In the rapidly evolving spheres of technology and automotive industries, groundbreaking transformations are unfolding, spearheaded by remarkable figures like Jingyi Zhang. The emergence of autonomous vehicles (AV) heralds a new era of transportation – safer, more efficient, and accessible. This sector, traditionally anchored in mechanical engineering, now thrives at the crossroads of advanced software, robotics, and human-machine interaction. Here, a diverse range of expertise converges, underscoring the importance of interdisciplinary approaches.
Standing tall amidst this innovation is Jingyi Zhang, a beacon of inspiration and a leading figure in AV safety and user experience. Her journey is not just a story of technological prowess but also a narrative of breaking gender barriers in a field historically dominated by men. Zhang has been instrumental in pioneering human factors research and optimizing user experience for autonomous vehicles.
Our recent interview with Jingyi Zhang delved into her experiences as a woman navigating the complex and often male-dominated terrains of technology and automotive industries. Her path, marked by resilience, skill, and dedication, highlights the significant strides women have made in engineering, challenging stereotypes and reshaping industry norms.
Hello, Jingyi. It’s a pleasure to have you with us today. Could you share your journey as a woman in the fields of technology and automotive industries? What inspired you to pursue a career in these traditionally male-dominated sectors?
Since my high school days, I’ve always had an aptitude for engineering. Solving equations was more enjoyable to me than reading literature. Specifically, the hands-on experience of working on tangible projects was what interested me most. So, pursuing engineering in college seemed like an obvious choice.
I must admit, initially, learning the theoretical aspects of physics in college wasn’t the most exciting experience. However, as I delved deeper into automotive engineering, I discovered a world far beyond the confines of pure mechanics. This field offered diverse and intriguing topics, each enriching and challenging my understanding in unique ways.
I decided to specialize in human factors engineering, a blend of psychology, industrial engineering, and mechanical engineering, with a focus on transportation safety. While I learned about various safety features during my undergraduate program, I realized that the key factor in driving safety is the person behind the wheel. To enhance safety, it’s crucial to include human elements in the equation.
When I first chose automotive engineering, the field of autonomous vehicles was almost non-existent. Yet, the state-of-the-art technology and its myriad of unknowns captivated me. The opportunity to work with such innovative technology was irresistible, and it has since been a central part of my career. The constant evolution and challenges in this area keep my passion alive and thriving.
Honestly, it wasn’t until college that I fully realized the male-dominated nature of the automotive industry. Out of around 90 students in my automotive engineering major, only 8 were women. But that was the only difference. We were not treated differently in any way – we all worked on circuit boards, engines, transmissions, and my female colleagues were just as skilled as the other students. Throughout my education and career, I’ve found that genuine interest and commitment can break down any perceived barriers. While the path hasn’t always been easy, my journey demonstrates that the industry is accessible to anyone who has a passion for it, regardless of gender.
What were some of the significant challenges you faced as a female engineer and researcher in the autonomous vehicle industry, and how did you overcome them?
One challenge I faced was ensuring that my voice was heard. However, I don’t believe this was a gender issue as much as it was about being new to a team or my level of experience in the industry (junior vs senior).
My approach was straightforward yet effective – I focused on the task at hand and let my results speak for themselves. I believe that my capabilities could be demonstrated through my performance. It’s also crucial to actively showcase results instead of waiting to be discovered. Speaking up in meetings, confidently presenting my ideas, and not hesitating to take credit for my contributions were key strategies.
Another important lesson I learned was to embrace mistakes. Earlier in my career, I often feared failure, but over time, I came to understand that mistakes are integral to learning and growth.
You have an impressive portfolio of patents and papers in the AV field. Can you discuss a particular achievement or innovation you’re most proud of, and what it meant for you as a woman in this industry?
When I first joined Nissan working on autonomous vehicles, I had the chance to work on this very cool technology involving the interaction between autonomous vehicles and road users (pedestrians, cyclists). At that time, this was a fairly new feature, typically seen only in concept cars at auto shows from some OEMs.
I was then asked to explore the possibility of integrating such a feature into mass production vehicles. It’s one thing to see fancy features on concept cars, but implementing an actual feature in a mass-production vehicle is a completely different challenge.
Since then, I have led various research projects to better understand the use cases, validate the concept, and evaluate different implementation solutions. Throughout this journey, I had numerous opportunities to talk to people from diverse backgrounds and share my findings with fellow colleagues. I learned a lot through this process about regulations, technical details, etc., and became more confident in my role.
In your experience, how has the diversity landscape in the tech and automotive sectors evolved over the years, particularly regarding women’s representation and inclusion?
I definitely see the industry becoming much more diverse, particularly as more females are entering the engineering field. It’s also encouraging to notice an increase in female leaders across the tech industry.
Another observation is the evolution of tech and some traditional engineering industries. As they evolve, there’s a growing need for talent from various fields beyond just engineering. This includes areas like design, economics, management, etc., which opens up more opportunities for individuals with diverse backgrounds to work in tech.
What advice would you give to young women aspiring to enter the engineering and research fields, especially in areas like autonomous vehicles and transportation safety?
Firstly, let passion be your guiding star. When you are enthusiastic about the field, you naturally want to spend more time learning and exploring it. Also, understand your strengths. Knowing what you excel at and how you can uniquely contribute not only builds your confidence but also makes you an invaluable asset in any team.
Additionally, don’t be influenced by certain prejudices about what women can or should do. While I acknowledge the general physical differences between males and females, which aren’t a dominating factor in the tech field, I don’t believe there are significant differences in technical capabilities between genders. Don’t shy away from opportunities without even trying.
How do you balance the roles and expectations placed upon you as a leader and a technical expert in your field?
Just like everyone else, there is the relationship between family and work to consider. As a leader and technical expert, especially in startups which are often fast-paced, one is expected to provide high-level contributions, which often consumes an extended amount of time.
While my goal is to perfectly balance the two, what I have found more practical is prioritization – understanding what the most important goals are for myself at various life stages and working towards them.
Looking ahead, what changes or developments would you like to see in the tech and automotive industries to further support and empower women professionals?
While I’m very excited to see the progress made in welcoming more women into traditionally male-dominated fields, there are still areas where I think we as an industry can improve.
One such area is the implementation of gender-sensitive workplace policies. Equal pay for equal work should be a non-negotiable standard. We also need to enforce strong anti-discrimination measures to ensure a safe and respectful environment for all employees, regardless of gender.
Moreover, we need more opportunities for women who want to grow professionally, such as tailored leadership training to prepare them for senior roles.
The presence of female role models and leaders in these industries is also crucial. We need more women in visible, high-ranking positions, not just as tokens, but as active decision-makers and innovators. This visibility will inspire and encourage more women to pursue careers in these fields, knowing that they too can achieve similar heights.
In a world where autonomous vehicles are reshaping our understanding of transportation, safety, and technology, Jingyi Zhang stands out not only for her technical acumen and innovative contributions but also as a beacon of inspiration for women aspiring to make their mark in engineering and technology. Her story is a powerful reminder that with passion, dedication, and resilience, barriers can be broken, and new paths forged, in even the most challenging of industries.
