"Looking back, I especially appreciated the welcoming environment for women in engineering that Purdue and ECE created, an environment that treated everyone with respect and dignity and encouraged the success of each and every individual. The top-notch engineering education at Purdue University was invaluable in teaching me to think critically, solve problems, and make a difference in the world. My Purdue education and experiences enabled a challenging and rewarding career with the opportunity to travel and work with outstanding individuals across the country and around the world."

 

Patricia Redding (BSEE ’79) of Vancouver, Washington, is a high-tech engineering professional with more than 20 years of management experience. She has managed teams of up to 90 engineers and technicians, and her responsibilities have included overseeing product and process developments, managing product portfolio planning, leading a $50 million automation program, and administering a $450 million efficiency and effectiveness improvement program.

Redding began her career in 1979 with Hewlett-Packard in Colorado as an R&D engineer. While there, she also earned her MSEE degree in 1984 from Colorado State University. After moving to Vancouver, Washington, in 1987, she worked for Hewlett-Packard’s inkjet printing business in various R&D and manufacturing engineering management positions, ultimately becoming a director of engineering in 2002. Retired from Hewlett-Packard since 2005, she now takes classes at Washington State University Vancouver and volunteers in the community assisting with math and science education.