By Alyssa Patrick, College of Engineering and Architecture
PULLMAN, Wash. – Washington State University alumna Jackie Peer (BS ’96, electrical engineering) received the 2014 Women in Manufacturing STEP Award in February.
Peer, who has worked at Schweitzer Engineering Laboratories since she graduated, flew to Washington, D.C. to receive the award from the Manufacturing Institute alongside 159 other women from around the country.
18 years at SEL
“I was honored to be included with women who are so talented and driven in their careers,” she said. “It was neat to have exposure to women with such a variety of backgrounds, from C-suite professionals to technical engineers.”
Women selected for STEP awards demonstrate “excellence and leadership in their careers and represent all levels of the manufacturing industry,” according to the institute’s website.
During her 18 years at SEL, Peer has held a variety of positions, from application engineer to her current position as director of SEL University. Fifteen years were spent in research and development for products that are used all over the world.
“I like to work hard, stay busy and care about what I do,” she said. “I know the greater purpose of what we’re doing at SEL, so I am passionate about working here.”
Captivated by medical equipment
Her passion for electrical engineering developed in an unexpected setting. She started her college career as a pre-med student on a basketball scholarship at a college in Oregon. While there, she had the opportunity to do a sports medicine internship for a local team.
“I enjoyed medical care, but I was most interested in the equipment we used to provide that care,” she said.
After re-evaluating her career choice, she moved back home to Clarkston, Wash., and started an electrical engineering degree at WSU. Despite having a child and a job at Lower Granite Dam, Peer managed to finish her degree in a little over three years. She was offered a job at SEL before she graduated.
“After all these years, Jackie still stands out in my mind because she was a singular student,” said Shira Broschat, professor in the WSU School of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. “I think her work ethic and great time management skills made her and continue to make her successful. I’m so proud of her and pleased for her!”
Pioneer in power engineering
Peer credits her decision to pursue power engineering to Cliff Mosher, who was a professor at WSU for several decades.
“When I started my electrical degree, I didn’t have a focus,” she said. “Cliff took me under his wing and told me I would like power engineering, and he was right.”
Mosher also pushed her to apply to SEL at a time when the company was still young and not taking many recent college graduates. She got the position and was the second woman engineer employed at SEL.
Active in outreach
Involvement in WSU’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers was also a significant part of Peer’s education experience.
“For a non-traditional student and often the only female in my classes, SWE offered a great outlet and community of support,” she said.
She is still a member of SWE and has an active role in the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) where she is active in two groups, Women in Engineering and Women in Power.
She enjoys doing outreach and professional development, which lends itself well to her role as director of SEL University, a segment of the company that provides education and training to employees and industry customers.
While in Washington, D.C. to receive her award, Peer participated in congressional meetings and personal development sessions. The award winners also heard from Sen. Patty Murray (D-Wash.), Rep. Shelley Capito (R-W. Va.) and Chandra Brown, deputy assistant secretary for manufacturing at the U.S. Department of Commerce.