Lola Vars is a versatile PhD candidate in Design Mechanical Engineering with an impressive background in Materials Science, Chemistry, Ceramics, Craft, and Carpentry. Her passion for elegant solution finding and problem solving has led her to understand and design complex systems. She is currently a Senior Mechanical Engineer at Beaker & Wrench and has also held positions such as Chief Technical Officer at Quasar and Technical Director of Product Design and Development at Lora DiCarlo. Lola has also worked as a Graduate Research Assistant, Ceramics Instructor, Chemist, set-builder and Carpenter in various organizations. Her academic achievements include a Certificate in Multimedia and Bachelor of Science in Chemistry/Biochemistry from Southern Oregon University, as well as a Master of Science in Materials Science Engineering and PhD from Oregon State University.