Lucas Laughery, Ph.D.

Lucas Laughery, Ph.D. has a diverse range of work experience in the field of structural engineering. Lucas'smost recent position was as a Senior Structural Engineer I at ICON, where they began in April 2023. Prior to this, they worked at SpaceX as a Senior Launch Engineer from July 2020 to March 2023, contributing to the development and improvement of ground support structures for the Starship launch system.

From January 2019 to July 2020, Lucas served as an Associate (Engineering Consultant) at Exponent, where they evaluated and determined causes of distress to various structures and infrastructure projects. Before that, they worked as a Visiting Researcher at Nagoya Institute of Technology from November 2017 to November 2018, overseeing structural tests to address deficiencies and improve retrofitted reinforced concrete frames and pile caps.

Earlier in their career, Lucas held the position of Post-Doctoral Researcher at Purdue University from August 2016 to October 2017. There, they led dynamic and static testing of masonry walls and guided students in conducting large-scale reinforced concrete structure tests. As a Graduate Student Researcher at Purdue University from August 2012 to August 2016, they conducted research on various reinforced concrete elements and upgraded control systems for earthquake testing.

Additionally, Lucas gained industry experience as a Structural Engineering Intern at Black & Veatch from June 2012 to August 2012, applying codes to design reinforced concrete structures and developing construction documents. Lucas also worked as a Part-Time Research Assistant at Missouri S&T from June 2011 to May 2012, researching building systems and energy reduction technologies.

Lucas began their professional career as a Structural Engineering Intern at Black & Veatch from May 2011 to August 2011, contributing to the design and engineering calculations for steel and reinforced concrete structures. Lucas also worked as a Drafting Technician at Wallace Architects, LLC in 2009, using AutoCAD to create and revise construction plans and details.

Overall, Lucas Laughery, Ph.D. has a strong background in structural engineering and has contributed to various projects, research, and industry positions throughout their career.

Lucas Laughery, Ph.D., obtained their Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Structural Engineering from Purdue University between 2014 and 2016. Prior to that, they earned their Master's Degree in Structural Engineering from Purdue University, completing it in the years 2012 and 2013. Lucas acquired their Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Engineering and Civil Engineering from Missouri University of Science and Technology, graduating in the years 2007 to 2012. Additionally, in spring 2010, they undertook a study abroad program at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology, although the specific field of study is not mentioned.

In terms of certifications, in May 2014, Lucas Laughery obtained the Certified LabVIEW Associate Developer certification from the National Instruments institution.