--- title: "#PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Lauren" description: "Meet Lauren, an MEP engineer who learned applicable STEM skills from FIRST. Read more in this week's #PeopleofSTEAM featuring a FIRST alumni." image: https://community.firstinspires.org/hubfs/Adobe%20Express%20-%20file%20(21).jpg --- Lauren, a dedicated *FIRST*®* *Regional Volunteer Coordinator in North Texas, proves that with passion, hard work, and STEAM skills developed through *FIRST*, you can truly [#GetAnywhere](https://info.firstinspires.org/getanywhere). An alum of *FIRST*®* *Tech Challenge Team 8204, Blue Machine, Lauren learned that there is a lot more than meets the eye when it comes to STEAM, and there are always opportunities to discover new things.  Now a Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing Engineer for new construction and renovation projects, Lauren utilizes problem-solving skills, teamwork, collaboration, and innovation in her everyday life to help buildings function how they are supposed to. Dedicated to giving back to* FIRST*, Lauren spends her free time as a *FIRST *Tech Challenge judge and volunteer where she helps to inspire the next generation of innovators just like her.  Keep reading to learn more about Lauren; she is living proof that by honing your skills through *FIRST, *you will have the tools you need to build a successful future in STEAM.  ![Lauren poses with other volunteers in front of a western themed FIRST sign. They are dressed as cowgirls.](https://community.firstinspires.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lauren%20Volunteer.jpg?width=520&height=390&name=Lauren%20Volunteer.jpg) *Lauren volunteering at a* *FIRST event in North Texas* ***FIRST *****Staff:** Can you share some information about your current role at Purdy-McGuire?   **Lauren:** I design Mechanical, Electrical, and Plumbing (MEP) for new construction and renovation projects. This includes K-12, higher education, office buildings, and commercial work. I specialize in HVAC design but have been learning more about plumbing design in recent years.  ***FIRST *****Staff:** What is your favorite part of your current role as an MEP Engineer at Purdy-McGuire, a full-service engineering firm located in Dallas, Texas?  **Lauren: **The variety of projects I get to work on is definitely my favorite part of my current role. One day I could be designing the HVAC system for a new school, and the next I am working on the plumbing layout for a commercial office building. It keeps things interesting and challenging, and I am constantly learning new things. I also enjoy seeing the tangible results of my work when a building is completed and knowing I contributed to its functionality and efficiency.  ***FIRST *****Staff:** What is the hardest part of your job?  **Lauren: **The hardest part of my job can be managing tight deadlines and unexpected challenges that arise during a project. Sometimes, unforeseen issues with existing structures, or coordination problems with other disciplines, require quick thinking and problem-solving under pressure. It is also challenging to balance innovative design with budget constraints and client expectations. Ensuring all systems integrate seamlessly and meet complex building codes requires meticulous attention to detail and continuous learning.  ***FIRST *****Staff:** How do you use STEAM skills in your everyday work?  **Lauren: **In my everyday work, STEAM skills are fundamental. My role as a MEP Engineer relies heavily on applying principles of physics for mechanical systems, electrical engineering for power distribution, and plumbing design for water and waste.   Beyond the technical aspects, problem-solving, critical thinking, and design skills are essential for finding efficient and effective solutions. In my personal life, I use these skills for home improvement projects, understanding how things work, and even for creative hobbies that involve planning and execution. ![Lauren as a student with her FTC team. They are standing near their presentation, wearing safety glasses, and smiling.](https://community.firstinspires.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lauren%20Student%20Team.jpg?width=462&height=346&name=Lauren%20Student%20Team.jpg) *Lauren as a student with her FIRST Robotics Team* ***FIRST *****Staff:** Can you share your thoughts on the impact of your personal/professional work in STEAM?  **Lauren: **Through my work in STEAM, I am directly contributing to the creation of safe, comfortable, and sustainable environments. By designing efficient MEP systems, I help reduce energy consumption and environmental impact, which is crucial for a greener future. I also play a part in creating functional spaces for education, healthcare, and commerce, directly impacting communities.   Professionally, I mentor younger engineers and interns, hoping to inspire the next generation in STEAM and make a difference by sharing my knowledge and passion for the field.  ***FIRST *****Staff:** Who is a “Person of STEAM” who inspires you?  **Lauren: **A "Person of STEAM" who inspires me is Dr. Katherine Johnson. As a mathematician at NASA, she calculated the flight trajectories that made missions like John Glenn’s orbit and the Apollo 11 moon landing possible. Her story, highlighted in the movie “Hidden Figures,” brought long-overdue recognition to the critical contributions of Black women in the space race. Despite the barriers Dr. Johnson faced, she persevered and proved how powerful mathematics and determination can be.   Katherine Johnson’s legacy reminds me that STEAM is not only about numbers and science, but also about breaking boundaries and inspiring others to dream bigger. ![Picture of Dr. Katherine Johnson hard at work at her desk, smiling. The image is in black and white.](https://community.firstinspires.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Katherine%20Johnson.jpeg?width=250&height=315&name=Katherine%20Johnson.jpeg) *Katherine Johnson, Mathematician at NASA* ***FIRST *****Staff:** If you could give one piece of advice to your younger self, what would it be?  **Lauren: **If I could give one piece of advice to my younger self, it would be to embrace every opportunity to learn and experiment, even if it seems daunting or outside your comfort zone. Do not be afraid to ask questions, make mistakes, or seek out mentors. The journey in STEAM is continuous learning, and every challenge is a chance to grow. Also, nurture your curiosity and passion, as they will be your greatest drivers when faced with complex problems.  ***FIRST *****Staff:** Do you have a message you want to share for students who are participating in *FIRST* today?  **Lauren: **To students competing in *FIRST* today, my message is to take every moment to learn, to grow, and to challenge yourself. *FIRST* is more than a competition; it is a community where you can discover your passion, make lifelong friends, and gain skills that will work for you well into the future. Do not be afraid to try new things, to question things, or to fail, because those moments most often lead to the best learning.   Remember, though, that the robot is just a fraction of the process—the real value comes in what you build through collaboration, creativity, and tenacity along the way. Stay curious, keep on moving, and understand that what you are creating today is going to inspire tomorrow's leaders and innovators.  Are you a person of STEAM? Share your story with #PeopleofSTEAM on social media or send us your story at[ marketing@firstinspires.org. ](mailto:at%E2%80%AFmarketing@firstinspires.org.) ![Lauren stands with other students as a student on her FTC team. They are watching something and appear to be very invested in what they are watching, with some anxiety on their faces.](https://community.firstinspires.org/hs-fs/hubfs/Lauren%20Student.jpg?width=459&height=344&name=Lauren%20Student.jpg) *Lauren as a student with her FIRST Robotics Team*   ** [Alumni](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/alumni), [STEM for Everyone](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/stem-for-everyone), [Volunteers](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/volunteers), [#PeopleofSTEAM](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/peopleofsteam), [Mentor Stories](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/mentor-stories) #### Share it: [** ](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://community.firstinspires.org/peopleofsteam-meet-lauren) [** ](https://twitter.com/share?url=https://community.firstinspires.org/peopleofsteam-meet-lauren) [** ](http://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://community.firstinspires.org/peopleofsteam-meet-lauren) ![Default Author Image](https://community.firstinspires.org/hubfs/Community%20Blog%20v2/images/FIRST-author-icon.svg) Author [FIRST Staff](https://community.firstinspires.org/author/first) These blog posts have been contributed by members of *FIRST* staff. *FIRST* is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization headquartered in Manchester, N.H. ### Related Posts ** [Alumni](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/alumni), [STEM for Everyone](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/stem-for-everyone), [Volunteers](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/volunteers), [#PeopleofSTEAM](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/peopleofsteam), [Featured](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/featured), [Parents & Families](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/parents-families), [Supporters](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/supporters) #PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Rae June 30, 2025 ** [STEM for Everyone](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/stem-for-everyone), [#PeopleofSTEAM](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/peopleofsteam), [Featured](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/featured), [Educators](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/educators), [Mentor Stories](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/mentor-stories) #PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Enmanuel August 22, 2025 ** [Alumni](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/alumni), [STEM for Everyone](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/stem-for-everyone), [Volunteers](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/volunteers), [#PeopleofSTEAM](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/peopleofsteam), [Featured](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/featured), [Mentor Stories](https://community.firstinspires.org/topic/mentor-stories) #PeopleofSTEAM: Meet Jon June 20, 2025 ![](https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=1200203950045814&ev=PageView&noscript=1) ![](https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=2615041699514&noscript=1) ![](https://ct.pinterest.com/v3/?tid=2615041699514&event=PageVisit&noscript=1)