Wendee Green, a chemical engineer, walks into work, ready to work on her newest project — and it isn’t the kind of chemical engineering that most people think of. Green is a chemical engineer who bridges engineering with the pharmaceutical and medical device industry. 

After graduating from the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, Green pursued a career in chemical engineering, building equipment, devices and tools to aid the industry and help people, making the world a better place. 

What made you want to be a chemical engineer?

“When I was in high school, I knew I loved math and science, but I wasn’t exactly sure what I wanted to do with them,” Green says. “My high school counselor encouraged me to apply directly to the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, since transferring into engineering later would be harder than transferring out. That was excellent advice.” 

After enrolling in the College of Engineering at the University of Michigan, Green discovered just how much she could do within her field. 

“Once I started taking classes and joined the Society of Women Engineers and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers, I discovered how broad and creative chemical engineering really is. My internship with Pfizer after my junior year was the moment it all ‘clicked.’ I realized I could use science and problem-solving to improve human health—and have a rewarding, secure career doing it.”

Have you always wanted to go into this industry?

“Not exactly — I didn’t even know what chemical engineering was when I started college! But I knew I was drawn to chemistry, biology, and helping people,” Green says. “Once I learned that chemical engineers work in everything from energy to food to pharmaceuticals, I knew I’d have many different ways I could take my career. I’ve always been most interested in the intersection of engineering and human health, so the pharmaceutical and medical device industries felt like the perfect fit for me.”

Green knew she wanted to help people, and chemical engineering allows her to do so while doing what she loves.

What has been your most exciting project that you’ve worked on so far?

“One of the projects I’m most proud of was developing and launching an antiseptic oral rinse used to help prevent ventilated hospital patients from developing pneumonia,” Green says. 

With Green, it all circles back to helping people. Her work has helped many and she has good reason to be proud. 

“It means a lot — knowing that something I helped create could directly protect vulnerable patients. I love projects that blend technical challenges with human impact.”

What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it?

“The hardest challenge has been balancing a demanding career with being a mother, wife, friend, and daughter,” Green says. “For a long time, I tried to do it all without asking for help and that’s not sustainable. Over time, I learned to give myself permission to take breaks, to lean on others, and to recognize that careers don’t have to be linear.” 

Asking for help and taking a break are just as important as working hard. 

“I took several years off to stay home with my children and later came back to my career. Success doesn’t look the same for everyone, and it’s okay to take detours.”

As a woman in a male-dominated field, can you describe what your experience has been like?

“Almost all of the men I’ve worked with have been wonderful mentors and teammates,” Green says. “But yes, there have been a few who underestimated me or made sexist comments. Early in my career, that used to really bother me.” 

Sometimes, it’s best to let things go by proving people wrong quietly. 

“Now I’ve learned to let my work and my integrity speak louder than their bias. I try to respond to unkind words with grace, to prove people wrong by quietly doing the best work I can, and to let go of anger. It doesn’t serve anyone. Confidence, professionalism and kindness are the way.”

What’s one misconception about your field that you wish more people understood?

“People often think engineering is all math and no creativity, or that it’s dry and boring,” Green says. “In reality, engineering is professional problem-solving. It’s creative, collaborative and deeply human.”  

“It’s about understanding how things work and using that knowledge to make life better for people. Every day is a mix of logic, imagination and teamwork.”

What advice would you give young women planning to pursue careers in STEM?

“Go for it!” Green says. “Don’t let gender, yours or anyone else’s, define your path; follow your curiosity and your interests. STEM fields need diverse thinkers who care deeply about making the world better.” 

STEM fields aren’t always about logistics and statistics — but making the world a better place. 

“Ask questions, seek mentors and don’t be afraid to be the only woman,” Green says. “You belong there. And remember: You don’t have to have your whole future figured out right now. Each experience teaches you something about where to go next.”