Student Spotlight: Laurengail Lorenz
Automated Systems & Robotics
Growing up, Laurengail Lorenz was always at home in the world of manufacturing. As a kid, she spent hours working on projects with her dad and grandpa in his machine shop.
“Some of my favorite photos and memories are with them working on some crazy project that made my mom just shake her head at most of the time,” Lorenz recalls.
But it wasn’t until high school that her future in the field really came into focus — and she hasn’t looked back since.
Exploring Options During High School
During her junior year at Elk River High School, two important things happened. First, Lorenz was able to take a manufacturing and engineering class — which she loved. Second, her manufacturing teacher told the class about a “Cool Jobs Tour” that the school district was hosting to expose students to the many sides of manufacturing.
“To be honest if I hadn’t decided to sign up for it, I would not be here today,” she said.
The tour consisted of multiple different manufacturing companies and colleges like Dunwoody. After the tour, Metal Craft hosted a dinner and panel discussion where they shared information about a CTE Internship Program.
“Good things happened fast after that event,” Lorenz said. “I applied for and received the Metal Craft internship plus high school credit for the internship. The opportunities happened faster than the paperwork. By the time I met with the teacher in charge of the internship I already had been picked as a machinist intern with Metal Craft.”
Making a Difference Through Manufacturing
During her senior year, Lorenz’s interest in the manufacturing field continued to grow. As part of her capstone project, Lorenz had to design and manufacture an engineering project. The inspiration for that project came from her cousin who has Ehlers Danlos Syndrome, a genetic condition that makes the body’s connective tissue weaker than it should be, especially around the joints and skin.
Lorenz spent time talking with her cousin and her aunt about the idea of designing an exoskeleton brace to help her walk and not be in pain unlike her other medical braces.
“So, all of my last semester I developed, prototyped, and made my capstone project,” Lorenz said. “But it was more than a high school project to me, it was me creating a new piece of technology that could help many people who are in the same dilemma as my cousin. Throughout the process of making this exoskeleton leg brace I learned a lot from my teacher who by the end of the semester said this project was way over his head — in a good way of course.
“Manufacturing became real for me when I could make a difference.”
Opportunities for Success
Today, Lorenz is currently enrolled at Dunwoody in the Automated Systems & Robotics program, where she is learning to design, build, and maintain automated systems and robots. The degree program is the first step in her plans to become an automation technician, followed by an engineer.
With those goals in mind, Lorenz didn’t waste any time in positioning herself for success. Three weeks after starting the fall semester, she applied for and received an internship at Graco as an Automation Technician intern.
“I’m basically learning everything I would normally be learning my second year of my program, which I think is amazing,” Lorenz said. “I’m working with FANUC robots, learning how to program PLCs, building electrical panels, and designing custom automated assembly lines.”
Lorenz said she chose Dunwoody because it offered her a direct path to the career and life she wants. That decision was also made possible, thanks in part, to the Pathways to Careers scholarship program, which Lorenz was selected for.
“I have always loved robotics and learning how things interact and work together,” she said. “I have a love for robotics, I always have and that isn’t something that can be taught to the everyday person.”
A few months in, and Lorenz couldn’t be happier with her decision.
“My program is amazing. I love working with my classmates and talking to the faculty and my instructors. I’m learning and socializing so much it’s hard to keep track of all the cool projects I’m doing sometimes,” she said. “I feel I make more of an impact the more I learn and grow.”
“I am very grateful for all the encouragement, the support, and career opportunities,” she said. “I am excited to be in a field where I believe innovation is delivered every day to make a difference.”