Girlstart’s Women in STEM weekly series highlights various women who are making a difference in STEM. Be inspired as these incredible women describe how they became interested in their field, provide insight into a day in the life, and share learnings from their experiences.

Aparna Subramanian

LNG Consultant @ Oil and Gas industry

Aparna has been in the STEM industry for many years and has gained incredible insight throughout this time. Her career has made her want to speak up without fear, bring change and motivate women to choose STEM. We are so thankful that she has chosen to share some of this insight with us today on the blog!

What prompted you to volunteer with Girlstart?
My passion to spread the knowledge and experience I gained throughout my career and also my inquisitiveness to learn various things from everyone that I meet on a daily basis made me volunteer with Girlstart.

Was there something specific in your life that led you to your STEM career?
Science and Technology always remained as my passion since my childhood. I always wanted to break the convention from earlier generations of people that technology jobs are MEN’s jobs and hence it motivated me to prove that SCIENCE does not see race, culture, gender or color.

What projects or programs have you worked on?
I am a Senior Process Engineer / LNG Consultant with 16 years of experience in
LNG, Refining and Petrochemical Industry. My experiences include commissioning and start up support for LNG facility, design engineering, FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) filing, siting analysis, LNG Plant Operational Readiness reviews, technical studies, Engineering digitalization, etc.

I have handled a variety of projects including LNG, Refinery Applications, Soda Ash, etc. My project work varies from FEED(Front End Engineering Design) / licensor packages, plant expansion projects to feasibility studies, due diligence studies, Process safety studies, EPC (Engineering, Procurement and Commissioning) of various plants, etc.

My core technical strengths include but not limited to extensive experience with EPC level of deliverables, project management, technical leadership, Plant Operational Readiness Reviews, Client interfacing, workshare lead with global offices, Technical / Business proposal writing, Relief systems, etc. I also deal with Project Management tasks including and not limited to handling Initiation, Planning, Executing, Controlling and Closing processes of multiple projects in parallel. I have worked extensively on Pressure relief systems, HAZOPs, HAZIDs, AOA, PSM, etc. I have an in-depth knowledge of API, NFPA, ASME and other industry codes and standards.

I am a Project Management Professional (PMP) and also achieved my Six
Sigma Certification .I get involved in Project proposal preparation, Business / Technical writings and have dealt with cross country project leading efforts.

Along with my extensive experience as a technical lead with my degree in chemical
engineering and extensive experience in the profession, I have good communication
and leadership skills thereby leading and participating in various corporate clubs such as Women leadership, Public speaking club, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Sustainability, engineering digitalization, and also present technical presentations in conferences and forums, etc.

I am a VOLUNTEER providing Technical and leadership webinars with AiChe (American Institute of Chemical Engineers).

Why is confidence important for girls wanting to work in STEM?
Confidence is a brilliant attribute that helps girls speak up for what they want to explore, provides avenues to help them move out of their comfort zone, and helps them to stop doubting their own skills and take more risks. After all, taking risks ends up in two things, either you win or you learn and win later. Being confident helps girls in bringing their mental ideas to life by then bringing the ideas to reality. Confidence provides a sense of accomplishment.

What would you say to girls who are thinking of pursuing a STEM career?
a) First, please STOP thinking that you are a GIRL and hence you cannot do this. Gender is something that should not even come in mind to take up any challenges. b) Never try to please everyone and remain a good girl because when you want to change things, you can’t please everyone. If you please everyone, you aren’t making enough progress. c) Always SPEAK UP when you have to as the FEAR of our voice that will not be heard or welcomed will never make us look good nor protect us from anything.