Looking Ahead: Ericka Amborn

Ericka Amborn

Senior Engineer, Applied Research Associates

What was your first job?

When I was 14, I was a housekeeper at a bed & breakfast up in the hills. I got to do all the chores I hated doing at home for $5.15/hour. Special duties involved dusting the mounted buffalo head while avoiding eye contact and trapping giant wolf spiders. (My husband appreciates my spider trapping skills now.)

Tell us about your current job?

I’m part of a problem solving team. We use a variety of engineering tools including finite element simulations to understand complex dynamic impact phenomena and make structural risk assessments. Currently, I’m leading a project in which we use computer simulations to design and build representative small-scale tests to understand phenomenon that occur in much larger systems. These small-scale tests allow us to isolate and observe different pieces of the puzzle so we can figure out what’s really going on at a fraction of the cost of a fullscale test. I really enjoy all of the technical challenges we face. We’re reaching into the unknown in some areas and it’s exciting to dig into the models and find out what the real problem is and then figure out how to fix it.

How has 2020 changed you?

My job didn’t change much, I just do it from home more often than I used to and at weird hours.

For me personally, this year has been a lesson in setting boundaries and accepting good-enough. I wish I could say that I have them mastered but I’m definitely still working on the skills. I have a two-year-old son and when our daycare closed in March, it put us in a tough spot. My husband and I were very fortunate that we could both work from home, but a toddler doesn’t always make that easy. He’s a pretty busy little guy and it’s a full time job to educate, wrangle, police, and play with him. I knew immediately that if I tried to multitask I would not be able to give my son or my work the attention they required.

So I shifted my schedule to work afternoons and nights and set firm times when I was just being mom. Even though it was challenging to do both, I am thankful that I got to spend as much time with my son this year as I did. He grew and changed so much, so quickly it was such a joy to be there and be present in the moment.

Why are you excited for 2021?

I’m excited to be able to drop in and see a bunch of my family that we’ve not been able to visit over the past year. I’m also excited to actually know what someone’s entire face looks like after I meet them.

Why do you live in Rapid City?

I live in Rapid City because I love the Black Hills! I grew up here and moved away to live in other cities for about 10 years, but the Hills have some magic in them that always lured me back. In 2016, we took an opportunity to return and I think it’s the best decision we’ve ever made. It’s been great to be back close to family and I’m excited to raise my son here. I also like my easy traffic-free commute.