WEDnesday Woman
By Susie Schenk for Stepping Up
Dr. Jessica Lofton is an Assistant Professor in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Evansville. Originally from Benton, Kentucky, Lofton came to Evansville as an undergraduate student. After graduating from UE with a B.S.M.E., she continued her studies at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where she earned her M.S. and Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering, with a graduate minor in College Teaching.
Lofton is actively involved in engineering education research with the goal of improving the undergraduate experience for all students by implementing research-based pedagogical strategies. She was recognized for her accomplishments in the classroom with the 2018-19 Dean’s Teaching Award for the UE College of Engineering and Computer Science, which is awarded to one faculty member on an annual basis. Her areas of technical expertise are heat transfer and thermal sciences.
Throughout her academic career, Lofton has maintained an active role as an engaged advocate for young women and under-represented minorities in STEM. Upon joining the faculty at the University of Evansville, Lofton assumed the role of faculty advisor for the Society of Women Engineers (SWE), encouraging and supporting young women to persist in STEM. She is the Program Director for the UE Engineering OPTIONS summer camps for high school and middle school girls, which introduce career opportunities in engineering and computer science through hands-on activities, site visits, and mentoring from local female STEM professionals. Lofton also volunteered as a Troop Leader for the inaugural Tech Troop for the Girl Scouts of Southwest Indiana.
In her leisure time, Lofton enjoys painting, recreational sports, reading, and traveling. She lives in Newburgh, Indiana with her husband and three cats. She is an active member of SWE, the American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE), and Tri-state Women in STEM (twiSTEM).
Was there something about UE in general or the engineering department that made you want to return to be a professor there?
UE is a small, comprehensive university that offers strong engineering programs while providing a strong feeling of community. Faculty work closely with students on coursework, projects, and individual development, which creates a welcoming and supportive environment to explore and to grow. As a student, I felt like I was part of a large engineering family at UE that genuinely cared about the success of each individual. I was excited to return to that engineering family as a professor, where I could enhance the student experience and share the joy of STEM with future generations.
Are you seeing an increase in the number of female students in your classes?
The number of female students varies each year. UE enrollment tends to follow the national trends of female representation in STEM, but we strive to continue attracting more female and under-represented minorities. The small-school environment fosters inclusivity and provides supportive learning environments to help attract and retain these students.
The OPTIONS summer camps sound amazing! How do students connect to the camp and do you have any professions from which you need a representative?
The OPTIONS website is https://www.evansville.edu/options/ and has links to the application form. We reach out to schools in the region (STEM teachers, guidance counselors, and principals) with information about the camps each year in addition to advertisements and social media plugs as registration opens. OPTIONS has attracted participants from the tri-state area and across the US, including Washington, Texas, Montana, and Georgia.
We are always looking for local professionals willing to participate as a mentor for the camp, which could include leading a hands-on activity, attending a networking event or an informal meal, or potentially hosting site-visits.