Engineer Rotates Into STEM Outreach at Carderock

Engineer Rotates Into STEM Outreach at Carderock

By Brittny Odoms, NSWC Carderock Division Public Affairs

BETHESDA, Md. - Erin Ripley, a mechanical engineer with Naval Surface Warfare Center, Carderock Division, is trading coding for crayons as she rotates from structural reliability to STEM outreach, bringing a full-circle perspective to the Navy lab's popular Take a Child to Work Day.

Ripley, who has been with Carderock since July 2025, began her rotation with the STEM Outreach group in March and will continue through September. She works in the Structural Reliability Group, where she previously interned for several summers while completing dual degrees in mechanical engineering at Purdue University and statistics at Butler University.

"I've definitely seen a lot of different things Carderock has to offer," Ripley said. "Being on the STEM team is more interactive than my technical work-it's very team-based, hands-on, and lets me connect with people across the base."

Her interest in engineering runs in the family. Both of Ripley's parents worked at Carderock. Her father recently retired after 36 years of service. Growing up around engineers, coupled with early exposure through Take a Child to Work Day, helped guide her career path.

"The event is amazing for kids," Ripley said. "When I attended as an elementary student, we toured the base, built tin foil boats, and even made little robots. Now being on the team running it has given me a real appreciation for all the behind-the-scenes planning that makes it work."

Ripley encourages students interested in STEM to seek out programs like the Navy's Student STEM Employment Program (SSEP) and Naval Research Enterprise Internship Program (NREIP), emphasizing the value of mentorship and hands-on experience.

"Even if you aren't sure which group is right for you, Carderock has something for everyone," she said. "The people here make it special. It doesn't feel like just a job."

Outside work, Ripley enjoys crafting, needlepointing, and reading. She recently used her crafting skills to make stickers for the event she helped organize.

"Being part of planning and running Take a Child to Work Day was really cool," she said. "Stressful at times but seeing it all come together gives you a new appreciation for the effort behind these events."