Purdue’s Carina Ferguson, roller coaster designer

There are so many ways to pursue your path with a STEM degree. Carina Ferguson earned her bachelor’s degree in multidisciplinary engineering from Purdue. After graduating in 2019, she moved to Florida to be an entertainment systems engineer. She now works for TAIT, a company that engineers experiences for theme parks, concerts — including Taylor Swift’s — and more. At TAIT, she designs show control panels for theme park attractions and experiences her team’s efforts come to life (which is to say: riding roller coasters!). Learn about STEM opportunities at our upcoming “In Our STEM Era” Makerspace.

Q: What’s your favorite way to start the day?

A: In my industry, my colleagues are very social. Entertainment attracts a diverse, welcoming group of people. I tend to start my workday by chatting with whoever’s in the office: “What were you doing on-site yesterday? What’s going on?”

Q: Who’s one of your most influential role models?

A: My managers have contributed toward that feeling of community in my role and shown me how to treat others well. I can come to the table with my own ideas, and my current manager advocates for me. The office doesn’t have cubicles — it’s really collaborative. You can’t do what we do in a vacuum.

Q: What is your favorite part of your job?

A: Previewing the finished product — riding the roller coaster! We have a family and friends day before official openings. After being behind the scenes for so long and having to keep my work a secret, it’s great to hop on and enjoy the ride.

Q: What cause is top of mind for you lately?

A: Sustainability is a topic that comes up for us a lot and it always tugs at my heartstrings. The steel and silicone we use have a cost on our planet, so my biggest concern is finding better ways to operate.

Q: Where do you find inspiration?

A: The difference between magic and science is that you know how you get to the result with science. My whole industry is focused on inspiring people, and I love getting to make magic reality. My biggest sources of energy are nature (I love taking walks in the woods) and fantasy (“Lord of the Rings,” “Harry Potter”).

Q: What does persistence mean to you?

A: I go with the flow, so when I’m facing a problem, I know to take a step back and look at it from a new perspective. What do I need? Or who do I need to talk to, to figure it out?

Q: What’s one of your top mottoes?

A: My team always goes, “It’s gonna be great!” It’s become a joke, but it’s one of those things that bands us together.

Q: What advice would you give your teenage self?

A: This is more for me at Purdue than in high school: Focus on getting the most out of your classes. I was learning so many things that are directly applicable to what I’ve done in my career, especially with microelectronics.

Q: What’s one of your favorite Purdue memories?

A: Walks to class after a night of snow. It was like a little meditation. It’s a beautiful campus! The serenity of fresh snow and being around everyone peacefully heading toward their classes was always the best.

Q: What are you most excited for next?

A: I’m looking forward to branching out and learning about a broad range of projects. My former company was purchased by TAIT, so now I’m wrapping my head around what they specialize in — like huge concert tours, including Taylor Swift’s.

Ava Kuhn

Curiosity drives almost all aspects of Ava Kuhn’s life. With a double major in art history and journalism from Indiana University, she loves falling down research rabbit holes. Her drive to learn new things and connect with people drew her to her role as a content writer at Purdue Marketing and Communications.

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