Katie Grace Lowrey

Hometown
Gainesville, Georgia

High School
Alliance Academy for Innovation

Degree
BS Electrical Engineering, Minor in Astrophysics

Expected Graduation
2027

What is your favorite thing about being a student at UGA?

My favorite thing about being a student at UGA is the freedom to explore my interests in a low-stakes environment through student organizations, research, and electives. In my freshman year, I wrote a play that was performed at the Thalian Blackfriars New Works Festival, did makeup for a HAUTE photoshoot, and took a class on forensic anthropology! None of these things have anything to do with my major, and I would never consider pursuing a career in them, but it’s fun to get the opportunity to try things I wouldn’t have before.

Why did you choose engineering?

I chose engineering because I’ve been passionate about it for a long time. In High School, I completed a three-year Energy Systems pathway, which was an applied electrical engineering course focused on alternative energy systems. Through this pathway, I fell in love with engineering and felt driven to go into the field of renewable energy. I leapt at any opportunity for practical experience and catered my High School extracurriculars around my goal of becoming a powersystems engineer. I’ve been letting my passion for what I do carry me so far in my journey at UGA, and it has yet to fail me.

Why is it important for the university to have a diverse community?

The world is a diverse place, so it’s unrealistic to assume that you are not going to be working with people of all sorts of backgrounds—many of whom have different life experiences than you. I think it’s also important to not just have a diverse community at UGA but also to give equitable opportunities to diverse students as well, especially in engineering, which tends to have a narrower demographic in the American workforce. We all deserve a chance at success, and that can only come by acknowledging our differences and accommodating them, rather than ignoring them and pretending they don’t exist.

What has been the greatest challenge you have faced while at UGA, and how did you overcome it?

The greatest challenge that I’ve faced at UGA so far has been dealing with disability in a very academically rigorous major. Managing my physical and mental health on top of my school and social life is a difficult balancing act, which leaves me constantly fatigued. It takes a lot of effort for me just to perform basic functions, so I have to exert myself to maintain my GPA for Zell Miller and the Dean’s List while taking STEM-heavy coursework. Despite this, I keep trying. I refuse to give up on my academic goals. If that means I need additional support from the DRC, or health & well-being services, then so be it! I’ve had to come to terms with the fact that it’s okay to need help and that it’s not a poor reflection of my ability or my character to need help.

What have you learned that has made a difference for you?

This isn’t very profound, but learning to block out my homework and assignments has made a huge difference for me. Cramming and completing assignments the night before is not a sustainable practice!!

Who has helped you become a successful student at UGA?

My biggest support system here at UGA has been the Disability Resource Center (DRC). I don’t think I would be where I am right now if it weren’t for them. I’d also say that the DRC’s Autism Peer Support group, led by graduate assistant Rebecca Rodgers, has helped me tremendously in acclimating to campus and college life. And, of course, my academic advisor, who is my self-proclaimed biggest cheerleader. It’s so important to have people you can go to for support, resources, or just to hype you up while you navigate UGA!

What is your favorite spot on campus and why?

My favorite spot on campus is probably the Small Satellite Research Lab. I am on the hardware team for the MEMESAT-1 mission, and I love working in the lab because it’s such a cool environment! It’s one of those things where just being there makes me glad I chose the major I did.

What has been your favorite class at UGA?

This isn’t a very “engineering major” response, but my favorite class at UGA was actually English 1102 with Dr. Nancee Reeves. Our class theme was Sci-fi & Fantasy, and I loved getting to geek out about books with Dr. Reeves, who has very similar literary tastes to me!

What has been your best memory at UGA?

My best memory at UGA was when my roommate and I dressed up as each other for April Fools’ Day. It was hilarious seeing people’s reactions, as our styles of dress are VERY contrasting!

What advice do you have for younger students who wish to pursue engineering?

My biggest advice is that it doesn’t hurt to try. This can apply to choosing an engineering major, applying for research or internship opportunities, getting involved with student organizations, etc. You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.

How do you hope to impact society with your engineering degree?

The electric grid is not going anywhere anytime soon; our advancing technological society needs the power to meet these technological demands. But between fossil fuel emissions & supply, and the energy-intensive process that’s put into manufacturing renewable energy technology, there needs to be change if we want a grid-connected future. Around the world, universities, research labs, and startup companies are pushing the boundaries of innovation in search of long-term solutions. And as someone who is very passionate about sustainability and the environment, I want to be a part of that solution, whatever it may be. I want to use my electrical engineering degree and experience to make a positive contribution to the renewable power industry, in hopes that one day all these contributions will add up to a better future for our world.