Amanda Burke
Amanda Burke
Amanda Burke, B.S. Biomedical Engineering, 2018
Amanda Burke graduated from Rowan University in 2018 with a Bachelor’s degree in Biomedical Engineering. Since graduation, she has built her career in the optics and photonics industry, beginning in sales engineering, where she partnered with customers to understand their technical needs and translate them into manufacturable optical solutions.
Her career has since evolved into global sales operations, where she focuses on improving the processes, systems, and strategies that enable sales organizations to operate more effectively and support business growth. In this role, Amanda continues to draw upon the analytical thinking, problem-solving skills, and process-oriented mindset she developed through Rowan’s Biomedical Engineering program, demonstrating how an engineering foundation can translate into leadership well beyond a traditional engineering career path.
Outside of her professional career, Amanda continues to embrace the competitive spirit she developed as a Division III swimmer at Rowan. Since graduating, she has completed two half marathons and, most recently, a triathlon. She also remains closely connected to her Rowan roots in her personal life and will marry her college sweetheart and fellow Rowan Biomedical Engineering graduate in September 2026.
Rowan & Roots
What inspired you to pursue engineering, and why Rowan?
I was interested in finding a university that would allow me to pursue the education I wanted but also allow me to participate in other activities on campus as well. Being able to be a division III swimmer at Rowan and continue that passion of mine as I was getting my education was incredibly rewarding.
Do you have a favorite memory from your time at Rowan Engineering?
I don’t have a favorite memory, although it was always fun to do study sessions in the new Engineering Building after my sophomore year!
Was there a professor or class that shaped your path?
During our Senior Year, my class took a Simulation, Modeling, and Control where we were challenged to not just think about mathematics and physics on paper, but how it all works together. This class really showed me how much I love understanding how things connect to one another, which has led me into a more operations role where I am constantly looking at how different processes and systems connect to one another to create a total picture.
What’s the most valuable skill you learned at Rowan that you still use today?
I learned how to adapt and overcome at Rowan. Being an engineering student and an athlete was not always easy! There were many times where what I had planned to do was not what resulted in happening. Learning how to pivot and still be successful in those moments is something that I am constantly using today.
What engineering problem or project have you worked on that you’re most proud of?
There isn’t a specific problem or project I am most proud of, however, I am most proud of being able to jump into any problem or project and be able to add value. It’s rewarding to be able to use my engineering brain and apply it to so many different disciplines in the workforce.
How has your career evolved since graduating? Any surprising twists?
My career has evolved to become more operationally focused than engineering focused, and I love it! My engineering background prepared me to think like an engineer when discussing operational challenges, which gives me a unique perspective on teams working creatively to move information, people and products from one place to another.
Engineering with Impact
What role does engineering play in creating real-world change in your industry?
Engineering creates real-world change every day. Whether it be solving simple challenges on how to making something easier to manufacture, or cause less waste to be used in making something, or be developing technology that is used to do things we never have before, we experience that every day and that is mostly because of ht
What advice would you give to current Rowan Engineering students who want to make an impact?
Speak up! Your college experience is about learning the concepts and the fundamentals, but it is also about learning how to work with others, communicate effectively, and prepare yourself for a very dynamic and exciting career. There will always be challenges to overcome in the line of work we are in, so embrace learning the soft skills during your college career so you can exceed expectations early on in your career with the ability to solve problems and work with people from a variety of different backgrounds.
Your Engineer’s Lens
What’s something in your daily life that you now see differently because you’re an engineer?
Everything in my life needs to be broken down into operational steps with inputs and outputs.
Quick Hits
First engineering job:
Sales Engineer at Evaporated Coatings, Inc.
Coffee or tea during all-nighters at Rowan?
Neither! I refused to pull all-nighters. They are never worth the lack of sleep and the rest your brain needs to perform well the next day
One tool or software you can’t live without today:
PowerBI
Favorite place to eat near campus back then:
Landmark, Playa Bowls
One word that describes your engineering mindset:
Determined
“I became an engineer because…”
I wanted to continue to challenge myself with problems to solve in an ever-changing world. Being at the forefront of technology development really allows you to be your most creative self every day.