Celebrating World Engineering Day: Spotlight on Alyssa Bullens of EthosEnergy

On World Engineering Day, we come together to honor the brilliant minds shaping our future. Today, we shine a light on Alyssa Bullens, Gas Turbine Project Engineer at EthosEnergy whose collective four-year journey is a testament to passion, perseverance and innovation. With a Bachelor of Science in Engineering from the New Jersey Institute of Technology, Alyssa has not only advanced her own career but also inspired countless women to pursue their dreams in engineering.

From a young age, Alyssa’s fascination with science and math set her on a path toward engineering. Nurtured by a series of engaging STEM programs during high school, she developed a love for problem-solving that propelled her into higher education and beyond. Today, her diverse experiences across multiple industries stand as  a powerful reminder that the path to success is rarely linear—but always driven by passion and purpose.

Q&A with Alyssa:    

Q: What inspired you to pursue a career in engineering?  

A: “My love for science and math began at a young age and was nurtured through various STEM programs during my high school years. These experiences ultimately shaped my decision to pursue a Bachelor of Science in Engineering as my major in college, and the rest is history.”

Q: What is your proudest achievement in your career so far?

A: “I would say that my proudest achievement in my career so far is the diversity of my resume. I've had the opportunity to work across multiple industries and disciplines, and I believe these varied experiences have played a key role in advancing my career. They’ve allowed me to apply a range of techniques, skills, and lessons learned to my daily work. One project that stands out is an engineering system I developed to integrate the correlation between technical and manufacturing documentation. This system significantly improved the quality of work and helped eliminate build errors from design to manufacturing.”

Q: What advice would you give to aspiring engineers?

A: “My advice to aspiring engineers is to focus on understanding your 'WHY.' Engineering covers a broad range of subject areas, and when you're clear on your purpose, you can unlock your creativity, intuition, and drive for growth in your career. Take the time to identify your key areas of interest and work to align them with the career you’re building. This self-awareness will help guide your decisions and fuel your professional progression.”

Q: Can you describe your approach to problem-solving?

A: “Problem-solving can be intense, but my first approach is always to thoroughly understand the problem at hand. The better you understand the context and history of the issue, the more effectively you can develop a solution.”

Q: What does World Engineering Day mean to you?

A: “It's a day of recognition for all the big thinkers and creators in the engineering world—a day to appreciate the intricate details and tasks that are asked of the engineering community every day. It’s a time to salute the amazing engineers in history, those who are mid-career and still pushing themselves, recent graduates, and aspiring engineers. Today, we honor all that we, as engineers, contribute to society.”