Theresa Wainwright

Theresa Wainwright is an engineering machinist working with the Department of Ocean and Mechanical Engineering at the Dania Beach SeaTech Campus of the College of Engineering and Computer Science,Florida Atlantic University. She started her position in February 2022 in the machine shop, where she manufactures and designs parts and tools in support of research projects.

Theresa is originally from a small town in Maryland, fifteen minutes north of DC, and moved to Florida to pursue her bachelor's degree in Ocean Engineering at the Florida Institute of Technology. As an undergraduate, Theresa earned her research diving certification (AAUS) in 2017 and had the opportunity to dive with the Florida Tech Center for Corrosion and Biofouling Control at their research site in Port Canaveral. She graduated in 2020 with her bachelor's and started a master's degree program in Ocean Engineering here at Florida Atlantic University this Fall term. She is taking advantage of the Employee Educational Scholarship Program that Florida Atlantic University provides. The program is designed to provide FAU employees the opportunity to enhance their job skills and further their education.

Theresa loves that her job is hands-on rather than paperwork based, allowing her to put her knowledge and creativity into action. Her creations can vary depending on the day and need, which keeps her engaged and excited to design and manufacture the final product. She is currently in the process of attaining her small boat certification and looking forward to finishing her master's degree and getting involved in new and exciting projects. Theresa loves the outdoors and shows her appreciation by engaging in trail running in the mountains, rock climbing, and scuba diving. She has backpacking plans in Glaciers and the Rocky Mountains National Parks, which have spectacular views, and she is looking forward to diving to shipwrecks along the coast of Florida. When Theresa is not participating in outdoor activities, she enjoys her time reading which makes it fun for her to explore research. If you did not know Theresa, you would be surprised to find out she has a twin brother.

Theresa advises those studying and looking into Ocean Engineering to "not be afraid of the math; there is always someone there to help you; start getting into nature, make connections with others in the field and ask questions because people will help." She encourages students to have a balance between social life and schoolwork. "Get out of your comfort zone and participate in activities that are fun and beneficial to your life." As an undergraduate, she was a member of a sorority, "Phi Sigma Sigma Fraternity," which provided her with connections in her field. Theresa lives by the three words of "Explore, Dream and Discover," which suits her interests and career. These inspiring words come from the quote, "Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn't do than by the ones you did do, so throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover." – Mark Twain. This quote emphasizes the need to get out of your comfort zone and go after your goals.