Laura grew up in Cumberland, Maryland.  She attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology where she earned an M.S. in Aerospace Engineering.  Upon graduation, she worked for 7 years at Lockheed Martin as a Mechanical Test Engineer, building commercial satellites.  During that time, she earned an M.S. in Mechanical Engineering from NJIT. Laura and her husband, John, moved to Georgetown, Indiana in 1999 where she started a Lean Sigma consulting business with clients in the appliances, automotive, advertising and healthcare industries. During that time, Laura also started teaching Physics at the local Purdue University campus. In 2012, she was asked to take on a long-term sub position at Providence High School to cover an Honors Physics class. She found a love teaching high school and obtained her teaching license through Indiana’s Transition to Teaching program. She currently teaches Aviation, Physics and Environmental Science at Mercy Academy in Louisville, KY. Laura has also established STEM Clubs and Camps for elementary and middle school students in the area. Laura has been a volunteer with the Indiana Department of Natural Resources since 2008, where she serves as a docent at Falls of the Ohio and as a faculty member for the annual Family Paleontology Camp. She also serves on the county Native Habitat Restoration Team. She and her husband, John, have four children (Ryan, Adam, Patrick and Amanda), a dog (Gonzo) and a cat (Speedy).