The AdaMarie Mirrors reflect back to us the many roads (often winding, never smooth) to success! Real stories of real women to see yourself reflected in. At first, you’ll see Katie in this mirror, but eventually, we hope you’ll see yourself.

Welcome, Katie Ogg!

Clinical Engineer Katie Ogg shares her non-conventional path to finding the right company for her: one that prioritizes a work life balance AND her love of dogs.

Getting to Know You:

Field of Work: Veterinary Technology
Your STEM letter: E
Expertise In: Heat Transfer
Current Company: Kubanda Cryotherapy provides a simple, point-of-care, minimally invasive tumor treatment for pets.
Job Title: Clinical Engineer
One-liner about what you’re working on: I am bringing our cryotherapy treatment to clinics across the US, and working to make our device the best it can be!
Currently geeking out over: My new mini dachshund puppy, Corn.
STEM hero (alive or dead!): My high school math teacher, Dr. Baumann.

Tell us about your professional journey – how did you get where you are now?

I graduated from Johns Hopkins University 5 months ago. I attended undergrad during the pandemic, and felt deprived of my full college experience so I decided to stick around to do my master's degree there. I joke that I decided to go to grad school for the wrong reasons, but it was a great decision for me, and I am proud of my degrees.

I began searching for my first full time job at the beginning of this year.

I found the job search process very discouraging: I had an advanced degree, great internship experience, and a resume that had been workshopped by my school's career center. How come I wasn't getting interviews?

I decided to switch up my approach and began reaching out to companies that excited me, even if they didn't have a current job posted.

I reached out to the co-founder of Kubanda Cryotherapy on LinkedIn, and after a few interviews they wanted me to join their team as much as I did! My now boss created a position for me and I have been here ever since.

We’re also curious to know your personal story and upbringing. What has made you “you”?

I'm originally from Tucson, Arizona. Growing up there gave me a love for nature and spending time outside. Whenever I am overwhelmed or stressed, my first instinct is to go outside for a walk. I try to spend time outside every day, even if it is just for 10 minutes.

After living in both places, I understand the stereotype that people in the Southwest US are more laid back and in the East Coast more fast paced. I am still an Arizona girl at heart and love going slow. I don't like to be too busy or overbook myself. I love reading, going on walks, cooking, meditating, and relaxing in my apartment.

We know that real life isn’t a smooth and linear journey. What was your initiating moment that led you to your calling - can you tell us about that moment, what helped you move forward, what you learned/discovered?

I was always good at physics and math. It came easy to me and I actually found problem sets relaxing (so nerdy I know).

I realized my love for engineering in my high school intro to engineering class. The whole year was filled with hands-on projects and I loved it. I completed the year by building a solar oven to bake chocolate chip cookies in.

You’re a working woman in a performance-driven industry. Where do you find balance?

I am all about balance. My well-being and happiness is my priority.

One of the most important things to me in my job search was finding a company that encourages work life balance. I was lucky to find a company with a 35 hour workweek, the ability to work hybrid, and a dog-friendly office.

In addition, I also teach yoga at a local gym a couple times a week and maintain a regular personal practice. My coworkers respect that I have other commitments outside of work, and that I have to leave the office when the workday is over.

If you could be something in outer space, what would you be?

If I was something in outer space, I would be Saturn. I have just always loved how its rings look. I love space and actually took a class called Stars and the University in college, which was taught by a Nobel Peace Prize awarded astronomer.

Anything else you would like to share?

I don't know how it took me so long, but I only recently discovered Libby. You can get books and audio books for free. It is amazing! I have been reading so much more since I got it a few months ago. It has been so fun!