Katherine Lemke

Class of 2026

This summer, Katherine Lemke joined the Control Systems engineering future programs and demonstrators team, who are responsible for specifying, supplying and integrating control systems for demonstrator aero engine vehicles in the civilian market segment. As a systems integrator, she is involved with requirements specification, design and system modelling, development and build of equipment for various Rolls-Royce demonstrator programs (e.g. Hydrogen Demonstrator, Lean Burn).

Hometown: Geneva, IL
Class year: Senior
Major: aerospace engineering, Minors: physics and math

Tell us about the work you’ve been doing this summer, specifically the impact your team has on the overall Rolls Royce mission.

I am a part of the research and technology team at Rolls Royce that works with future programs. Rolls Royce has many goals about creating sustainable and environmentally friendly engines that surpass the low emissions goals of the aviation industry, and these projects aim to support those goals. Specifically, I have helped with preparing hardware for hydrogen propulsion tests and ensuring that the controls systems respond to failure or other undesirable inputs effectively to promote safety in this testing.

What has been the most exciting part of the research you’ve been doing over the last 12 weeks?

The most exciting part has been being up close and hands on with various engines. I have been able to better understand how components are assembled and gained an appreciation for the complexity of turbofan engines.

What knowledge have you gained and what skills do you hope to bring back and apply to your research, design teams, etc?

My knowledge of how turbofan and general turbine engines work will be extremely useful in my senior classes and hopefully be useful in my senior design work. Additionally, I gained skills in writing and presenting technical information. As a person, I learned how to be adaptable both at work and on the road.

Are you working with any fellow Hokies?

Working nearby fellow Hokies, Sam Bower and Alec Crispino. We worked in the same building but on different teams.

What is the most surprising thing you learned about working abroad?

The most surprising thing I learned about was how much time everything takes in the aerospace industry. The projects I worked on have plans that span years, even decades. My 12 weeks of work was only a quick sprint in the grand scheme of projects in the aerospace industry.

Outside of work, how did you spend your time in the U.K.?

I spent every weekend traveling and exploring a new city or hiking on trails around the UK. It was convenient to use the train. On these trips I embraced local recommendations for food, site seeing, and more. As a golfer, I also took the opportunity to play golf at historic courses in Scotland such as St. Andrews and Carnoustie.

How did Virginia Tech Engineering prepare you for this opportunity?

The background I had from VT gave me a foundation to understand the problems and questions discussed at work. I also learned valuable skills on how to ask questions and reach out for help through class and interactions with professors when I missed class.