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Jen Uchida graduated from the University of Colorado Boulder in 2005 with a joint bachelor’s and master’s degree in aerospace engineering. Since graduation, she has become a leader in the test flight engineering field. Jen is now the manager of test and evaluation at AeroTEC where she oversees and directs the work of engineers and test pilots on various customer projects.

Throughout her career, she has had numerous impressive achievements. Her first position after graduation was with the Naval Air Systems Command as a civilian flight test engineer for the Marine Corps in Patuxent River, Maryland. There she supported the experimental flight testing of the V-22 Osprey, deploying several new and lifesaving capabilities to the fleet and logging over 100 flight hours of crew time. 

In 2011, she had the opportunity to attend the U.S. Naval Test Pilot School, a rare and prestigious opportunity for a civilian. She learned how to relate real-world mission requirements to her work as a flight test engineer and logged 100 flight hours of crew time over 16 different types of military aircraft. In 2012, Jen applied to NASA’s astronaut program and was one of the top 50 candidates for selection in 2013. Finally, in fall 2020, Jen became the vice president of the Society of Flight Test Engineers. 
In the midst of an impressive career and growing family, Jen still finds time to volunteer. She is a member of the CU Boulder Aerospace Engineering External Advisory Board and has participated in CU Engineering events for alumni in the Seattle area. Jen not only volunteers for her alma mater, but over the years, she has also been engaged in STEM-related workshops for children and has supported various environmental causes. We recently sat down (virtually!) with Jen to learn more about her time at CU, her career path and her volunteer involvement. 

What are your fondest memories of CU Engineering?
Maybe I'm a glutton for punishment, but my fondest memories are the late nights in the lab with my fellow students! I had a study group that was pretty close, and I remember lots of laughing and learning and teaching each other so no one was left behind in a course.

Were there any pivotal moments during your time at CU that influenced your career path?
The September 11 terrorist attack happened my sophomore year. I was about to leave for class when the first tower fell. I was alone and scared, and I didn't know what else to do, so I walked to class. I was relieved to see all my classmates there and our professor, Dr. Argrow, was there to greet us. The first thing he told us was that we were safe, and the next thing he said was that he was going to proceed with the planned lecture for that day. 

He told us that this was important for a couple reasons. First, he was not going to let the terrorists inhibit our education. Second, he told us that what we were learning that day and every day was vital to the future safety and defense of our country. This has always stuck with me. He taught me that my education matters and my contributions to the aerospace industry matter, and I have always held onto that passion in life and my career.

You were recently named vice president of the Society of Flight Test Engineers. Can you talk about the mission of the organization and why you choose to pursue a leadership position with SFTE?
SFTE exists to promote the practice of flight test engineering in the aerospace industry by providing a conduit of communication among individuals in the fields that support flight test. Every year we look forward to our international symposium, where flight testers from around the world gather to present technical papers and discuss the latest developments in the industry. 

Flight test is a dynamic and ever-evolving industry, and I love that 15 years into my career I'm still learning and growing. I knew I wanted to pursue a leadership position with SFTE when I realized I could help others learn and grow in their respective fields within flight test. I also wanted to be part of a great organization whose members come from diverse technical backgrounds and all have a cool airplane story to share.

Gender parity in the engineering field is a work in progress. How have you seen the aerospace industry evolve to be more inclusive throughout your career, and what resources have you leveraged to find success as a woman in the field?  
We have so far to go with respect to gender parity, especially now after the way the pandemic has derailed so many careers for women, just when it seemed like things were trending in the right direction. My amazing husband and I have been able to prioritize my career during this crisis, but we are far from the norm among American families. 
The most effective resource I have found is the other women in my field. Sticking close to each other by leaning on each other and advocating for each other has not only created lifelong friendships but also helped normalize our presence in a male-dominated industry. 

It's also important to accept that there will be times when you will have to be your own advocate. When I was pregnant with my first child, I memorized every law and act implemented to protect working mothers. I knew I had to know what I could ask for and what my employers were required to provide and accommodate. I really admire the women who are senior to me in their careers because I know I have it easier than they did. I've had employers provide a fully accommodating mother's room, cover the cost to overnight ship my breastmilk home while on travel, and actively work to bring gender parity and diversity to the company. These are big steps in the industry, and I hope to be able to make sure the young women entering the workforce now and in the future will have it easier than I do.
 
What would you say to encourage alumni considering whether to volunteer with their alma mater?
It has been such a rewarding experience to volunteer my time for CU, and I have learned so much from the people I have met through the various events. I can only hope that the people I have met have found a fraction of the value I have through our interactions.

I also know that time is precious, and we are often running out of it (I have two toddlers!). So if time is not something you can give to your alma mater now, consider making a donation. You can even coordinate specific areas for your donation to benefit. For example, my donations to CU go directly to the Aerospace Department's Earn-Learn Apprenticeship program. This is a program that I was part of during my time at CU, and I love that I can still be part of the continued success. 

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