What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was a cashier in a local department store. The hours were long, for which I earned minimum wage. From this experience, I learned that hard work must be accompanied by skill and enjoyment. Because I desired a certain standard of living and a fulfilling work experience, obtaining college-based training became a necessity and not an option.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
I've had a number of heroes and mentors who have contributed to my development. My high school pre-engineering teacher Hamid Marandi, my undergraduate academic advisor Dr. Daniel Smith and my doctoral guidance committee member Professor Bernard Cheo, each provided guidance and support during different stages of my development. Dr. Shirley Jackson (the first African-American Ph.D. in physics from MIT) and Dr. Mae C. Jemison the first African-American female astronaut) were the "untouchable" heroes who personified excellence.

However I have admired only one person as a hero, mentor and friend, my mom Amanda Lyle. As a young bride and mother, she worked full-time while simultaneously completing a dual-degree program, graduating with honors. In the process she lovingly raised four children. I've learned from her the value of struggle, and the reward of determination. It is her multi-tasking work-family style I hope to emulate.

What is your favorite book?
My absolute favorite book is the Holy Bible. It is the only book that can comfort, direct, encourage and address the issues of life.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
Over the next 10 years it's a challenge to clearly envision advances in electrical engineering. In electromagnetics, my area, I expect modeling electromagnetic wave interaction with diverse mediums, such as human tissue, will be increasingly important. Moreover advances in space exploration lends for the emergence of new areas of investigation not yet considered.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
Currently the most interesting element of my work is appropriating the knowledge gained from modeling well-understood electromagnetic problems, to help understand challenging "real world" problems.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment has been choosing to steer my life according to my hopes, ambitions and dreams ... learning that success is not defined by tentative failures or the hopes and aspirations of others. Earning my doctoral was one of my greatest accomplishments because it started as a dream.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
My greatest challenge has been becoming an independent thinker, capable of contributing new and unique perspectives. I've learned that every challenging endeavor requires a "leap of faith" that isn't mapped with previously defined steps.

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
The strategy that I use to maintain a balanced life is simple: God first, family second, followed closely by career ambitions.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Before entering the university, I would advise young women interested in science and engineering careers to take science, math and computer courses. In order to find an interesting area, I suggest participation in science clubs and university-sponsored high school science programs. Having the broadest perspective possible is very important.

A mastery of "technical-reading" comprehension is essential. A student who has the ability to read and understand technical material independently is well equipped for the rigors of a technical curriculum.