Prinda Wanakule
The Tech Interactive
San Jose, CA USA
"Sometimes it might take a long time and you might fail but you’re always going to be learning from each one of those experiences."
Career Roadmap
Prinda's work combines: Science, Technology, and Being Creative
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Day In The Life
Skills &
Education
Here's the path I took:
High School
Bachelor's Degree
Biological/Biosystems Engineering
University of Florida
Graduate Degree
Biomedical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Doctorate
Biomedical Engineering
University of Texas at Austin
Life & Career Milestones
My path in life has been direct
1.
I studied biological and mechanical engineering in undergrad, and was drawn to hands-on research and the idea that engineering could improve people’s lives.
2.
After graduating, I pursued a Ph.D. in biomedical engineering, but found myself less passionate and engaged by that experience than I had been in undergrad.
3.
That led to a kind of quarter-life crisis as I realized I was more excited and energized by volunteering at a museum than I was by the day-to-day lab work of graduate school.
4.
I started thinking I should harness that excitement I felt with museums and pivot my career to focus more on creativity and science communication.
5.
I joined The Tech Interactive designing hands-on science and engineering workshops, bringing my engineering background into visitor experiences.
6.
Over 13 years at The Tech Interactive, I’ve now grown into Senior Director of Exhibits Research and Development, creating interactive experiences that spark curiosity and creative problem-solving.
Defining Moments
Experiences and challenges that shaped me
As a woman in engineering, I've struggled to feel like I belong in this space. I persevered and now make it part of my mission to create more space for others to find belonging in STEM.
After realizing I was more excited volunteering in a museum than I was with my grad school lab work, I decided to pivot. Leaving the traditional Ph.D. path was scary because there was no blueprint, but I trusted myself and knew I could figure it out.