Resonating Between Worlds: Sophia Schulz on Self Discovery and Following Passion Beyond Engineering Conventions

In this episode of Take Your Seat, we sit down with Sophia Schulz — engineer, multimedia artist, and storyteller to explore what it means to follow curiosity beyond the conventional. From robotics labs and international research to immersive STEAM exhibits like Resonance, Sophia shares the risks, joys, and revelations of navigating a niche, unconventional career that blends technical mastery with creative expression.We dive into the barriers women face in engineering, the historical undervaluing of craft and art, and how Sophia draws on both worlds to expand what engineering can be. Along the way, she reflects on the stories, and women whose work paved the way, and why creativity in technical spaces, from precision cameras to interactive installations, is nuanced, essential, and deeply resonant.This conversation is about permission, exploration, and claiming your seat in spaces that weren’t built with you in mind. Whether you’re curious about STEM, art, or forging your own unconventional path, Sophia’s experiences serve as a masterclass in following instincts, honouring history, and designing work and life that truly resonates.Here are your Takeaways this week!Creativity isn’t a detour from engineering — it’s a legitimate and powerful way of practicing it.Following curiosity can lead to careers that don’t fit traditional pathways, and that’s a strength, not a flaw.The history of engineering is deeply intertwined with craft, textiles, and women’s labour. Even if that lineage is rarely acknowledged.Technical mastery and artistic expression can coexist, and when they do, they expand what engineering can be.Interactive installations and multimedia work show how engineering can create emotional, cultural, and sensory experiences.Permission to explore is often self‑granted; waiting for external validation can hold you back from your most resonant work.If this episode resonated with you,Make sure to Like this episode and Follow the Take Your Seat Podcast for more;📸 Instagram: @takeyourseatpod🎧 Podcast: Take Your Seat💬 Join the conversation & share this episode with someone who needs it.Take Your Seat — where women’s stories spark possibility.--Chapters 00:03 – Meet Sophia Schulz00:54 – Sophia's Current Projects 05:14 – Exploring Creativity in Engineering 21:51 – Challenges and Gender Stereotypes 44:33 – Historical Context and Women's Contributions 66:42 – What about those who stand in the in between?