From Stargazing to Aerospace Engineering: The Inspiring Career of General Ellen Pawlikowski

As we step together into the future, what do we want the legacy of additive manufacturing to look like, and what actions can industry professionals take now to get us there?

In the season two finale of Laser Focused, Renette speaks with Greg Morris, CTO of Zeda to unpack these questions, and more. Greg has been involved in the 3D printing industry for over 25 years, was inducted into the TCT Hall of Fame, and will receive the 2024 AMUG Innovators Award for metal 3D printing contributions. He served as an ambassador for 3D printing and was part of the broader team that helped revolutionize the design and production of gas turbine engine parts, using additive metal at GE Additive.

Together, Renette and Greg explore the last 25 years of innovation in additive manufacturing, and the exciting developments coming up in the future. They also discuss how to democratize the technology, promoting more diversity and inclusion in the industry, to bring even more creative minds together for success.

To learn more about Greg’s work with Zeda, visit z8a.com.

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So far in this season of Laser Focused, we’ve explored space, peeked at aviation, and taken a step into our past  to improve our future. In this episode, we come back to  Earth to talk about something that touches many of our lives daily : the automotive industry.

In this episode, Renette sits down with Ante Lausic, Lead Process Engineer at GM. Ante has over a decade of experience in the automotive, aerospace, and additive manufacturing fields and wrote a doctoral thesis that combined 3D printing with the high strength of nanocrystalline materials. Renette and Ante discuss how GM is utilizing AM-enabled manufacturing to streamline complex designs and explore a whole new world of possibilities in the automotive industry. The pair also delve into the importance of education in additive manufacturing and how GM provides their engineers with the tools to explore these emerging technologies.

To learn more about GM, visit gm.com.

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Laser Focused is presented by Velo3D Velo3d.com.

What’s the next step after managing a man who walked on the moon? For Christina Korp, it’s connecting the space curious to the space serious. In this episode, Renette speaks with Christina Korp, Astronaut Wrangler, Producer, & Founder of Space For A Better World.

After a decade of managing Buzz Aldrin, Christina knew there was more work to be done to attract people to work in space, and educate humankind on the benefits space exploration can have right here on Earth. We’re still facing a significant talent gap in the space industry, which  needs curious, passionate individuals across a variety of professions, not solely in the math and science realm. Renette and Christina explore how Christina’s non-profit organization, Space for a Better World fosters an entertaining and educational space for people  to learn more, and perhaps take one big step towards an exciting and fulfilling career. The pair also discuss what we got wrong with the STEM movement, why Christina often refers to it as a mistake, and what we can do to promote education around the space industry.

To learn more about Christina and her work, visit spaceforabetterworld.com.

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Laser Focused is presented by Velo3D Velo3d.com.

What is the connection between Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and the emergence of AI in 2023? While some may dismiss this as tenuous, our guest is here to tell us otherwise. In this episode, Renette sits down with Jeanette Winterson, award-winning author of 12 Bytes, a new book of eye-opening essays on the intersection between artificial intelligence and humanity.

Renette and Jeanette discuss the importance of looking into our history, from real world events like the Industrial Revolution to works of fiction like Frankenstein, to inform our future. Jeanette details how collaboration could lead to a better future for humanity, and why she prefers the term “alternative intelligence” to “artificial intelligence”. The pair also dig into Jeanette’s work with UK based deep-tech company PhysicsX and their mission to impact the climate and human health.

To learn more about Jeanette and her work, visit jeanettewinterson.com.

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There are many factors that have led to the manufacturing decline in Australia; overreliance on raw material exports, limited research and development budgets, and politics to name a few. Professionals like Jason Hampton-Taylor, Business Development Manager at DCISIV Technologies, are leading the charge of innovators finding out of the box solutions to revitalize the manufacturing space in Australia. In this episode, host Renette Youssef speaks with Jason about his experience building microfactories, and the ultimate benefits of the model. The pair also discuss the benefits of collaboration and how to create a safety net for those taking risks with emerging technologies.

Learn more about Jason’s work by visiting DCISIV.com.au

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Laser Focused is presented by Velo3D velo3d.com

What will it take to make us a multiplanetary species? Todd Fleckenstein, Founder, CEO and Chief Engineer at Meraki Space Systems is determined to find out. In this episode, host Renette Youssef speaks with the lifelong space enthusiast about his journey and career path from a childhood fascination with space, to working on marine vessels, to building a lunar base station with Meraki Space Systems. Todd shares his vision of making humanity a multiplanetary species, and the vital importance of collaboration that will eventually get us there.

The pair also discuss the unique journey of an entrepreneur, and the cocktail of tenacity, passion, and resilience that will ultimately drive success for those carving their own path.

To learn more about the work Todd is doing with Meraki Space Systems, visit merakispacesystems.com.

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Laser Focused is presented by Velo3D Velo3d.com

When your goal is flying at hypersonic speeds, manufacturing methods need to keep up. In this episode, host Renette Youssef sits down with Ellen Malloy, Manager of Manufacturing Engineering at Hermeus, a startup with a mission to radically accelerate air travel.

Renette and Ellen discuss the cutting edge technologies Hermeus is working with, and why it is important to stay razor sharp, and years ahead, on innovation. The pair dig into the high accountability, high output atmosphere Hermeus has built, and how fast iteration is paying dividends in learnings for the company. Ellen also speaks about optimizing not only the factory space, but the entire team for success, and why mentorship and communication are integral.

To learn more about the work Ellen is doing with Hermeus, visit hermeus.com

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To kick off Season 2 of Laser Focused, host Renette Youssef sits down with retired U.S. Air Force Four-Star General Ellen Pawlikowski. General Pawlikowski shares her story of resilience and determination, from witnessing the moon landing as a young child, to her pivot from journalism to engineering, to her illustrious career in the U.S. Air Force.

Renette and General Pawlikowski discuss how game-changing additive manufacturing technology can revolutionize aircraft repair and the importance of data in certifying airworthy parts. They also dig into opportunities for women in STEM, and the benefits of space exploration.

Learn more about General Pawlikowski by visiting AF.mil.

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We’re excited to announce that Season 2 of Laser Focused will be launching soon! This season, our host, Renette Youssef, will be bringing you in-depth conversations with even more industry professionals who are working every day to make the impossible possible. Join us this season as we delve deeper into innovations in 3D printing, additive manufacturing, artificial intelligence, renewable energy, automotive, and, of course, space travel. You’ll hear the stories behind the innovations, and the real-world outcomes as we step together into the future. Subscribe now wherever you get your favorite shows so you don’t miss a nanosecond. Laser Focused, by Velo3D, where together we innovate without compromise.

Welcome to another episode of Laser Focused, brought to you by Velo3D! This show highlights the leaders who are changing the world with new design and innovations. This week CMO and brand disruptor at Velo3D, Renette Youssef, speaks with Co-Founder and CEO of Varda Space Industries, William Bruey! The pair discuss the benefits of moving manufacturing to space, as well as the venture capital firm he co-founded, Also Capital, which focuses on building a new class of skilled tech engineers!

To learn more about Varda, visit their Website or follow them on Twitter and LinkedIn. You can also connect with William on LinkedIn.

You can follow Renette on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram.

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