At Her Peak

College is rarely a linear experience. For Laura Pigion this has been especially true.

Pigion, who began her college career as a flute performance major at the New England Conservatory of Music, transferred twice to Northwestern. (She left after her sophomore year for financial reasons then returned for her senior year.)

She will graduate from the University in June — six years after starting her undergraduate career — with a degree in industrial engineering and a minor in music.

During her time at Northwestern she’s participated in the University’s co-op program and helped expand Northwestern’s chapter of Engineers for a Sustainable World as the outreach and education chair. Through ESW she also developed a sustainability program for sixth-grade students in Evanston as well as a video targeted at Northwestern students about reducing environmental impact through everyday actions.

Last summer Pigion interned at Intel in Portland, Ore., where she’ll work again after graduation through Intel’s rotational engineering program. With a focus on environmental sustainability Pigion plans to help reduce waste in Intel’s massive manufacturing processes.

Before beginning at Intel, Pigion will tackle a 75-day intensive backpacking, mountaineering and sea-kayaking course through the National Outdoor Leadership School. She has already completed two marathons and climbed several mountains in the Cascade Range, both activities she plans to pursue in the future.

— Elizabeth Henley (WCAS09)