Process engineers are critical thinkers and problem solvers – applying scientific principles and mathematics to improve processes that develop the products we enjoy every day. Whether turning milk into cheese or oil into gasoline, these professionals specialize in maximizing the efficiency of transforming raw materials into final products. These innovations keep overhead as low as possible for production companies and prices down for consumers.
When the environment is under attack, so is the air we breathe, the water we drink and the soil we use to grow our crops. Environmental scientists investigate potential environmental threats and create plans to prevent and fix them. They investigate issues like mysterious frog deformities and death of livestock due to soil contamination. As experts in natural science, they have the responsibility to act both as environmental advisors and advocates to companies and governments.
The number one cause of crop loss is fungi. Preventing crop loss is critical to our food supply, the food supply of production animals and our economy – which is why fungicide chemists are critical to farm production. Fungicide chemists formulate fungicides that prevent and kill harmful fungal parasites and diseases that pose a threat to crops and plants. They study chemical compounds to identify toxins that manage fungi and won’t harm plants, while adhering to environmental regulations.
Not all formulas are created equal—formulation requires a blend of both art and science. Formulation chemists study substances that do not react with each other—but have advantageous effects as a mixture; examples include pesticides, fertilizers, paints, cosmetics, etc. These scientists are curious about not only how a formula can be improved chemically, but how it can better serve both farmers’ and consumers’ evolving needs.
What’s in our food, and how do we safely process, package, preserve, store and distribute it? Food scientists find the answers for us, helping our food taste good, and making sure it’s good for you. By understanding foods’ composition, food scientists lead the effort in securing our health alongside our food supply.
We often don’t think about where the food we eat was grown or how it was processed and packaged – because food safety inspectors are our food security guards! They ensure that local, state, federal and global health safety standards are strictly adhered. They may travel to various locations – farms, food labs, manufacturing facilities and restaurants – confirming that proper procedures for food storage, handling, processing and packing are taking place.
Modern industries provide us with convenience and comfort—but unfortunately there is potential for dangerous waste and pollutants as well. When these pollutants endanger the quality of our air, soil and water, environmental engineers strive to solve these pressing issues and improve conditions. They work to advance issues like waste disposal, unsafe drinking water, recycling and sustainability.
Ever peeked inside a laptop or cell phone and wondered how it was created? It was likely the work of a computer hardware engineer. Using design methods, problem-solving and logic skills, computer hardware engineers build computer systems and their related components. From processors to memory devices, 3-D printers to self-driving combines, computer hardware engineers shape the future of computer technology.
If computers and devices couldn’t share information—there would be no scrolling social media, buying last minute gifts on Amazon or collaborating remotely on a group project. Computers and devices use network systems to communicate and share information—much like how we do via social media platforms. Computer network architects are critical thinkers who understand business needs then plan and design computer systems to best meet these requirements. Their work enables us to use technology to the fullest potential every day.
Computer network support specialists are tech gurus—understanding all the ins and outs of computer systems of all sizes; they focus on their connectivity and security to proactively prevent and fix issues with speed. These specialists are problem solvers—using analytical thinking and customer service skills to overcome any type of technical issue. Do you have a knack for computers and enjoy solving problems for others? A computer network support specialist just may be a great fit.
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