Karen Panetta, an IEEE Fellow and dean of graduate education at Tufts University's engineering school, says two 1960s sitcoms inspired her path. Watching Bewitched and I Dream of Jeannie, she saw their protagonists as strong, empowered women using a form of sorcery. That magic, she explains, drew her to engineering — a discipline she equates with the supernatural.
Panetta’s career, spanning academia and technology, reflects that early fascination with transformation. She helped create the first CPU digital-twin simulator, a computer program that mirrors a physical device's operations in detail. Digital twins, once a niche concept, now have broad industrial applications.
Her simulator has been adapted for use by NASA to assist in spacecraft design. The tool allows engineers to test and refine virtual prototypes before building physical hardware. This approach saves time and reduces risk in complex aerospace projects.
Panetta also dedicates significant effort to mentoring young women in STEM. Her background at Boston University and Northeastern University has shaped her belief that representation and inspiration matter. She argues that unconventional role models — even fictional characters — can spark lasting ambitions.
The broader challenge remains: while individual success stories like Panetta's are compelling, systemic barriers still limit gender diversity across engineering fields. Mentorship programs have shown promise, but their scale and long-term impact continue to be debated within the academic community.