Meet the Class of 2021: Jennylynn Johnson
Jennylynn Johnson
College of Engineering, Industrial and Systems Engineering
"Perhaps this is the moment for which you have been created." Esther 4:14
Hometown: Blacksburg, Virginia
Minor: Green Engineering
Fun fact about yourself: I have my Cosmetology License!
If you participated in an internship, what company was it for and what were your job responsibilities?
1) GE Aviation (Summer 2018) - Manufacuturing/Supply Chain Intern. Statistically prove elimination of CMC combustion nozzle and liner cleaning process, updated 4 Value Stream Maps, and automated 2 Excel processes.
2) GE Aviation (Summer 2019) - Lean intern. Led 5S improvements among 14 production lines for high pressure turbine blades, updated 1 Value Stream Map, supported 3 Lean Action Workouts, and explored alternative mushroom packaging for shipping.
3) GE Renewable Energy (Summer 2020) - In person New Product Introduction Intern. Supported first assembly of a new wind turbine machine head build through maintaining build schedule by part management, created and validated new Pre-Assembled Kits, and examined feasibility to transition 5,000 lb capacity fork trucks to electric to reduce 5k fleet carbon emissions by 80%.
Which faculty member has made the biggest impact in your undergraduate education and how?
Dr. Jennifer Russell through her efforts to create and maintain a student-professor relationship while also going the extra mile to explain topics in and out of class. Very personable and helpful.
Aside from your classmates, what has been the best part of being an industrial and systems engineering major at Virginia Tech?
Embarking on the opportunities the department and organizations have to offer. I have grown so much and have felt so much support from the ISE department, ISE Ambassadors, and IISE.
What club or activity excites you most at Virginia Tech and why?
Environmental Coalition excites me the most because I have been a part of such high impact environmental movements and events like The Big Plant, Virginia Techs' first Climate Strike, and Earth Week. Environmentalism is a huge passion of mine, and I'm excited to see where the organization goes.
Describe your biggest accomplishment in your student career so far?
Obtaining my role as the Undergraduate Student Representative in the SGA Energy and Sustainability Subcommittee my senior year because I got it through recommendations I did not ask for and landed the position without an interview. It proved to me the reputation I have and the way I carry myself is respected and acknowledged.
Did you get the chance to study abroad?
Yes, I went on a short term study abroad trip in March of 2019 to Iceland with The GREEN Program focused on sustainability and renewable energy. It was an eye-opening experience where I learned so much in and out of the classroom at power plants and in nature. My capstone project was on sustainable manufacturing for small scale wind turbines for rural Iceland-ers.
What was your defining moment at Virginia Tech and how has it prepared you for your future career?
I discovered while in Iceland that I want to work in sustainable manufacturing for renewable energy, which directed my career path and prepared me for my future endeavors and passions to be lived out
What are your plans after graduation?
I will be working full time with GE Renewable Energy starting in July 2021 in their Operations Management Leadership Program.