Emilie M. Steinberg
Duke University
Pratt School of Engineering
INNOVATION & ENTREPRENEURSHIP
CERTIFICATE
My I&E Story :
As a member of the Duke University Class of 2026, I’ve had the opportunity to become part of a community that values curiosity and collaboration. Duke stood out to me not only because of family connections, but because it felt like a place where people were genuinely invested in their work and in each other.
My background is in mechanical engineering with a certificate in innovation and entrepreneurship, with interests centered on aerospace and applied design. I was initially drawn to engineering through math, and over time that interest narrowed toward space systems and exploration. Innovation plays a central role in how I approach engineering problems by connecting technical design with real-world constraints. That approach carries into my project-based work, including a senior design capstone focused on designing and modeling a geothermal condenser that balances water consumption and land use.
Beyond campus, I completed two summer internships at SpaceX, working on the structures design and facilities teams at different locations. These roles involved fast iteration, practical design decisions, and solutions that could be built and implemented. These experiences reinforced my interest in technical, high-impact environments where engineering and innovation intersect. Looking ahead, I plan to pursue work in the aerospace industry and continue contributing to systems that push technical and operational boundaries.
Coursework :
I selected EGR 101L: Engineering Design and Communication and EGR 121L: Engineering Innovation as part of my certificate because these courses played a major role in helping me discover my passion for hands-on design and engineering. Through these classes, I gained experience with CAD, 3D printing, electronics, and manufacturing using a variety of materials. Just as important, I learned how to struggle and fail through the design process. Working through imperfect prototypes, design constraints, and unexpected challenges taught me that iteration and failure are essential parts of being an innovator. These courses shaped the way I approach engineering problems and strongly influenced my decision to pursue a certificate focused on innovation and design.
While those engineering courses built my technical foundation, I&E 353 pushed me to think beyond the product itself and consider the business and customer side of innovation. Before this class, my focus was almost entirely on product design and technical validation. I&E 353 introduced me to case studies and business analysis, helping me understand concepts like value propositions, customer segments, and market fit. I learned how engineering decisions connect to customer needs, marketing strategy, and overall business viability. I am now building on this combined technical and entrepreneurial perspective in I&E 499 (Capstone).
Case Slides/Class Reflection :
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Course: I&E 353
Experience 1 (WSP) :
Description:
From Spring 2023 through Summer 2023, I interned with WSP USA on the mechanical engineering team within the Properties and Buildings department. I worked primarily on HVAC system design and modeling using Revit, where I developed ductwork layouts, performed airflow and pressure loss calculations, and reviewed drawings and floor plans for coordination with plumbing, electrical, and structural systems. I also participated in site visits, which helped connect design work to real-world construction constraints. I pursued this experience early in my engineering path to explore different disciplines, and HVAC provided a strong introduction to modeling and system-level design.
Reflection:
This role highlighted how innovation emerges from working within complex constraints. Designing efficient duct routes required balancing system performance, spatial limitations, and coordination across multiple disciplines. Early on, I struggled with a hospital project where I had difficulty resolving a floor plan layout. After spending too long working independently, I reached out to my mentor for guidance. That experience taught me that asking for help is an essential part of effective engineering and collaboration. Overall, this internship strengthened my technical skills while reinforcing the value of iteration, communication, and learning through failure.
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Experience 2 (SpaceX) :
Description:
During the summer of 2024, I interned with SpaceX on the Facilities Engineering team at Vandenberg Space Force Base. The experience focused on supporting the infrastructure and environments that enable launch and manufacturing operations. I worked within a fast-paced engineering setting where design decisions directly affected operational efficiency and safety. I selected this internship as my second experience for the certificate because of the breadth of knowledge I gained and the opportunity to see how large-scale engineering organizations operate behind the scenes.
Reflection:
This internship showed me that innovation extends beyond product design and relies heavily on the systems that support it. I saw firsthand how engineering decisions are shaped by real constraints and how early mistakes require quick adjustment and clear communication. Working in this environment reinforced my interest in fast-paced engineering roles.
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