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Name: Miyuki Mann
Title: Facilities Engineer Operations Support for Base Business Rockies Business Unit
Education:
Degree 1: B.S. in Forensic Science
Degree 2: B.S. in Chemical Engineering
Company Description: In Colorado, Chevron is focused on safely providing the reliable, affordable, ever-cleaner energy our state needs. As the largest oil and natural gas producer in Colorado, with more than 1,000 employees who live and work in the areas where we operate, our goal is to be a partner and neighbor of choice. This goes beyond continuously improving our operations. We invest millions of dollars in community organizations that focus on essential needs, promote equity, enhance education, provide arts experience, and protect and improve our environment.
Tell us more about your job.
As a facilities operations support engineer, I work with all sorts of disciplines to help troubleshoot, optimize, retrofit and/or expand existing oil and natural gas facilities, and keep production online. As an operations support and project manager, my role is to work with several disciplines to make decisions in designing and/or troubleshooting existing facilities for base business operations.
Why is STEM important within your industry?
The oil and natural gas industry entails so many aspects of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics no matter what role you end up doing within Chevron. My role is STEM rolled into one. I deal with utilization of math to design pipelines with what we call hydraulic analyses, understanding our fluids from the wells and pipes. Part of my role also entails keeping up with new technology from various fixed equipment upgrades and even drone utilization to capture aerial photos of our facilities.. My role also looks at data driven analyses, trending data information to understand and optimize production while also right sizing various scalable equipment. Lastly, I utilize science such as organic and biochemistry to understand chemical make-up of fluids from wells and determine any microbe presence that can cause corrosion or what corrosive materials are we handling on our day-to-day basis to ensure no long term or short terms affects can impact people when exposed to these materials.
Was there a specific moment when you decided you wanted to pursue STEM as a career?
At the age of seven, my dream was to become an OBYGN while growing up in a math and science environment. Surprisingly, I did not grow up with the acronym coined as STEM during my educational journey. I was introduced to STEM during my time working with Chevron after exposure to volunteering in helping with the Robotics team in Grand Junction, CO. It was at that moment that made me want to be become a huge advocate for Girls and Science 😊
What do you like best about your job?
I truly enjoy working and collaborating ideas with others to make business decisions. Managing short term projects is stressful but highly motivating when you are able to tangibly see all the fruits of your labors flourish (facility designs or optimal changes to sustain or increase production for our business assets). Chevron also allows me to have a work life balance where I am able to have the time to play tennis, play music, and enjoy other extracurriculars outside of work. Chevron also provides opportunities to travel and visit and be immersed in different cultures as it is a global company with opportunities across the world.
What are the most important skills needed in your job?
Having a B.S. in chemical engineering is highly encouraged for the work I do. Having an engineering mindset is key for my current role. Being curious, asking questions, and effectively communicating with others are very important skills needed for my job. Additionally, being adaptable to ever changing parts of the business and working with all different personalities are also key skills to develop in effort to manage tasks and people effectively. Another big part of my role is working with others effectively. Being able to recognize and appreciate others' talents and roles increases support and instills confidence and willingness of others to work with you.
Have there been times in your career where you've faced difficult challenges and how were you able to overcome them?
Yes of course. In my current role with Chevron, I am challenged with prioritizing safety in design, cost, and schedule when designing and executing projects. Catering to all stakeholders' expectations is highly challenging to achieve while also balancing the unexpected / unforeseen circumstances that can derail design and execution plans. The way I tackle these challenges is to try and think methodically, going in with a well-defined plan, but having an adaptable mindset. High level forefront planning is essentially defining the problem, determining your known risks and thinking through possible unknown risks, then developing your design, timing, and schedule. Sometimes, you're refining plans and developing with a time clock to execute. The adaptability part is when unknown issues arise and would need to re-work or re-define plans to stay the course. Other times you are given wrong information. Staying positive is key. I see it as Attitude Determines Altitude. Regardless of the challenges, re-works, let downs occurs, a positive attitude and outlook to your achievements. Lastly, I request feedback to continue learning and growing. There is always something to improve on and respect candid constructive and positive feedback from others.
What advice would you give to girls of all ages who are interested in STEM?
STEM education and program should make you feel limitless and confident. Doors open for you when you seek STEM careers. The work is challenging, competitive, and evergreen. STEM careers develop you to have a growth mindset. If you like solving problems and critical thinking, perhaps a career in engineering is for you. Know that is okay to change careers, try something new, explore your options or even change goals during your life journey. Do not lose your curiosity and ability to ask questions. Find ways to keep learning, even if the role is not your favorite. As Gandhi puts it, "live as if you were to die tomorrow; learn as if you were to live forever". In other words, do everything with a 100% zeal and live each and every day to the fullest and learn endlessly.
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