Student Spotlight:
Lauren Hoyt

Mechanical engineering student Lauren Hoyt recently received a The Wings Club Scholarship. The Wings Club Foundation provides scholarships in support of outstanding students nationwide who are interested in careers within the aviation or aerospace industry.

Hoyt shared with us her experiences at Washington State University that have contributed to her success.

What does it mean to receive this award?

Receiving The Wings Club Scholarship for the 2026-27 school year means a tremendous amount to me. It is a testament and recognition of the hard work I have put in academically over the last two years, and support for my passion of aviation. The scholarship has opened up doors for me to start planning for graduate school and will provide unparalleled networking opportunities at The Wings Gala where the scholarship is awarded. I am stoked to represent WSU as The Wings Club Scholarship recipient, and I can’t wait to grow my passion for aerospace through the rest of undergrad and during my second internship at Boeing. 

Why did you decide to attend Washington State University? Why did you choose your major?

I grew up in a family of pilots and spent much of my childhood attending airshows and listening to conversations about airplanes. Those experiences sparked my passion for aviation at an early age. I knew I wanted to pursue a career in aerospace, specifically one that would allow me to work hands-on with real components and systems. Mechanical engineering was the natural choice.

When it came time to choose a university, my path looked a little different from most students. I am also a student-athlete at WSU, competing on the cross-country and track teams. During my visit, I was drawn to the strong sense of community and the wide range of resources available to help students succeed.

What has been your favorite class or program at WSU?

My favorite class so far has been CE 211. Karl Olsen is an amazing professor who truly pushes his students to be the best they can be. He provides an incredible amount of support through help sessions nearly every day and is always willing to help students succeed. He is the definition of a professor who genuinely cares about his students and wants them to do well.

What student clubs or internships have you participated in?

This past summer, I finished my first internship with Boeing! Boeing was the number one company I wanted to intern for, so I was super excited to get an offer. During the internship, I worked on aircraft interiors and discovered that far more engineering goes into them than most people realize. It was an incredible experience, and I am excited to return to the same team next summer.

Why would you recommend attending WSU?

I have received countless opportunities here at WSU through the Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture that I absolutely would not have found elsewhere, from landing my dream internship at Boeing as a sophomore to the amazing scholarships I have received over the last two years (specifically, the Wings Club Scholarship!) and the absolutely amazing professors who have worked with me to be the best student I can be during travel for athletics.

What do you hope to do after you graduate?

I completed my first internship with Boeing this past summer and loved it! I am returning for my second internship at Boeing in the summer of 2027. I hope to work at Boeing after I graduate and get my master’s in mechanical engineering while I am working.