Laurie Florence
Champion's Award
Major: Electrical Engineering
About
Laurie Florence has worked for Underwriters Laboratories, Inc. (now UL LLC) for more than 28 years, starting as an engineer in the electrical department and serving as UL:s principal engineer for batteries, fuel cells systems, and capacitors for the last 15 years. As principal engineer, Laurie's recent focus has been on large-scale battery systems for both stationary and motive applications and energy storage systems. She is responsible for the technical input in her areas of responsibility, including technical competency of staff and the development and maintenance of the certification categories and standards. Laurie also presents at various technical forums and industry trade shows and participates on a number of safety and performance standards development committees for various organizations as UL:s technical representative. She is also the convener for a subcommittee that deals with lithium-ion battery standards for industrial applications within the International Electrotechnical Commission. Laurie graduated from UIC in 1990 with a BS in electrical engineering and is a board member-at-large for the UIC Engineering Alumni Association. She resides in Chicago with her husband and two dogs and has three children, the youngest of whom is also an alumnus of UIC.