This week’s campus profile is Madeleine Adams, a sophomore Chemical Engineering major, who is highly involved with her studies and Greek Life! Read more to learn what it’s like to be a female in a male-dominated major.
Name: Madeleine Adams
Hometown: Portland, Oregon
Year: Sophomore
Major/Minor: Chemical Engineering
HC at OR State: What’s your favorite study spot here on campus?
Madeleine: I’m always studying in Johnson Hall or Kelley Engineering Center!
HC at OR State: What is your favorite college memory?
Madeleine: That’s a tough one! I’d have to go with performing in Gill with my sisters and with FIJI for the annual Sing competition during Spring term. It was such a great opportunity to get to know other members of the Greek community and try something I’d never done before.
HC at OR State: What made you choose your current major?
Madeleine: I chose chemical engineering because I love math and science, and I wanted to use those skills to make the world a better place. I’m hoping to get the Humanitarian Engineering minor and learn more about how science and technology can be used to help people in third world countries.
HC at OR State: What’s it like being a female in a male-dominated major?
Madeleine: Most of the time, I don’t notice a huge difference. Oregon State has done a great job of getting women and minorities into fields that are traditionally dominated by men. But sometimes I definitely notice that I’m one of only three girls in a class of 40 guys. When I do notice it though, it really just makes me more determined to prove myself.
HC at OR State: Have you had any negative experiences in your major?
Madeleine: There have definitely been several times when I’ve had to work much harder to make my voice heard among my male colleagues. I have to advocate for myself more and be very direct when providing input on a project, because my ideas won’t necessarily be heard otherwise. People definitely aren’t as quick to agree with a female student as they might be with her male counterpart, and that’s something I’ve noticed more frequently than I would like to admit.
HC at OR State: What did you do this past summer?
Madeleine: This past summer, I participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at the University of Notre Dame, fully funded by the National Science Foundation. I worked with my mentor and team to develop a small, portable, inexpensive device meant to detect antibiotic resistance in third world countries.
HC at OR State: When did you join Chi Omega and what drew you to the organization?
Madeleine: I joined Chi Omega at the start of my freshman year during Fall Formal Recruitment. I joined because when I walked into that house on Preference Night, I felt comfortable and at ease. The women that I met were driven, charismatic, and genuine, and they had the unique ability to make me feel confident in my own skin, but also push me out of my comfort zone.
HC at OR State: Do you think being involved in Greek life here at Oregon State will help you with your goals after graduation?
Madeleine: Greek life provides a strong network of people that lasts far beyond the four years you’ll spend as an undergraduate. But that aside, being involved in Greek life has helped me maintain a balance between school and a social life. The ability to work hard while still making time for your friends and giving back to the community is something that I know I’ll carry with me well beyond graduation.
HC at OR State: What do you hope to be doing in 10 years?
Madeleine: In ten years, I hope to have gained some experience in industry which would help me decide what kind of post-graduate degree I want to pursue. Right now I’m leaning towards either an MBA or a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, but I honestly have no idea right now! There’s too many interesting things out there and not enough time to do all of them.
HC at OR State: Do you have any hobbies? What do you like to do in your spare time?
Madeleine: I love the outdoors and going new places! This summer, my friends and I went to Lake Michigan and the Dunes a few times, which was so much fun. We also took a trip to Chicago to see a concert, which was about an hour and a half away from Notre Dame. It was my first time in that city so I had a blast. All of these trips were pretty spontaneous too. The best adventures are definitely the ones you don’t plan out.
Be sure to check back next week for another Campus Profile!