- Major: Industrial and Systems Engineering
- Company: Swagelok, DENSO Manufacturing
- E-mail: lwill168@vols.utk.edu
Profile
I'm Lauren, an industrial engineering major from Allentown, PA. I've had the exciting opportunity to work with Swagelok and DENSO Manufacturing. My first internship was with Swagelok, known for designing and manufacturing fluid system components. There, I gained hands-on experience optimizing the part organization process to boost packing and shipping speed and refining the invoice filing system for easy order retrieval.
Most recently, I worked as a production engineering co-op with DENSO Manufacturing in Athens, TN. DENSO designs and manufactures advanced automotive components and systems for major automobile manufacturers. At DENSO, I focused on high-pressure fuel pumps and rails, using SolidWorks to design jigs that improved efficiency across various lines and ensured quality during part transport. I also performed time studies to reduce cycle time and utilized AutoCAD for plant layout refinements and machine installations.
These experiences with Swagelok and DENSO have significantly boosted my professional development and will be key in easing my transition to a full-time engineering role after graduation. Prior to my co-ops, I was unsure about my future career path and worried that my classroom interests wouldn't translate to the field. Now, I have a clear vision for my career and won't need to spend time post-graduation finding my niche.
Outside of academics, I love traveling, being outdoors, and cheering on the Vols. Even with a full-time co-op, I managed to do all these things and stay active in the Knoxville and UT communities! I highly recommend a co-op to any student unsure about their future direction or anyone looking to jumpstart their professional career.
