Katie Scherf
Katie Scherf is a dedicated Engineering Facilitator with the Iron Range Engineering Program at Minnesota State University, Mankato, where she is passionate about shaping the next generation of engineering professionals through hands-on, work-based learning. In her role, she collaborates with students as they progress from foundational coursework into advanced engineering applications, helping them build both technical expertise and the confidence needed to succeed in professional environments. What she loves most about her career is watching students grow from freshman or sophomore engineering students completing basic calculus and technical courses into confident future engineers who can effectively communicate ideas, present in professional settings, and contribute during meetings and team collaborations.
With experience spanning mechanical and manufacturing engineering environments, Katie brings a practical, industry-informed perspective to her work as an educator and facilitator. She has completed engineering internships and professional roles that have strengthened her knowledge of design tools, manufacturing processes, and real-world problem solving. Her background allows her to guide students through project-based learning while emphasizing collaboration, organization, and critical thinking. Her work is dynamic and varied, including participating in curriculum and marketing committees, advising and mentoring students, and traveling to community colleges across the country to share information about the Iron Range Engineering co-op-based program and its benefits for students entering the engineering workforce.
Katie is deeply committed to advancing engineering education and supporting student success both inside and outside the classroom. Much of her time is spent connecting directly with students to understand their goals, aspirations, and career interests while helping them navigate their academic and professional pathways. She is passionate about building relationships with students, industry partners, and educational institutions to strengthen engineering education and workforce readiness. Katie continues to seek opportunities to collaborate with like-minded professionals who share a dedication to student development, innovation, and the future of engineering.
• Special Class Engineer for Safe Operation and Maintenance of Boilers and their Appurtenances <50HP
• Minnesota State University, Mankato - BIE
• Itasca Community College - AS, Engineering
• Difference Maker Award from Iron Range Engineering
• Outstanding Community Member
• Dean's List
• Society of Mining, Metallurgy, and Exploration (SME)
• Society of Women Engineers
• Our Savior's Lutheran Church - organizing events and clothing drives
What do you attribute your success to?
I would probably say my parents they've been my biggest cheerleaders the entire time. And my mentor, Cody Mann, who's helped me throughout my entire engineering education. When I had begun looking for jobs after undergraduate, I was completely confused and concerned about what I wanted to do, where I wanted to go, and having them be there just to listen, and not necessarily tell me what to do, but offer thoughts and advice, and just be there for me. So probably my parents and my mentor.
What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
I think the best career advice that I have ever received is in terms of imposter syndrome - whether that is starting a new career, joining a new group, or a new club or committee, it is completely common to feel out of place, especially as a woman in a male-dominated field. But understanding that everyone feels it at some level, and that it's only recognizable if you make a reference to it. A lot of times, that mentality helps give you the confidence that you need to get work done and be happy to do what you're doing.
What advice would you give to young women entering your industry?
I would say that you belong here just as much as anyone else does. It is important to be able to have that confidence for yourself and find things that make you excited about what you do. A lot of times, it can be hard going into an area where you feel like you're a minority, going into a meeting where you've got 20 to 30 other men, you know, the age of your father, and it's hard to be able to say what you want to say without feeling like you are inferior. But once you begin to practice that, it becomes easier, more intuitive, and it's not as scary as you think.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The biggest challenge I face is still continuing to work on that life-work balance. Some weeks you're doing super well, where you feel like you can handle all of this. I'm currently going for my master's degree in engineering management through Mankato, and some weeks I feel like I've got everything done, I'm ready, I'm good to go, and my cup is full, and I can just continue thriving. And other weeks it's busy - you're traveling across the country, you've got to do your classes from a hotel room, and all of those kinds of things. I think having that balance is something I'm continuing to work on because of the fact that there's no set routine for it.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
I think having a life-work balance is probably the most important thing. Especially as someone who loves their job, it's super easy to find yourself spending time outside work hours continuing to do work, because it just - you enjoy it, it's fun - but you need to be able to have that off switch where you're able to fill your cup up from the other side, you know, being able to do things you enjoy, whether it's family, or friends or hobbies. And it's okay if your hobby is work, but doing it all the time will lead to burnout, and I think that is an easy thing to fall into when you're a young professional starting out, maybe not having as many responsibilities with kids, or mortgages, or bills, or things like that.