer, but my real education in ECE didn’t begin until I started college in 2009. I got my first co-op at Test and Controls International Spring semester of 2011 and am currently with them for my second co-op for the Fall semester.

What are your favorite hardware tools that you use?

I always carry my wire stripper, cutters, and a small screw driver set with me. They have saved me in lab classes and at my work! I really need to invest in a multimeter, but for now I use my work’s or school’s when it’s necessary.

What are your favorite software tools that you use?

I tend to use ProgeCAD (an AutoCAD variant) quite a bit. It’s very useful for drawing diagrams and I have always loved the command style prompt it uses. Other programs I use on occasion are MatLab, WinSPICE, Multisim, and LTspice IV.

What is the hardest/trickiest bug you have ever fixed?

Probably any circuit I ever had to do in my Logic Design class (Summer 2010). The wiring was always convoluted and there wasn’t any color coded wires available. Basically if you didn’t meticulously watch what you were doing, you would have to start all over again!

What are some of your hobbies and interests?

I love crocheting and making jewelry out of polymer clay. I also enjoy cooking and baking sweets because I like to make people happy. I very much enjoy taking care of animals, as I own a pet Red Eared Slider turtle (naturally I named him Tesla) that can be quite a handful! My main interest and passion has always been robotics.

Do you have any tricks up your sleeve?

I always prototype my circuits. Not only will it save you a lot of headache later on, but you will have an idea of how the circuit works before you make it permanent.

What has been your favorite project?

The first time I was given a “big” project to do at my work. I had to design a dishwasher board tester for GE and got to draw the diagrams, write the programming, and the documentation. It made me feel like a real engineer.

Do you have any note-worthy engineering experiences?

On my first co-op at Test and Controls Intl, I was rigging up a test circuit at my desk. I had apparently wired it wrong and tripped a huge breaker in the building doing so. A half of our office was out of power for a few minutes! Needless to say, they picked on me for a while after that.

Where do you see yourself in the future?

I see myself finishing up school and building up a career. My heart and soul has always been in robotics, so I want to eventually get involved in that field. I am thinking of focusing on robotics in the medical industry, as there are many interesting applications and I feel like it’s the best way to help people out. My true dream is to one day become a great inspiration to future women engineers involved in Electrical Engineering and to make my family proud.

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