Influential Women Recognizes Marisa Higgins: Advancing Excellence In Complex Mechanical Engineering

HOUSTON, TX, UNITED STATES, October 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Senior Mechanical Engineer Combines Technical Expertise, Leadership, Mentorship, and Communication Across Mission-Critical Projects

Houston, Texas – Marisa Higgins, PE, is a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Arup whose nearly decade-long career has been defined by technical precision, multidisciplinary collaboration, and a commitment to professional mentorship. Since launching her engineering career in 2017, Marisa has developed extensive experience delivering complex mechanical, electrical, and plumbing (MEP) systems for technically demanding building types, including high-acuity healthcare environments, biosafety and research laboratories, and pharmaceutical manufacturing facilities.

A graduate of The University of Texas at Austin, Marisa earned a Bachelor of Applied Science in Mechanical Engineering along with a Business Foundations Certificate. She began her professional career at WSP USA, where she spent close to five years developing her expertise across complex engineering projects before joining Arup. Her work at WSP received recognition through the 2020 Emerging Professionals Innovation Challenge, during which her team developed an automation toolkit that reduced data transfer time by 90%. She also received a Spot Award for outstanding performance.

Today, Marisa is based in Houston, Texas, where she is leading MEP design efforts on a major hospital project in the city as well as a research laboratory in Louisiana. Her current responsibilities reflect her growing expertise in mission-critical facilities, where rigorous technical coordination and careful attention to detail are essential. Alongside her engineering responsibilities, she has increasingly taken on project management and multidisciplinary team leadership while working with firm leadership toward a transition into business development.

This progression reflects Marisa’s ability to combine engineering knowledge with communication and relationship-building skills. She attributes much of her success to strong communication, particularly when working with internal teams, clients, and stakeholders. As deadlines shift, priorities change, and unexpected issues arise, she has found that clear, open, and honest communication is essential to navigating challenges effectively and continuing to grow professionally.

Marisa’s commitment to the engineering profession extends beyond her project work. She is an active member of ASHRAE and has served as YEA Chair for the Houston chapter. She currently serves as Region VIII Young Engineers in ASHRAE Regional Vice Chair, where she has planned networking events, supported chapter leaders throughout the region, and helped connect emerging professionals with national and international programs.

Through ASHRAE, Marisa has also found a meaningful community of women working in engineering around the world. Her experiences have reinforced her belief in the value of professional organizations and mentorship, particularly for women entering a field that remains predominantly male. She encourages young women to become involved in professional organizations early, intentionally seek mentors who inspire them, and develop a strong support network.

For Marisa, mentorship and community are closely connected to professional development. She believes that having opportunities to exchange ideas, gain perspective, and encourage one another can make an important difference for women navigating technical careers. Her own involvement with ASHRAE has given her access to relationships that have supported her development while allowing her to contribute to the growth of others.

Marisa also recognizes significant opportunities for engineers who want to expand their responsibilities beyond technical design. Project management, multidisciplinary team leadership, and business development are areas she is actively exploring as her career progresses. She views these paths as opportunities for engineers to broaden their impact while continuing to apply the technical foundation developed throughout their careers.

Her professional values are grounded in clear communication and collaboration, principles she applies both professionally and personally. Organization and disciplined prioritization help her remain focused and deliver quality work even when circumstances change unexpectedly. She also places strong importance on mentorship and creating supportive communities, particularly for women working in technical fields.

Outside her professional commitments, Marisa has participated in three mission trips to Laredo, Texas, through St. Ann’s Catholic Church, contributing to hands-on poverty alleviation efforts. This community involvement complements her dedication to professional service and mentorship.

With experience spanning complex MEP systems, healthcare, research, and pharmaceutical facilities, Marisa continues to develop as an engineer and emerging leader. Her career reflects a balance of technical expertise, communication, collaboration, and service, while her involvement with ASHRAE demonstrates her continued commitment to strengthening the professional community and supporting the next generation of engineers.

Learn More about Marisa Higgins:

Through her Influential Women profile: https://influentialwomen.com/connect/marisa-higgins

Influential Women

Influential Women provides a platform where women from all backgrounds can connect, share their perspectives, and create content that empowers themselves and others. Through storytelling, thought leadership, and creative expression, Influential Women amplifies voices that inspire change.

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