Lauren Sartori

Why would a graphic design major be conducting undergraduate research in autonomous drilling, artificial intelligence monitoring, and robotic systems for excavation? For Lauren Sartori, at least part of the answer is a commitment to unwavering curiosity. 

“I want to understand the world around me through as many experiences as possible,” said Lauren. “The journey is just as important as the outcome to me.”

A big step in her recent journey was her acceptance as a scholar in the Calhoun Honors Discovery Program in Virginia Tech’s Honors College. The program combines a structured disciplinary education with an open-ended, collaborative, and transdisciplinary discovery process. Students work alongside faculty, industry, and non-profit partners to become leaders in collaborative socio-technical innovation.

“When I was interviewed for the Calhoun program,” said Lauren, “I asked my interviewers why they were talking to me, as previous cohorts did not have graphic design majors and had a concentration of STEM majors. I was told they were looking for someone who had design experience but had the ability to grow in different disciplines.” 

As part of the first cohort that accepted graphic design students, the skills Lauren demonstrated helped open the door for more design majors in the Calhoun program.

Lauren’s artistic background and attention to audience helped her recruit industry partners. Thanks to her efforts, her team was mentored by professionals from NASA and The Boeing Company. Her creative thinking skills resulted in a more substantive, impactful project for all involved.

“This program has been a fantastic experience within itself,” said Lauren, “but it has also led to many other opportunities. I interned for The Boeing Company right after my first year to develop a guided animation for a future assembly line process using augmented reality.”

Curiosity doesn’t thrive on hard work alone. Lauren identifies the highlight of her college experience as the 2021 Virginia Tech vs. Notre Dame football game. 

With her mother’s creative help, Lauren wore a re-creation of a curious costume she had seen at a 2016 football game -- a HokieBird riding on the shoulders of a leprechaun. 

Lauren walked around our campus prior to the game and was embraced by both the Virginia Tech and Notre Dame communities. She even ran into the VT alum in the original costume that inspired hers.

“I have always been an artist at heart,” said Laura. “From painting to drawing to even mixed reality, I am fascinated in the visual and the creative process. This passion of art has expanded to trying to understand how art makes people feel, which has turned to my interest in user interfaces and user experience. My designs and art can help people, and I think that is pretty awesome.”

For all her knowledge, Lauren still recognizes that not-knowing is essential to curiosity. “To be truly successful in problem solving, I find that I must be willing to be wrong and have a growth mindset,” said Lauren. “I am open to ideas that conflict with my own and my own ideas not being the best option.”

I am honored to present the Aspire! Award for COMMIT TO UNWAVERING CURIOSITY to Lauren Sartori.