Lori Shields was a member of the women's basketball team member from 2002-05 and a women's soccer team member in 2005. She earned a bachelor's of science in electrical engineering. Her role in the U.S. Army Reserve as a Colonel in the Engineer Corps directly utilizes my engineering background, and my civilian position focuses on acquisition for the Navy SEAL community, where engineering principles are essential.
Based on the degree you graduated with, why did you choose this direction for your education, and is it something you have always wanted to pursue?
I chose to pursue a degree in electrical engineering because I've always had a passion for technology and problem-solving. From a young age, I was fascinated by how things worked and enjoyed disassembling gadgets to understand their inner workings. When I discovered the potential of engineering to create innovative solutions, I knew it was the right path for me. Additionally, being in ROTC at Florida Tech opened my eyes to the leadership opportunities within the military, which aligned perfectly with my engineering interests. I wanted to contribute to something larger than myself, and a career in the Army allowed me to combine my technical skills with a commitment to service. While my journey has evolved over the years—transitioning from active duty to the Army Reserve and taking on a civilian role—I've always remained dedicated to engineering. It's not just a career for me; it's a passion that drives my work in the military and my role with the Navy SEAL community. I'm grateful for my education at Florida Tech, which laid the foundation for everything I've accomplished.
Favorite Florida Tech athletic memory?
My favorite athletic memory at Florida Tech has to be those early morning causeway and beach runs with Coach Reynolds. They were tough but rewarding, and when we were lucky, we would end up at Coach Reynolds' house for breakfast, which created a great sense of camaraderie among the team.
Favorite Florida Tech campus memory?
One of my favorite athletic memories at Florida Tech has to be those early morning causeway and beach runs with Coach Reynolds. They were challenging but incredibly rewarding. If we were fortunate, we'd get to enjoy breakfast at Coach Reynolds' house afterward, which really fostered a strong sense of camaraderie among the team.
Most significant accomplishment since leaving Florida Tech?
My most significant accomplishment has been achieving the ranks of Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve and GS-15 in my civilian career, both in distinct career paths. This success is a direct result of the leadership and technical skills I developed during my time at Florida Tech.
What are some of the challenges and successes that you face in your field?
Budget constraints. Specifically, I work on delivering maritime mobility for the Navy SEAL community, which involves addressing issues like power and energy, cross-domain communications, and system maintenance/sustainment. Despite these challenges, we have successfully developed innovative solutions that enhance the operational capabilities of our forces.
However, one of my greatest successes has been ensuring we provide exceptional capability to our operators who put themselves in harm's way to protect our national security. By delivering innovative solutions for maritime mobility and enhancing operational capabilities, I take pride in knowing that my work directly contributes to the safety and effectiveness of those who serve on the front lines.
How has being a collegiate athlete prepared you for your current work? What traits did you take from the field/court/pool that helped you be successful?
Being a collegiate athlete has profoundly shaped my work ethic and mindset in my professional life. The experience taught me the importance of teamwork, discipline, and resilience. I developed a mental toughness that has been crucial in navigating challenges in both my military and civilian roles. The rigorous training and competitive atmosphere instilled in me a never-quit attitude, which drives me to push through obstacles and setbacks. Additionally, the confidence I gained from competing and achieving goals on the court/field translates directly to my work, allowing me to tackle complex problems and lead teams effectively.
Describe the main takeaway from Florida Tech that prepared you for the job market.
My journey after Florida Tech was a bit different, as I went directly into active duty with the Army for four years before entering the traditional job market. During my time in the Army and later at Johnson & Johnson in their medical device and diagnostics sector as a component/manufacturing engineer, I leaned heavily on the rigorous academic training I received at Florida Tech. The technical knowledge I gained in engineering was invaluable, but the leadership skills and discipline developed through the ROTC program truly set me apart. These experiences equipped me to navigate both military and civilian environments with confidence and adaptability, ultimately preparing me for success in my career.
Advice you would give a current scholar-athlete?
My advice to current scholar-athletes at Florida Tech is to embrace the unique opportunity to fully balance academics and athletics. These will truly be some of the best times of your life, so enjoy every moment with your friends, teammates, coaches, and professors. The relationships you build now will often become lifelong friendships, providing support and camaraderie long after graduation. The skills you develop—time management, teamwork, and resilience—are invaluable and will serve you well in any career path you choose. Don't underestimate the importance of mental toughness; learn to push through challenges and maintain a never-quit attitude.
Additionally, take advantage of the resources available to you, including mentors who can provide guidance and support. Building strong relationships during your time at Florida Tech can open doors in your future career. Lastly, remember that your experiences as a scholar-athlete are not just about competition but personal growth and preparing for life beyond college. Stay focused on your goals, and make the most of every moment!
