Since November, 1998, Chris has been working as a Prototype Technician, a job, she says, which draws on both her inquisitive mind and her sense of logic. She has definitely needed to dig deep for another trait, though - a whole lot of patience.

Radio waves are becoming the carrier of choice for telecommunications firms that need to transmit voice or data through their computer networks. It's easier, less expensive, and less cumbersome to use wireless communication, and it saves a lot of unnecessary wiring. Chris helps ensure that the technology transmitting that information is doing it properly. Most of her time is spent inspecting circuit boards, testing the quality of the information transmitted, and trouble shooting failed boards. She makes sure the signals are clear and the data has not been garbled somewhere along the way. Along with two other technicians, she spends her days looking over the latest products before they go into volume manufacturing. At times, the 35 year old will need to determine exactly how the newly-designed circuit board sitting in front of her works. At other times, she will have to figure out why it does not work.