Laura Ely

Laura Ely is the Director of Programs at The Barnes Global Advisors, an independent engineering firm with over 150 years of AM experience. She helps customers on their AM journey, operating at the intersection of Strategy, Technology, and People. After earning a B.S. in Metallurgical Engineering, she spent the first decade of her career optimizing materials and processes ranging from rolling and annealing to friction stir welding and spin forming. However, her heart sits with Directed Energy Deposition, as she was the driving force behind an $18M CRADA with Oak Ridge National Labs and the creation of a new technology team for GKN's North America division. She mentors young engineers and passionately supports 3D printing and STEAM activities at her childrens' grade schools.