Academics

Laura Andre

Doctoral student
Electrical & Computer Engineering
Anticipated Graduation: December 2021
[email protected]

Research

Research Area: Optics and Photonics
Advisor: Prof. Stephen Rand

Research Project: Laura’s research project is on laser cooling of solids, which is essentially the process of removing thermal energy from condensed matter through interactions with laser light. This topic is of particular interest because it gives the ability to control the temperature of macroscopic objects with light and is beneficial for devices that require low operating temperatures in extreme environments, for example sensors on satellites or in biological applications.

Education

• BA Physics, St. Mary’s College of Maryland
• MS Electrical Engineering, University of Michigan

Clubs/Organizations

• The Optics Society at the University of Michigan
• ECE Graduate Student Council
• Graduate Student Advisory Committee
• Graduate Society for Women Engineers
• Eta Kappa Nu (HKN) (Honor Society for Electrical and Computer Engineers)

Hobbies

• Rock climbing & ice climbing
• Hiking & backpacking
• Sailing
• Paddle boarding
• Photography

Laura Says

“It is difficult to choose one particular program or aspect of the University as my favorite. One of the great things about U-of-M is the countless number of student organizations, project teams, and resources available to us as students. With that said, the sheer number of opportunities would be nowhere near as valuable without the contribution and support from an amazing group of students, faculty, and staff. Overall, I have found the U-of-M community to be driven, compassionate, and genuinely value a vibrant, collaborative environment.”