One-day visit sparked Crum's interest in technology

Brittany Crum takes advantage of Purdue Airlink wireless computer network service on the Purdue Mall.

Just one day in the College of Technology changed Brittany Crum’s life.

She grew up on a farm near Frankfort, Indiana, 30 miles from Purdue University. But a college degree was not part of her plans. She was content to pursue a career on the farm, driving tractors and working with the animals.

As a promising pre-technology/pre-engineering student at her high school, she was invited by the College of Technology to a one-day program called Windows of Opportunity for Women in Technology (WOWiT).

“It sounded a bit interesting, so I decided to go,” she says. “My dad and I came to campus and spent the day learning about all the majors the college had to offer. We were coming up on the last session of the day, and nothing seemed to fit me.”

The final session focused on electrical engineering technology.

“Professor Jeffrey Richardson was talking about Tickle Me Elmos, falling Tiggers that can stand back up, and robots,” Crum remembers. “He said all of that was possible through electrical engineering technology. I was hooked!”

Now, as a student in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering Technology, Crum relishes her campus academic and social experiences. In the summer of 2009, she traveled with classmates to Switzerland to compete in the international Darwin 21 project. And her successful academic career has been aided by her involvement in the Women in Technology learning community and the Women in Technology student organization.

“I have met so many inspiring people through these programs,” she says. “The people are the heart and soul of the College of Technology.”