February 1, 2019

We are pleased to welcome Jessica Hufford back to Epstein! Jessica, who interned with our Mechanical Engineering Department for two summers and one winter, is now joining us as a full-time Mechanical Design Engineer. Among her other responsibilities, her primary focus will be to design HVAC and piping systems for commercial and industrial buildings.

Jessica graduated at the top of her class with a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Wisconsin Milwaukee (go Panthers!) in mechanical engineering. Jessica was quite involved at school. She was the president of the National Engineering Honors Society, Tau Beta Pi; she was a fundraiser and local design co-officer for Engineers Without Borders; and she was also a member of the Society of Women Engineers. Jessica was also an ambassador of the No Impact Project on campus. She fundraised, negotiated contracts down to 50 percent of their original offer, marketed, planned, and hosted events related to sustainability for the community.

Ask me about the challenge! Its my passion, she said.

Oh, and she also designed a solar powered water pump and cistern for UWM Sandburgs gardens and studied abroad in Germany. Light work.

Jessica, who is from Schaumburg, had hopes of becoming an interior designer, then later on an architect. However, throughout high school and the start of college, she took civil engineering classes because she enjoyed math and science. She switched to mechanical engineering because she said civil was too focused on structures, concrete, and water purification at UWM. Plus, she likes learning how systems work.

Outside of work, Jessica enjoys being at the gym, playing softball and videogames, and dancing. She was a competitive dancer from ages 3-18. She is also on a mission to become fluent in Spanish. Additionally, Jessica loves to travel, having been on many cruises. She recently took a 3-week trip to Australia after graduating this past December. She even has a scratch off world map and is excited to see it fill with color.

Jessica says she loves getting to know new people and is looking to make new friends and expand her professional network. She encourages all of us to stop by her desk and say hi.

We will do so, Jessica! Once again, welcome, we are delighted to have you!