"When you're up there in the sky, you're not just flying; you're carrying the responsibility of the future."
At just 16, Remington Steenwyk set sights on sustainability's vast, unexplored potential. Raised in Onekama, Michigan, and later residing in Caledonia, Remington possesses a passion for engineering that blossomed early. “Growing up in areas rich in natural beauty, I saw firsthand the impacts of environmental neglect,” she says. This exposure kindled her interest in finding practical solutions to pressing environmental issues, steering her to her current path.
“I wanted to tackle one of engineering's most pressing challenges: making flight more sustainable,” Steenwyk says. Now a senior at Kettering University, she is pursuing a degree in Mechanical Engineering focusing on alternative energy and sustainability while Co-oping at QED Environmental Systems in Dexter, Michigan—her projects at QED focus on harvesting renewable energy and increasing the sustainability of products. “We're exploring everything from hydrogen to biofuels and even energy from waste,” she says.
The journey has been challenging, especially the implementation of new technologies. “Navigating the complexities of high-altitude CO2 emissions and the technicalities of renewable energy sources in aviation requires skill but persistence,” Remington says. Her role involves conducting extensive research and practical tests to identify the most efficient and sustainable energy solutions.
Remington has two patents currently pending approval. The first is for a pump puller to help workers safely remove tubes covered in toxic sludge from the bottom of landfill wells. Her design allows a worker to let go of the tubing without the pump falling back into the well or dragging the worker with it. Remington designed her pump puller to be universal and fit all well types.
The second patent is for a new pneumatic pump design, which is the focal point of Remington’s thesis work. Her design would allow all moving parts of the pump to be above ground so workers would have easy access. The potential result is that the pump would be more resilient, require less maintenance, and run longer. Remington hopes her design will be less expensive to build than the models in use today. Right now, Remington is working on testing her design.
Reflecting on her experiences, Remington is optimistic about her future and the role she hopes to play in a greener industry. “My aim is to reduce industry's ecological footprint significantly,” she says. She is driven by a blend of technical interest and a profound commitment to environmental stewardship.
Remington's proactive approach to fostering inclusivity extends beyond personal success; she aims to inspire and empower other women. “It's crucial for women entering STEM to see they are not alone and their contributions are essential,” she says. Through her role as treasurer of Pi Tau Sigma, the International Honor Society for Mechanical Engineers, and her participation in the Society of Women Engineers, Remington participates in initiatives encouraging more women to enter and thrive in engineering fields.
Looking ahead, Remington envisions her career will combine innovation with practical applications and hopes to inspire more sustainable practices across the aviation industry. “Sustainability isn't just a part of my job description—it's a guiding principle for the future of engineering,” she concludes, hopeful that engineers like her will shape a more sustainable world.
