GE would not be the company it is today without its employees. From working mothers to U.S. military veterans, GE has a diverse team that should be recognized and celebrated. So, we created a series called the “Quick Six”—six questions we are asking employees to help us learn about their talents and backgrounds. Together, GE works.
In our next installment of Quick Six, The Bike Shop sat down with Lauren Duncan, an engineer for GE Aviation's Fleet Management in Cincinnati, Ohio.
How long have you been in your current position, and could you provide a brief overview of what you do?
For the last two years, I’ve worked as an engineer in GE Aviation’s Fleet Management. My responsibility is to use historical field data and incoming analytics to construct a model that predicts the frequency and cost of an engine’s maintenance. This forecast provides customers with the foresight to help plan their fleet operations.
How did you end up in this position? Did you always want to work in aviation?
I’ve always been captivated by aerospace! I attribute a lot of this to growing up with Star Wars and all the science-fiction surrounding it – the imagination, the innovation, the sheer possibilities! For me, the aviation industry represents all of these characteristics.
I have a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering (MSME) degree and an MBA in entrepreneurial studies so working in services engineering was a perfect fit after I finished GE's Edison Engineering development program. It allows me to use my engineering expertise and problem-solving skills as an entrepreneur to develop solutions and work closer with our customers.
What motivates or inspires you to work hard?
Everything we do in Fleet Management directly impacts the interactions and outcomes with GE's customers and their fleet! There is nothing more inspiring than knowing you can have a direct, positive impact on so many people.
What has been a lesson you’ve learned while working at GE? Do you have any advice for other people?
I’ve been blessed to have incredible technical mentoring throughout my journey here. I’ve learned that leadership at GE is very open to discussing solutions, giving advice on career development and learning from others. The best advice I can give is to talk to your leaders—they are always receptive to your ideas/insights and willing to help.
What is your favorite engine and why? Could you draw a picture of it?
The unducted fan (UDF)! While this engine hasn’t made it to commercial service yet, the GE36 unducted fan, or open rotor, is my favorite engine. Ground tested and flown in the 1980s, the open rotor engine stretched the imagination of aerospace engineers and remains one of the most unique looking jet engines ever designed, built and flown. The engine’s design led GE to develop lightweight composite fan blades, which are used on the GE90, GEnx and the GE9X engines. The open rotor engine has many remarkable features that excite the engineer and science-fiction fan in me.
What is one potentially surprising thing that people don’t know about you?
I am a huge advocate for whale conservation and my life goal was once (and perhaps still is) to be the US delegate to the International Whaling Commission. This passion drove me into politics during college. Additionally, after joining GE I’ve kept my passion for advocacy alive by joining the GLBTA affinity network where I’m currently co-chair of the education committee in our local hub. As a member of the GLBT community, it has been inspiring to see the positive traction within the company and the leadership GE is providing externally.
Lauren is pictured here at Tio’s Tacos in Riverside, California, where they use refurbished waste to create artwork.
Did you know Quick Six is a series? Read our previous features:
- Quick Six with Katie Culic, a Military advanced programs project manager in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Quick Six with Raj Das, the general manager of GE Aviation’s Military manufacturing programs in Lynn, Massachusetts.
- Quick Six with Nina Tohill, a customer support manager in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Quick Six with Carol Hartman, a commercial engines technical publications production manager in Cincinnati, Ohio.
- Quick Six with Kelly Cole, a senior sales director for GE Aviation in London, UK.
- Quick Six with Michael Lappi, GE Aviation’s global medical director.
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GE Aerospace is a world-leading provider of jet and turboprop engines, as well as integrated systems for commercial, military, business and general aviation aircraft.
