Lauren Thompson
Mechanical Engineer
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Highest Honors Georgia Tech 2025
Disneyland Manufacturing Intern
Mechanical Engineer
BS in Mechanical Engineering
Highest Honors Georgia Tech 2025
Disneyland Manufacturing Intern
As a student researcher in Georgia Tech's Advanced Crane Controls Laboratory, I am part of a team constructing a 7-foot scale model of a luffing jib tower crane. This model will be used in tip-over testing to establish safety parameters for safer crane operation.
I collaborated with an interdisciplinary team of students to design and conduct an experiment focused on generating an electric field to remove Martian regolith particles, aiming to enhance dust mitigation techniques for solar panels on Mars rovers.
I designed a custom lightsaber hilt in SOLIDWORS CAD software. I then machined the hilt out of aluminum using a metal lathe and mill.
I used Fusion 360 to design and program CAM software for cutting the base of a Fender Stratocaster guitar on a wood CNC machine. Once the body was cut, I added a wooden veneer on top that I then laser cut a custom design into. From there, I finished the guitar neck and soldered electrical components to make it fully functional.
I designed and crafted a custom end-grain chessboard, pairing it with personalized 3D-printed resin chess pieces to create a one-of-a-kind set. This project was entered into The Makerspace Symposium at Georgia Tech where it won an award for most creative project.
I designed a custom jewelry box using SOLIDWORKS. After 3D-printing the parts, I added finishing touches with paint and decorative elements to achieve the final product.
I am currently working on a Stormtrooper helmet, which I 3D-printed and carefully assembled. The next steps in the project involve painting the helmet.
Pens hand-made on a wood lathe.
Collaborated with a team to design and construct an autonomous robot capable of completing a series of push, pull, and lifting tasks for a competitive robotics event.
I am a recent graduate from Georgia Tech, where I earned a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering with Highest Honors in May 2025. I pursued a dual-degree program, having previously completed a Bachelor’s in Engineering Sciences with minors in Mathematics, Physics, and Theatre from Berry College. While at Georgia Tech, I served as the Vice President of Finance for the Theme Park Engineering and Design Club, where I have been an active member since Spring 2023.
While in school, I also served as a full Prototyping Instructor and Woodroom Apprentice at Georgia Tech's Flowers Invention Studio, the largest student-run makerspace in the United States. As a Prototyping Instructor, I am trained and certified in the safe operation of various tools, including 3D printers, waterjets, laser cutters, woodworking and metalworking tools, electronics, sewing machines, and vinyl cutters. I volunteered my time to assist students in safely completing engineering-related projects, whether personal or academic. As a Woodroom Apprentice, I have completed numerous woodworking projects and developed advanced knowledge of woodworking techniques and tool maintenance.
I am deeply passionate about pursuing a career in the Themed Entertainment Industry. My previous experience includes an internship with Walt Disney World’s Worldwide Safety Assurance team in Fall 2023, where I gained invaluable insights into the industry's safety practices and engineering standards. I actively participate in key industry events, including the ASTM F24 conferences and the IAAPA Expo. In Fall 2024, I was honored to receive the IAAPA ASTM F24 Experiential Scholarship Award. Currently, I’m grateful to once again be engineering the magic as a Manufacturing Intern at Disneyland. In addition, I am actively working toward earning my SolidWorks certification and preparing to take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam.
