Growing up in Fort Worth, Texas, Lauren Gibbens ‘10 always had a fascination and appreciation for fighter jets. However, she had no idea it would ultimately lead her to where she is now — working for Lockheed Martin Aeronautics in Greece.
The graduate of the Wm Michael Barnes ’64 Department of Industrial and Systems Engineering fell in love with Texas A&M University the moment she stepped foot on campus.
“I know there was only one right decision for me, and the College of Engineering sealed the deal,” Gibbens said. “The value of improvement and innovation is at the heart of industrial engineering. Industrial engineers are trained to break down processes, work through a series of complicated constraints, understand the key elements of safety, quality, cost and schedule, all the while building trust through analytics.”
One of the favorite skills that she learned was understanding the benefit of simulation modeling.
“In an age where data is plentiful, it is exceptionally valuable to break down a process in a manner through which information can be gleaned. A story can be told and a conclusion drawn in an effort to bring about improvement,” Gibbens said.
Upon graduation, Gibbens was offered an entry-level industrial engineering position at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics. “The past 10 years have been nothing short of amazing as I remember the opportunities that have been afforded to me. I am encouraged by those who boldly stand up for what is right, and a series of mentors who continually challenge me to step outside my comfort zone.”
In 2020, Gibbens was afforded one of the most challenging tasks yet, to become the lead industrial engineer for a new program startup to upgrade a series of aircraft for Greece. “It has always been a dream of mine to live and work in another country,” she said.
One thing this Aggie can count on is the value of a high-performing team. The Greece team truly understands the value of teamwork and courage, which has enabled us to overcome many challenges and move the program forward. In the words of our site lead, ‘Light the fire and kick the chocks, we are ready to fly this jet!’
Gibbens said the move wasn’t only a challenge for her, but for her family. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, this meant completely uprooting her family and getting limited quality time with friends and family before departing. When she was offered the position, she asked her husband, who recently completed his doctoral degree, to take a deviation in his career for this new adventure. And without hesitation, he accepted the challenge.
Living in Greece has presented many challenges for Gibbens due to the periods of time where the entire country was in lockdown, and just being able to make the move was a feat in itself.
Due to an abundant number of items causing delays and interruptions to the program, the jet fell further and further behind in the first two quarters of the year. Gibbens says that since relocating in June, it has been a never-ending battle to get back on schedule. But her industrial engineering mentality has always pushed her forward with uncompromising ethics.
“One thing this Aggie can count on is the value of a high-performing team. The Greece team truly understands the value of teamwork and courage, which has enabled us to overcome many challenges and move the program forward. In the words of our site lead, ‘Light the fire and kick the chocks, we are ready to fly this jet!’,” Gibbens said.
Sometimes it does not feel like there are enough hours in the day, but that is nothing new for Gibbens. Becoming an ex-pat has ignited a new fire and passion for the important work she and her team do every day.
She said that even though the future is an unknown, she can walk confidently knowing she is following her calling made possible through the foundation set at Texas A&M.
Gibbens has been a member of the advisory council for the industrial and systems engineering department since 2018. She says it is a privilege and honor to be able to share lessons learned and help shape the future for the fast-growing field of Industrial engineering.
“It’s truly fitting that Lauren is now a force in the birthplace of western civilization. How can you argue with a career like Lauren’s — she truly has lived the industrial and systems engineering mantra of attacking any problem, any time, any place. We are very proud to count Lauren among our graduates and as an exemplary advisory council member. Her technical acumen in system simulation, her growth as a leader in her field and now launching a new program in Greece is great, not only for the department and Texas A&M, but even more so for the free world,” said Dr. Mike Graul, associate professor of practice in industrial and systems engineering. “The department looks forward to our continued association with Lauren and we look forward to the day when she can come back to Aggieland and help cultivate the next generation of industrial and systems engineering graduates to tackle issues in the global economy.”
“The best advice I can pass on to a student is to live out your calling and love what you do, because when you do, you will naturally add value. Walking out of Texas A&M’s industrial and systems engineering department, you will have unique opportunities afforded to you,” Gibbens said. “I learned very early through my dad, ‘If it is worth doing, it is worth doing right.’ At my core, I enjoy critical thinking, and share the Aggie value for excellence in all things.”