From Solar Cars to AI, Helga Pagan Keeps Moving Design Forward

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Image, Helga Pagan: Puerto Rico Regional SWUG event at the Centro Criollo de Ciencias y Tecnología (Interactive science museum), 2023. Helga is talking to the group in front of the printer.

 

While studying electrical engineering in Puerto Rico, Helga Pagan was already finding ways to make significant contributions—designing electrical systems for solar-powered cars, working on robotics projects, mentoring high school students in robotics, and building her foundation in engineering design. Over the past 20 years, she’s combined her technical knowledge and love of teaching to become a leader in the SOLIDWORKS community and an advocate for the next generation of engineers.

A Love for Design

Helga originally planned to become a chemist, but a tutoring session with her neighbor changed everything. Helga’s neighbor, who was studying engineering, asked for help with chemistry. Something clicked when he showed her the sketches and designs he was creating. “I thought, ‘I want to do that,’” Helga recalls.

After she switched her major to electrical engineering, she worked on a solar car project, where she had her first experience with SOLIDWORKS. Helga was on the electrical team, but was able to observe how the mechanical engineers used the software to design the car’s structure. “I was hooked,” she says.

Teaching with SmartTeens

During her college years, Helga worked with a SOLIDWORKS reseller and became an instructor for the SmartTeens program, which brings high school students together to learn robotics, engineering design, and entrepreneurship. Helga helped them design robots with pneumatic systems, microcontrollers, and SOLIDWORKS models.

One project continues to stand out to her—a student proposed designing a wireless charger in 2005. “At the time, people thought it was impossible,” she says. “But now, wireless charging is everywhere. It’s exciting to think about how those ideas planted back then have grown.”

Leading Puerto Rico’s SWUGN Community

In 2021, Helga became the leader of the Puerto Rico SOLIDWORKS User Group (PRSWUG). Managing a user group is about building a community where professionals can share ideas and learn from each other.

Image, Helga Pagan: Puerto Rico Regional SWUG event at the Centro Criollo de Ciencias y Tecnología (Interactive science museum), 2023. Helga is the speaker presenting to the auditorium.

 

During the early days of the pandemic, Helga embraced virtual workshops, and the Puerto Rico SWUGN chapter was able to engage a large audience of remote participants. Now, the Puerto Rico chapter hosts in-person and online events, with Helga creating content, coordinating logistics, communicating with users, and generally connecting all the dots. Helga continues to find ways to keep the group active and engaging.

Designing for the Future

Helga has contributed to the design of conveying equipment assemblies for water treatment plants, where she had the opportunity to cut sheet metal using a plasma CNC machine.

 

She also supports the company’s innovation projects through SOLIDWORKS and 3D printing. “It’s not common to see women in manufacturing, especially working with tools like plasma cutters,” she says. “That’s something I’m proud of.”

Now, she’s focused on using her skills to inspire the next generation. Helga hopes to bring SOLIDWORKS to middle and high school classrooms in Puerto Rico. By introducing students to engineering concepts early, she aims to help them build the confidence and skills they’ll need to thrive in tomorrow’s industries.

Her tools of choice reflect this same practicality. When asked about her must-have gadget, she doesn’t hesitate: “My Logitech MX Master 3 mouse. It’s simple, but it makes everything easier.”

Always Learning

Helga’s passion for learning keeps her connected to changes in the engineering world. Whether she’s reading blogs, networking with other professionals, or exploring what SOLIDWORKS users are creating around the world, she is always on the lookout for new ideas to share with her community.

Looking Ahead

From solar cars and robotics to workshops and manufacturing, Helga has spent her career turning ideas into action. Whether mentoring students, solving complex engineering challenges, or building connections within the SOLIDWORKS community, she continues exploring new possibilities and expanding her engineering and design expertise.

SOLIDWORKS

SOLIDWORKS

Dassault Systèmes SolidWorks Corp. offers complete 3D software tools that let you create, simulate, publish, and manage your data. SolidWorks products are easy to learn and use, and work together to help you design products better, faster, and more cost-effectively. The SolidWorks focus on ease-of-use allows more engineers, designers and other technology professionals than ever before to take advantage of 3D in bringing their designs to life.
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