As part of an ongoing series, this week we are “Getting to Know” Engineering, Manufacturing, and Building Arts Program Director Lara Sharp.

Sharp joined St Petersburg College in 2015. She came to us from Polk State College, a fellow member of the Florida College System.

Sharp completed her undergraduate work at University of Buffalo, where she received a Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering. She went on to complete her first graduate degree, an MBA, from the University of Massachusetts. Eventually she also earned a Master of Science in Industrial Engineering from the University of South Florida.

While engineering was clearly her first passion, Sharp was always called to education. Immediately after college, she earned her stripes as an engineer for a major corporation, continuing to work on her formal education. Once she felt she had gained the hands-on experience to be well prepared in the classroom, she began looking for the right fit.

Just one week before the start of a new school year, a local high school chemistry teacher fell off a horse! He was unable to teach for the year, and she was asked to step in. She knew immediately that she had found her home in education. It was easy to transition from doing what she had always enjoyed into teaching –  passing her love of learning on to new generations of young scientists.

After spending 17 years in the classroom, Sharp decided to make the move to higher education, accepting a position at Polk State College. While she still enjoys teaching, she had so much more to offer. She took over the Engineering, Manufacturing, and Building Arts program here at SPC after the retirement of her predecessor in 2015.

Making the move to the administrative side of education was not without its challenges, but she has swiftly risen to the occasion. She stays grounded in part by staying connected to students through teaching, keeping at least one course commitment on her own schedule each semester.

Of course, Sharp knows how to have fun too. She makes sure to unwind in her off time, and here is just a sample of how she has fun. Godzilla attacks! No Peep is safe!

If you have any questions or if you need any assistance, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with Lara Sharp, (727)398-8256 or sharp.lara@spcollege.edu