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Honors Program

Navigating Life's Hurdles

Lessons on life and engineering from Dr. Julie Crockett.

When Dr. Julie Crockett was a kid she attended a basketball camp at BYU. For meals, they ate in the Cannon Center, where they were overwhelmed by the number of options. During one meal, Dr. Crockett’s friend told her they were stuffed, but they wanted to keep eating. The friend inquired of Dr. Crockett, “How do I do it?” She quickly found the solution, and replied, “Pretend you aren’t full!” Having heeded her advice, her friend was sick for the rest of the day. But Dr. Crockett had found a solution to a difficult problem.

Years later, Dr. Crockett encourages students to problem solve in engineering, as well as in life. Her advice is to:

  • Break down problems
  • Be consistent
  • Utilize a variety of methods
  • Bear testimony

When it comes to being consistent, Dr. Crockett emphasizes the importance of being committed to daily, weekly, and monthly actions. Consistent participation in these actions, whether it’s scripture study, church attendance, or temple attendance, allows regular inspiration. However, Dr. Crockett notes that some solutions take time. As we strive to do good and improve our lives, Dr. Crockett offers the following scripture, Doctrine and Covenants 64:33, as encouragement. “Wherefore, be not weary in well-doing, for ye are laying the foundation of a great work. And out of small things proceedeth that which is great.”

Dr. Crockett also knows the importance of utilizing a variety of methods. She knew she wanted to go to graduate school but wasn’t sure where she wanted to go. After narrowing her search to University of California, San Diego and Berkeley she decided to pray about both. But Dr. Crockett’s prayers didn’t produce an answer. She knew she had one thing left to try. She went and visited both campuses to see which was right for her. What she found were two very different atmospheres. That’s when she had her answer.

Bearing testimony is an important aspect of problem-solving. Sharing truth and knowledge promotes further truth and knowledge. It also allows us to openly discuss topics we do and do not understand. For Dr. Crockett, this meant sharing with her college volleyball team and coach why she would not play on Sundays. She was able to bear testimony of something that was important to her and learn more about that importance for herself.

Dr. Crockett is an associate professor of mechanical engineering. She was the first full-time female faculty member in the College of Engineering – a daunting position. She has come to be a valued and productive member of the Mechanical Engineering faculty and popular with students.

In 2002, Dr. Crockett graduated with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Denver. In 2004 she was awarded her M.S. in Engineering Sciences from University of California, San Diego. Only a few years later she received her Ph.D. in Engineering Sciences from the University of California, San Diego.