Danna Sheridan

FIRST JOB AFTER ROSE-HULMAN?

After I graduated from Rose-Hulman, I wanted to take some time off before starting my career. I worked in a Target stockroom for about nine months before I started my first job in the engineering field. I learned a lot about large scale logistics and inventory management. The knowledge I gained from this job actually served me very well in subsequent engineer roles.

MOST VALUABLE LESSON YOU LEARNED ON THAT JOB?

The most valuable knowledge I gained during my time at Target was how to encourage and motivate direct labor. I was able to use the tools I learned there later in my career when I was a production supervisor at a manufacturing facility.

MOST MEMORABLE ROSE-HULMAN PROFESSOR?

Dr. Richards [Mechanical Engineering], who taught my ConAps class. He was walking us through a problem one day, and he said, "If you don't have a good reason for taking the next step, you probably shouldn't do it." Not only was that phrase my initiation into critical thinking, it is advice I use to this day when making major life decisions.

IDEAL WEEKEND?

Brunch and seeing a big, fun musical! I was involved with the Rose Drama Club when I was in school, and I've been active in Community Theater ever since graduation.

STAR TREK OR STAR WARS?

I've been a Star Wars fan since I was a kid, but I recently watched the first season of Star Trek TOS, and I might be turning into a Trekkie! Both have merits in my book.

WHAT IS THE NERDIEST THING YOU DO?

I lived in Indianapolis for several years after graduating from Rose-Hulman, and I loved going to GenCon, the gaming convention that goes on in Indianapolis every summer. I even dressed up in a steampunk costume a few times.

ADVICE TO INCOMING ROSE-HULMAN STUDENTS?

Get involved. It's easy to let coursework to take over your time, but it's important to find balance. I discovered a love for theater I would have never imagined finding at an engineering school, and it's an activity I've been able to stay involved with long after I forgot Calculus 3. Rose is an amazing place — have fun!