From Chip Lab to Center Stage

Many engineers are more comfortable working behind the scenes developing technology than speaking to consumers about products. But Preethi Ashwath has learned to take center stage, talking about the “hearable” and wearable devices she has had a hand in developing as an analog integrated circuit designer in the consumer electronics division at Analog Devices of Wilmington, Mass.The IEEE member is one of the few women who work in the specialized field, where about 11 percent are female, according to career platform Zippia.Preethi AshwathEmployer Analog Devices, in BostonTitle Integrated circuit designerMember grade MemberAlma maters SJB Institute of Technology in Bengaluru, India; University of California, IrvineAshwath stepped out from behind the scenes last year to meet with attendees at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) in Las Vegas. She demonstrated Analog’s new earbuds, which track people’s heart and lung health through vibrations in their ear canals.After she demonstrated her ability to explain the technology to consumers in simple terms, Analog selected her to represent the company at other events. She says she has “come to see speaking as part of contributing to the field,…

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