Since her husband Bobby Jindal became Louisiana's governor, Supriya Jindal, who holds a bachelor's degree in chemical engineering, does all the usual First Lady things.
But given the buzz surrounding her frequent appearances in elementary school classrooms to drum up interest in science and math, kids like Scotlandville Elementary School student Naphteria Hynard seem more impressed by Jindal's other identity: "I want to be an engineer like Mrs. Jindal," Hynard recently told The Advocate.
The star-struck 11-year-old made her pronouncement back in May 2009 after the First Lady, the only first spouse in the country to hold an engineering degree, helped her class build circuit boards as a way to hook the kids on a field that's close to her heart.
"A lot of us forget that most Americans probably do not grasp what engineers do," says Jindal. "Yet, children continue to be drawn to the fields we love so much."
Juggling her First Lady duties with that of First Engineer comes naturally to the 39-year old Jindal, who believes the competitiveness of the U.S. hinges upon engineers' ability to do a better job talking up the profession.
For her, that's easy.
The daughter of an engineer, Jindal took naturally to the subject as an undergrad at Tulane University, then went on to work at Monsanto Chemical while pursuing a Tulane MBA, a credential she believes enhances any engineer's practice. "Understanding the economics, financials, business strategy, and marketing plans for products are all important factors when designing facilities and considering investments for optimization," says Jindal.
Next stop was a job at Albemarle Corporation, where as manager for diverse products sold in international markets she gained the global perspective that's so much a part of how she sees things today. There, she learned how to make the most of her degrees.
"Pursue your passion for engineering, but make it fun," is her advice to engineers just starting out. She also tells young engineers to seek out firms where "the people and the environment encourage teamwork and innovation." That, says the First Lady, is what she looks for in a job.
Since her husband took office, she's put that career on hold, but she still channels her zest for teamwork and innovation on behalf of kids. In 2009, she founded the
Supriya Jindal Foundation for Louisiana's Children, which, with its corporate partners, delivers interactive technology to elementary schools as a way to emphasize the importance of math and science.
In the aftermath of last May's devastating Deepwater Horizon explosion and subsequent oil spill off Louisiana's coast, she leveraged her experience and contacts to lessen the impact on the children in affected communities. Here, Jindal talks about that effort, why the educational stakes are so high, and her role as Louisiana's Engineering Booster-in-Chief.
Q: You have said: "...we teach our children [that] you can grow up to be an astronaut or whatever you want in this country." How critical is the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) curriculum to fulfilling this potential?
A: Vital industries such as space exploration, defense, pharmaceutical, medical, and agriculture rely on those well trained in math and science. To be competitive in the global economy, our children must build those strong skills.
Q: How does the Supriya Jindal Foundation for Louisiana's Children aid in that effort?
A: The investment of Louisiana's large manufacturing base in developing young talent is one I am extremely grateful for. To date, we have provided over 170 interactive whiteboard systems to schools. It has been incredible to watch the students light up as they use these systems. Academically, [studies have shown] a
17—29% gain in achievement with such technology, improved attendance, and increased dialogue in the classroom.
Q: How does exposure to STEM professionals inspire kids to excel?
A: I talk with students about how experts in math and science develop the video games they love, help keep their food fresh, and how, even in football, knowledge of angles and distance is required to excel. Experts from The Dow Chemical Company, Louisiana State University's chemistry department, and NASA, among others, also accompany me as we lead the children through hands-on demonstrations. Once they realize that math and science is all around them, they connect what they are learning in the classroom to their lives.
Q: Of all those in Louisiana during the Deepwater Horizon disaster, you were among those most qualified to assist with the response. What role did you play?
A: The Deepwater Horizon oil spill took the lives of eleven men and has greatly affected many Louisiana citizens, including our children who live in coastal Louisiana, who had to witness the effects of the oil spill in their backyards. With many families faced with the strain of providing school supplies for their children, I launched a school supply drive. As a result of donations from people, businesses, churches, and organizations from across Louisiana and the U.S., we delivered over $100,000 in supplies to over 5,300 students. For this, I'd like to say thank you to everyone who helped.
Q: Your interest in children is by no means academic. You and the governor have three of your own. Where do their interests currently lie?
A: What a question. At the moment, my daughter Selia, 9, is an aspiring astronaut; my son Shaan, 6, is an aspiring Saints football player, doctor, and daddy; and my son Slade, 4, an aspiring builder (residential construction). There's a lot of math and science in their future…and I couldn't be happier for it.
Marion Hart is an independent writer.
I talk with students about how experts in math and science develop the video games they love, help keep their food fresh, and how even in football knowledge of angles and distance is required to excel.
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