Engineers
William A. Woodburn
Founder and Chairman of the Board, A Founding Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners
Bill is a Founding Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners—a private equity fund focused on energy and transportation asset investing and ownership. Prior to the formation of GIP in 2006, Bill spent 23 years at GE, where he most recently served as President and CEO of GE Infrastructure.
Before leading GE Infrastructure, he was President and CEO of GE Specialty Materials. In that role, he oversaw key acquisitions including those that led to the GE entry and expansion in the water technology business. Prior to joining GE, he held engineering and marketing positions at Union Carbide and was an engagement manager at McKinsey & Co. focusing on energy and transport industries.
Bill holds M.S. and B.S. degrees in Engineering from Northwestern University and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, respectively. Bill is a Member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Joanna is an avid traveler with a rich background in engineering and education. She spent the first half of her career as a mechanical engineer at Bechtel, a global construction company, where she designed and oversaw the construction and startup of power projects across the United States and internationally. Joanna earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from the University of the South in Sewanee, TN, and a Bachelor of Mechanical Engineering from Georgia Institute of Technology in Atlanta, GA.
In 2002, Joanna transitioned to teaching, where she passionately instructed students in various physics courses and an exploratory engineering elective. She also held leadership roles as the Chair of the Upper School Science Department and STEM Program Coordinator at a private all-girls K-12 school near Washington, DC.
Betsy received a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautical and Astronautical Engineering from Purdue University. While still in college, Betsy began her career with NASA at Langley Research Center gaining almost 2 years of experience focusing on integration, design, and testing of aircraft and their control systems, such as the F-18 and blended-wing body (BWB).
Upon graduation, Betsy began working with NASA Johnson Space Center (JSC) as a Guidance, Navigation and Control System (GNC) Instructor for the International Space Station (ISS). In this role, Betsy trained numerous astronauts and flight controllers in the Part-Task Trainer (PTT) and Space Station Training Facility (SSTF) simulators.
As Betsy’s career advanced, she worked as a Boeing Systems Engineer testing the US flight software for the GNC System and became a console operator in the Mission Evaluation Room for flights 1R, 1P, 2A.2b, 3A, and 4A, 5A (Shift Lead for 5A). Throughout her career at JSC, Ms. Fortman traveled overseas helping to train astronauts and cosmonauts on the various systems of ISS and the Russian Soyuz Vehicles. She also served as Deputy of Training Operations (DTOR) in Star City, Russia.
Upon returning to the States, Ms. Fortman’s career shifted from current spaceflight operations to future spacecraft design analysis. Betsy worked as Chief Engineer of the Astronaut Office Exploration Branch tracking major design changes while assessing habitability and operability for Commercial Crew and Orion. Following her tenure at NASA, Ms. Fortman served as a consultant working with Sophic Synergistics to help integrate the human systems for Axiom Space Station.
Administration & Operations
Prior to joining Engineering Tomorrow, Jillian served as a middle and high school classroom teacher, academic mentor, reading resource specialist and administrative intern in her 14 years of experience in the education field. Her primary focus areas were curriculum development, differentiated instruction and team leadership. Jillian holds a Bachelors of Arts degree in English from Morgan State University and a Master of Arts degree in Leadership and Supervision from the University of Phoenix.
Interns
Hannah is a sophomore at Duke University studying Biomedical Engineering with a minor in Mathematics. On campus, Hannah is involved in the Theta Tau Engineering Chapter and the Biomedical Engineering Society with a significant interest in medical devices. She also conducts research on heart rate variability among the elderly and how it relates to neuroticism. In her spare time, Hannah enjoys catching every on-campus sporting event possible and exploring new study spaces, usually discovered on the rooftops of buildings. Hannah is incredibly excited to join the Engineering Tomorrow family and help more students discover the thrill of engineering!
Kate Schinaman is a rising senior studying Computer Science with a minor in Engineering Corporate Practice at the University of Notre Dame. On campus, Kate loves being involved in undergraduate research with the Notre Dame Lead Innovation Team, serving as the secretary for the Society of Women Engineers, and being a member of the Student Government Department of Campus Technology! Kate is passionate about Engineering Tomorrow's mission and is excited about every opportunity to contribute further to the organization's goal of making engineering more accessible!
Justin Whittington is a rising senior at Mississippi State University studying Chemical Engineering and Software Engineering. On campus, he is the Vice President of the Omega Chi Epsilon Chemical Engineering Honor Society. Justin also works as an undergraduate research assistant for Mississippi State's HPC, where his group's focus lies in optoelectronic materials and biomass conversion for renewable energy. Outside of academics, Justin loves filling his time with a variety of sports, ranging anywhere from soccer to mixed martial arts. He is extremely excited to be working with Engineering Tomorrow and can't wait to maximize this opportunity to positively impact the next generation of engineers.
Mary is a rising junior at the University of Notre Dame studying Computer Science. During the school year, she spends her time volunteering at the nearby high school teaching young high schoolers to code and is part of the Robotic Football Club where they build robots that play football against other schools. In her free time, Mary enjoys going to Notre Dame sporting events and hanging out with friends. Mary is so excited to become a member of the Engineering Tomorrow family, and is looking forward to her time this summer!
Bryce is a rising senior at the University of Mississippi studying general engineering with an emphasis in manufacturing. On campus, she is involved in different organizations such as Greek life and the Society for Women Engineers. After graduation, Bryce plans to go to law school to pursue a career in patent law. Bryce has worked with Engineering Tomorrow for over two years as both a mentor and an intern and loves being able to share her love of engineering with middle school and high school students. She is so excited to develop new labs this summer!
Molly Trickett is a rising Junior at the University of Notre Dame, majoring in Computer Science with a minor in Engineering Corporate Practice. In her free time, Molly is involved in GreenND, a sustainability club, the Society of Women Engineers, and the STEM division of the Student International Business Council. Molly is excited to join the Engineering Tomorrow Team to develop interactive labs and help students find a passion for engineering!
Mahi is a rising junior at Duke University, where she is studying Biomedical Engineering and Computer Science. On campus, she is the general manager of a fine dining pop-up, dances Bhangra with Duke Dhamaka, and is president of Catalyst, Duke's pre-professional tech society. Mahi is a college mentor with Engineering Tomorrow and loves working with high school students. She is excited to work with the team at Engineering Tomorrow to develop interactive labs this summer!
Sean is a rising junior studying Aerospace Engineering at the University of Notre Dame. On campus, Sean is involved in ND Rocketry Team, a design team that competes in the NASA student launch initiative as part of the payload design team, and Navy ROTC, where he is training to become an officer in the US Navy following graduation. He developed a love for education through STEM outreach events with rocketry and is excited to join the Engineering Tomorrow team and help students find a passion for engineering!
Dhiny is a rising senior at Penn State University majoring in Chemical Engineering. Her campus involvements include working in research labs, the Thai Student Association, and the American Institute of Chemical Engineers. Her interests in engineering are renewable and clean water technology to promote global sustainability. She is extremely excited to join the Engineering Tomorrow internship program this summer to help students across the country explore and navigate engineering as a career path!
Lani is a rising senior at the University of Notre Dame studying computer science. Around campus, she is involved with Computer Science for Good, and the Society of Women Engineers, and was on the board for her dorm leadership. She has been involved with Engineering Tomorrow since January 2024 and cannot wait to take more of a role in helping Engineering Tomorrow as it continues to grow!
Board of Directors
William A. Woodburn
Founder and Chairman of the Board, A Founding Partner, Global Infrastructure Partners
Bill is a Founding Partner of Global Infrastructure Partners—a private equity fund focused on energy and transportation asset investing and ownership. Prior to the formation of GIP in 2006, Bill spent 23 years at GE, where he most recently served as President and CEO of GE Infrastructure.
Before leading GE Infrastructure, he was President and CEO of GE Specialty Materials. In that role, he oversaw key acquisitions including those that led to the GE entry and expansion in the water technology business. Prior to joining GE, he held engineering and marketing positions at Union Carbide and was an engagement manager at McKinsey & Co. focusing on energy and transport industries.
Bill holds M.S. and B.S. degrees in Engineering from Northwestern University and the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy, respectively. Bill is a Member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Telva M. McGruder
Executive Director, Global Body Manufacturing Engineering, General Motors
Kristine T. Budill
Director, Engineering, Architecture & Design Program and Director, Leadership Institute in Finance
Kristine has twelve years of teaching experience in the areas of engineering, computer science, math, and finance. Prior to her role as an educator, Kristine spent over ten years working at a private equity fund that invested university endowment funds and contributions from high-net-worth individuals in medical device companies.
She also served as the Director of Business Development at Haemonetics Corp., where she was responsible for analyzing, negotiating, and managing corporate investments in new technologies. Her early career included a variety of technical roles at ITT Fluid Technology Corp. and GE Aircraft Engines. She is a board member of Engineering Tomorrow and the Yale Science & Engineering Association whose missions align with her passion for inspiring the next generation to pursue engineering careers. Kristine holds a NYS Teacher Certification from Manhattanville College, a master’s in Management Science from MIT Sloan School of Management, a master’s in Electrical Engineering from MIT and a bachelor's in Electrical Engineering from Yale University.
Cliff Spiro is an innovative research scientist, research director, coach and consultant, active on public and private Boards of Directors. Cliff’s career has spanned a breadth of technologies ranging from chemistry, plastics, ceramics, diamonds, rubber, lamps and lighting, biotechnology, energy and fuels, water and paper science, aerospace and semiconductors.
Cliff earned a BS degree in chemistry with honors from Stanford University and a PhD degree in chemistry from Caltech. Cliff joined General Electric in 1980 where he held a series of progressively responsible research and management positions.
In 2001 Spiro was named Vice President of R&D, of Nalco/Suez, and then in 2003 as Vice President of R&D and CTO of Cabot Microelectronics. In 2011, Cliff left Cabot to begin coaching innovation and innovation leaders, as well as creating his own medical device startup, Planatome®. Cliff currently consults for the innovation practices at TTIP global and McKinsey.
Cliff has served on 6 corporate and 3 academic boards, on the Naperville United Way board, and was elected to the Niskayuna NY board of Fire Commissioners.
Cliff has written three books on innovation. He holds 24 US Patents and has authored over 150 scientific articles and scientific conference presentations. In 2017, he was elected to the US National Academy of Engineering.
Jay has over 30 years of experience in the automotive, aerospace and advanced water technology fields. After starting her career in product development for Delphi/General Motors in 1988, Jay joined Chrysler in 1997 as a Powertrain Systems Engineer. In 2005, she was named Senior Manager and Chief Engineer of Fiat Chrysler Automobiles’ (FCA) Hybrid Development Center. From 2009-2012, Jay served as Global Director, Electrified Powertrains for FCA.
In 2012, she joined Eaton Aerospace as Group VP Engineering and Technology, and from 2015-2019 she was the Senior VP, Chief Innovation and Technology Officer of Xylem Inc. Jay earned a bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering from Mysore University, Karnataka, India, an MS in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Mumbai, India, and an MS in Mechanical Engineering from Wayne State University.