Welcome to the FIRST UP Interlude! These monologues will be taking a visit to the deep recesses of my thoughts. Get ready to exercise your brain! :)  And I'd love to hear your thoughts on these topics too: kari@vector-collab.com ..read more

"A strong work ethic, integrity and a curious mind can take you far."  This is the ingrained mindset of Monica Wilson.  She is an environmental scientist, biophilic, and runway model.  As a digital nomad herself, she has clients all around the world that seek her out to create spaces that are environmentally conscious and invite nature indoors.  She is passionate about the ways in which cities are developed, technology and improved environments and how these things can change one's life trajectory.  She holds a degree in environmental science and sustainability from th ..read more

Jarrett is an architect specializing in facade design.  Essentially, he explores parametric and free form design and frequently finds himself pushing the edge on innovation in an effort to create beautiful, creative, work of art buildings.  Violent geometry is his playground.  As a person deeply rooted to the earth and nature, Jarrett is intrigued by complex patterns found in nature and frequently uses these as inspiration in his design work.  He is a people connector and loves enhancing lives through design.  He has his own podcast, The All Nighter where he and his co ..read more

Holly is a licensed mechanical engineer specializing in building design and a business partner with BBS Architects l Engineers.  She balances business ownership with engineering design and several hobbies including bicycling, music, smoking meats and home remodeling projects.  Co-ops, internships and electives helped her hone in on her passions and favorite path in mechanical engineering.  No two days are the same which keeps things challenging and interesting.  Holly loves interacting with end users and sharing her expertise so that they can do their jobs better.  Lis ..read more

Aaron is a people person.  At one point he was the spokesman for media for the Iowa Section of ASCE and pulled it off like a seasoned news reporter.  He is engaging and driven to propel to the next level, always.  While at the University of Iowa, Aaron was a division one football athlete, had a job, and earned bachelor degrees in Mathematics and Civil Engineering.  He later went on to get his MBA from the University of Iowa.  The grit developed during this time serves Aaron to this day.  He is always striving to grow and challenge himself.  He currently serve ..read more

Jennifer Lyn is a successful Indie Blues-Rock musician and structural engineer.  Her band, Jennifer Lyn and Groove Revival is just getting ready to release their third album, Nothing Holding Me Down.  As if writing, recording and producing a new album isn't a big enough undertaking, she is also finishing up the spring semester as the Department Chair of Geomatics, Engineering and Mathematics and Associate Professor of Engineering at Bismark State College.  Oh and she also coaches soccer.  Jen has a bachelor's degree in civil engineering and a master's degree in civil-struct ..read more

Sidney May lives in color.  We met at a conference several years ago and bonded over our cute shoes.  In an engineering fashion sea of grey, we both see and live in color.  No polos or khakis for us.  Sidney is a published author, instructor, entrepreneur, engineer and visual artist.  She has bravely crafted a life that is unique and authentic to her.  She is a fervent learner, constantly curious and always seeking out different and creative things in all aspects of her life.  Asphalt and art are two of her main passions.  Enjoy this conversation! https ..read more

Kelly is a structural engineer and one of the best relationship curators that I have ever met.   She values her clients as individuals and has found a way to connect with them in a very meaningful way.  She has worked at the same company since college graduation but her role has changed drastically throughout the years, largely in part to her willingness to take on new risks and challenges.  Listen as Kelly talks healthy competition, building a team and connecting with clients.   #theunboxingproject  #stem #structuralengineer  #imegcorp ..read more

While earning his BS in Computer Science, Aaron started his career as a web developer.  He currently works for the State of Minnesota on a website that receives tens of thousands of hits every month.  If something happens with that site, he hears about it instantly.  But even more important, are his roles as a father and husband.  He firmly believes that the lasting legacy that he is instilling in his kids is far more important than any career contribution.  Also, he is my brother so I hope you enjoy our humorous (to us) family dynamics. #theunboxingproject  #goja ..read more

Eva started her career as an actuary and has evolved into the Vice President of Behavioral Health at Evernorth, a subsidiary of Cigna Healthcare.  She leads a team of 1500 people towards a common goal, mostly from her home office in Iowa.  She has lived in Iowa and worked remotely for the Connecticut based company for over a decade, all while climbing the corporate ladder of a large corporation. You will see that she is very passionate about math and curious about learning.  Also, a side note, she summited four Colorado 14ers (mountain peaks over 14,000 feet) in one day last sum ..read more