STEM is a significant part of Abi Crowe’s life. The college freshman, who is studying mechanical engineering at Oregon State University (OSU), comes from a family of engineers, including her father, Dean Crowe, a design engineer in Portland, Oregon. Dean is proud that Abi is able to pursue a career in STEM and grateful for Weir ESCO’s scholarship she received in 2023.

Dean admits he never considered becoming anything other than an engineer, but when it came to raising Abi, he said engineering was never the focus. “While we did not want her to be afraid of mathematics or science,” Dean said, “we wanted her to know they were not a barrier, but an opportunity.”

Abi said her initial excitement for STEM came from problem-solving with her father and enjoying hands-on experiences during the company’s Take Your Child to Work Days. These are established traditions at our Portland and Manila locations.

Today Abi is passionate about sustainability and engineering. She is actively involved with her university’s chapter of the Society of Women Engineers and has participated in STEM-based internships, benefitting from mentorship and support from other women.

“I am grateful to have been raised in a family that values STEM, but not everyone has that opportunity,” said Abi. “I think Weir ESCO’s scholarship program creates great opportunities for women. The more internships, funding and mentorship that companies offer to diverse candidates, the better the future of STEM-based careers.”

At Weir, we are proud to do our part and help bridge the gap for women in STEM fields. We continually seek opportunities to make high-impact investments in scholarships, immersive work experiences and development programs so that women and young girls are empowered to succeed.