Jen DiStefano & Kelly Parker present research at SWE conference

Oct 26, 2018

VPD Group's Jen DiStefano and Kelly Parker attended and presented their research at the 2018 Society for Women in Engineering Conference in Minneapolis earlier this month.

DiStefano and Parker pose at the SWE conference.

The conference is the world's largest for women in engineering and was held Oct. 18-20 at the Minneapolis Convention Center. There was a job fair, numerous speakers and exhibitors, and an experience specifically designed to encourage young girls to pursue a career in engineering.

The SWE conference also had a "Rapid Fire" research speaking competition. Of more than 50 applicants, only 10 were selected to present their research, and both DiStefano and Parker were selected.

Kelly Parker presents her research at the SWE "rapid fire" competition.

The finalists each gave 5-minute research talks that were judged by industry representatives. DiStefano was awarded 1st place at the awards dinner at the last night of the conference.

DiStefano's award from the "rapid fire" competition.

DiStefano said she felt the conference was a great opportunity to celebrate and recognized women's achievements in STEM.

Jen DiStefano presents her research at the "rapid fire" competition.

"I think we all found it inspirational to connect with women leaders in a variety of engineering fields," she said.

DiStefano and Parker, both members of the SWE board at Northwestern, said they enjoyed sharing ideas and learning from other GradSWE chapters.