E. Jay Murphy
Chemical Engineer

with Bonnie Hanlon,
Engineering Technician
The Phantom Labs
Greenwich, NY

Want to be an engineer?
I just fell into engineering because as I was finishing my BA, job options did not appeal to me. I applied to a number of graduate chemical engineering programs, since I figured my chemistry degree was adequate preparation. Of course I found out that this was not true, but it was still a good decision. I found I really enjoyed designing my experimental apparatus and doing the actual lab work. It gave me the confidence to move into an unknown field.
I would suggest that anyone considering an engineering degree work on his or her math skills. I find that being comfortable manipulating numbers is crucial to doing the work.

My day at work:
Work can consist of many different tasks in a day. It can consist of talking with clients to better understand what they want done and to help them understand what I can do for them, doing some actual design and/or research, working with other people on the design team to make sure that everyone is working toward the common goal, and documenting everything. You need a paper trail to remember how and why decisions are made.

What I do:
The bulk of what I do now is problem solve for clients. Generally they come to me with a goal and ask for help in getting there. It can be material in building something or fixing something that isn't working. It can be procedural, for example, helping them to get through a permitting process or laying out an entire process for getting a project done. The value of having a lot of common sense cannot be overstated. The best engineering work applies appropriate technology for the specific situation.

Why engineering?
I enjoy engineering because it is intellectually challenging and appeals to my mindset. Part of it is that the profession rewards logical thought and a step-by-step approach to managing a task. It also pays fairly well.

Proud moments:
The fun part is building something that I've designed. It gives tangible proof that I figured something out and it works!

The best part of being an engineer...working with smart people to solve interesting problems.