Meet Rathi Perumal

Rathi Perumal graduated with a Bachelor of Engineering degree in Electronics and Instrumentation from Anna University in 2010, as well as a Masters of Engineering degree in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from the University of Windsor in 2012. She is currently the CEO and Founder of Uyir Engineering Incorporated. In her spare time, Rathi enjoys painting, reading, and hiking.

When did your love of STEM begin?

When I was 7, my amma and I were in the kitchen trying to make an Indian dessert that needed condensed milk. We opened the can and tried pouring out the milk, but it wouldn't even trickle. Baffled, we stood there, doing all sorts of tricks to get the milk to come out of the can. My appa walked in, saw what we were trying to do, took a screwdriver and punctured a hole at the top of the can and lo and behold! The condensed milk plopped right out. To a 7-year-old, that was a magic trick. Thus, began a journey of questioning, asking why's, why not's and how's.

What is the best part about working in the field of STEM?

Getting to learn how stuff works and watching your design come to life in front of your eyes. Seeing people use what you create everyday!

What advice would you give young women interested in a career in STEM?

Hold yourself accountable for your own growth. It's okay to not know what you are most passionate about right off the bat, you will eventually figure it out. Never pass up on opportunities to learn and grow.