How IEEE Awardee Karen Panetta Became Bewitched by Engineering

Karen Panetta, an IEEE Fellow and current dean, found her passion for engineering inspired by 1960s sitcoms Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie, which featured empowered female characters wielding magical powers. To Panetta, engineering felt like "sorcery," and these shows' portrayal of strong, empowered women fueled her drive to pursue a career in engineering. This story highlights how popular culture can unexpectedly influence career paths and underscores the importance of role models in various fields, especially for women in STEM.