MY BEYOND THESE TOWERS STORY

Corporate Fellow, Shawn R. (Harrington) Markham ’91, who recently began her thirty third year with Corning Incorporated says of her company, “For more than 170 years, Corning has developed unparalleled expertise in glass science, ceramics science, and optical physics, and I’m proud to be one of a number of WPI alumni who represent our alma mater at Corning.”

A leading expert in fusion, Markham was recently appointed to the Corning Museum of Glass, Board of Trustees. Additionally, her experience and insight as an innovator in glass have earned her membership in an elite group of only thirteen Corning Inc. Corporate Fellows. The fellowship is bestowed upon Corning’s most experienced and respected experts in their fields, and Markham is only the second person from engineering to achieve such recognition.

“In my career I continue to apply the engineering fundamentals I learned at WPI, like learning to summarize findings and report technical results objectively, especially when they weren’t the hoped for results, learning how to develop a scope and timeline for projects, and effectively communicating the technical aspects of project to interdisciplinary audiences.”
Shawn R. (Harrington) Markham ‘91

The mechanical engineering major who was drawn to WPI by the interdisciplinary nature of the school’s Interactive Qualifying Project (IQP) and Major Qualifying Project (MQP) acknowledges the many ways the university prepared her for her career, especially as a new graduate. “At WPI, the small class size and hands-on projects enabled direct interaction with professors and prepared me for working with senior management as a new hire.” says Markham.

Beyond the positive impact of Markham’s STEM experience at WPI, she also enjoyed her time in the school’s humanities and arts realm. “Being in the band was a fun experience and great way to meet students from other grades and majors—something that was helpful in finding IQP and MQP partners! Having other activities outside of class also helped me learn to balance my personal life with my school life; a lesson which proved invaluable for my future home life and work life balance.”

From all of us here back on the Hill, congratulations to Shawn Markham on her Beyond These Towers accomplishments.