Name: Charlene Falkenburger
Program: Chemical Engineering
University(s) / College(s) Attended: Queens University
Education / Degree(s): Bachelor of Applied Science & Bachelor of Science: Biochemistry
Current Job Title: Operations Manager
Current Employer: Dr. Roebuck's
Email: Send Email
Fun Facts About Me
Share one fun fact about yourself: I would travel anywhere in the world for good food!
The most inspiring engineer I know is ....... Because ........ ?: Boyd Davis, my mentor and friend. We met in my first year of engineering and he was the Professor of one of my team project classes. He inspires me because of his ability to coach and influence others in a positive way and mixing having his own business and teaching at Queen's. He demonstrates every day how multifaceted a person can truly be.
Profile Questions
Why did you choose to study engineering?: I chose it, or it chose me...not exactly sure how it happened! I think part of it was that I was good at math and science and I wanted to prove that being a girl couldn't stop me from entering into an industry that was predominately male.
What are your best memories of your engineering education?: Having what became my best friends in all of my classes and how we became a family over the 4 years together. Frosh week as a 1st year and as a 2nd year to help run it, was also some of the best times at school! Having 3ft spikes of hair, spray painted different colours can't begin to describe the experience and the memories that came along with it!
How do you apply your engineering degree to your current career?: I am problem solving all the time. The skills you build while completing your degree will allow you to take a problem and dissect it to figure out the best solution, while thinking of all of the other possible outcomes. This skill is invaluable, along with being able to work in any team.
What do you love most about your career?: That it is always changing. I started out in project management in the mining industry and worked my way into the environmental division, working with water, air and biodiversity. I then transitioned into the cosmetics industry and worked as the Purchasing and Logistics Supervisor for Bite Beauty, was an Assistant Manager for Lush Manufacturing. I know work as the Global Operations Manager for Dr Roebuck's, overseeing production, launches and assisting with product development.
What advice would you give to someone hoping to pursue a career in engineering?: If you want it, go after it. Challenge yourself everyday, because you are capable of brilliance