Engineers Week is a national celebration of how engineers shape the world around us. It's also a chance to showcase the many directions a chemical engineering degree can take you.
Elizabeth Haughton's career has led her from nuclear systems engineering to consulting and product management, and now to program leadership at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions.
We spoke with Elizabeth about her unconventional path, the importance of safety and ownership, and the advice she'd give to engineering students preparing for a demanding but rewarding career.
What does a typical day look like for you as a chemical engineer?
Since graduating, I've taken an unconventional path. I've worked as a nuclear systems engineer, completed a part-time MBA, consulted for a mobile healthcare startup, and served as a product manager in the functional nutrition industry. Chemical engineering is a versatile degree.
Today, I'm a program manager in infrastructure at Savannah River Nuclear Solutions in Aiken, South Carolina. My coworkers joke that I'm "The Money," but the role goes far beyond managing budgets. Our team delivers program management services for Savannah River Tritium Enterprises, coordinating across internal teams and federal partners to keep projects aligned and on track. I help set and monitor program budgets, approve projects and requisitions, and work closely with operations, finance, and facility management. The role blends strategy, technical judgment, and financial oversight.
Was there a specific moment, class, project, or person that inspired you to pursue chemical engineering?
One of the best teachers I ever had was my high school AP Chemistry, AP Physics, and chess coach, Mr. Mayfield. When I started looking at colleges, I discussed my options with him. I knew I liked math and science and was considering chemical engineering, mechanical engineering, or chemistry. He told me, "There are 12 chemists for every chemical engineer." That settled it. I gravitated toward chemical engineering, and the rest is history. I still keep in touch with Mr. Mayfield.
What skills or interests helped you succeed in engineering?
First, a deep commitment to safety. Engineering always involves risk, whether you're operating equipment or starting up a new process. Your decisions affect real people and facilities. You need the technical rigor to ensure procedures are sound, and if something doesn’t look right, dig until you find a resolution. Someone’s life may depend on it.
Second, ownership and curiosity. Learn your system inside and out. Get into the field, not just behind a desk. When something seems off, whether it’s unusual data or an operator’s question, investigate. Use what you’ve learned to identify root causes, recommend solutions, and see them through. As your career progresses, the problems become more complex, so continuous learning is essential.
Third, communication. Technical skill matters, but ideas only make an impact if others understand them. Clearly explaining your reasoning, verbally and in writing, builds trust and drives change. Develop these skills early through writing, presentations, or other communication-focused coursework. They will serve you throughout your career.
Looking back, what do you wish you had known as a student pursuing engineering?
I would rethink how I studied. As an undergraduate, I tended to reread notes and try to memorize them. When I later completed my MBA, I worked through every example problem and redid homework problems while studying. Those repetitions made the difference. I wish I had taken that approach as a ChemE undergrad. Figure out how you truly master material, whether that’s practice problems, study groups, or something else. Your learning style may differ from your classmates’, and that’s okay. Use the resources your school provides.
I also recommend taking full advantage of your college’s career services. Do mock interviews, get your resume reviewed, and start early.
Finally, don’t underestimate the resilience required. You will be challenged in ways you haven’t experienced before. Some exams will humble you, no matter how hard you prepare. Stick with it. Keep improving. Take care of yourself, build friendships, explore interests outside engineering, and get involved in internships, co-ops, research, or student organizations. It’s demanding, but it’s worth it.
Beyond Engineers Week
Engineers Week highlights the impact chemical engineers have across industries and around the world. That work continues year round through collaboration, shared knowledge, and responsible professional practice.
AIChE connects chemical engineers through a global professional community and equips them with the resources and learning opportunities that support growth at every stage of their careers.
Celebrate Engineers Week by staying connected to the community that supports it every day of the year.
