Laura Cook ’10, M’11, a chemical engineering major and materials engineer for glass manufacturer Corning Inc., now holds a baton in the relay. As Corning ramps up its production of vials to contain this precious cargo, Cook is working not only to help meet a worldwide demand for more than 1 billion vials, but also to identify ways to accelerate critical stages of the race including vial manufacturing and fill/finish, where the drug is put into containers.
“Corning is proud to do its part in combating COVID-19,” she says. “Knowing that my contribution is helping drive toward that common goal gives me a great sense of pride and purpose.”
Research with Professor Tim Raymond, chemical engineering, on climate change led directly to Cook’s first job with Corning on an optical-fiber project. While presenting her work at a Homecoming research poster session, Cook connected with mechanical engineering alumnus Dan Hawtof ’88, M’89, a researcher and now fellow at Corning. A phone call and interview soon followed.
Cook opens similar doors to Bucknell students today by mentoring engineering majors and serving on the Engineering Alumni Association Board, where she helps guide student design projects drawn from real research initiatives at Corning — experiences that often lead even more directly to jobs.