Laiann Hormaza
Mt Pleasant,SC
Overview
1
1
Certification
Work History
Engineering Capstone — Team Designer
- Working on solving real-world problems through engineering design
- Create CAD models in Autodesk Inventor
- Build prototypes and test different design ideas
- Use design matrices, research, and user feedback to improve concepts
PLTW Engineering Club — Special Events Coordinator
- Organized fundraising events like Pie-a-Teacher and 3D-printed merch
- Helped plan travel and preparation for competitions
- Attended the SkillsUSA Leadership Conference
- Created posters, flyers, and graphics for club events
Aerospace Engineering Projects
- Modeled ISS orbital paths using STK software for improved mission planning.
- Designed and rigorously tested rocket prototypes utilizing OpenRocket simulation.
- Analyzed NTSB data for Boeing 737 to enhance safety protocols and recommendations.
- Conducted stress-strain testing and composite material analysis in laboratory settings.
InnovateHers (Women in STEM) — Founder & Leader
- Empowered elementary girls through biweekly STEM sessions, fostering interest in engineering.
- Designed and built engaging projects such as trebuchets and rockets.
- Coordinated educational outreach activities with Boeing for enhanced learning experiences.
- Mentored younger girls, introducing fundamental engineering concepts and problem-solving skills.
Education
High School Diploma -
Wando High School
Mount Pleasant, SC05.2026
Skills
- CAD drafting
- Teamwork skills
- Concept development
- Computer literate
Accomplishments
Academic & Technical Project & Design Leadership & Outreach Service & Community
- Earned Distinguished on the PLTW Principles of Engineering national exam
- Achieved STAMP Gold for advanced Spanish proficiency
- Successfully completed dual-enrollment coursework in American Government and Microeconomics
- Modeled the ISS orbit using STK and analyzed visibility windows
- Designed and tested multiple rockets in OpenRocket
- Led engineering design work for a kitchen safety device including CAD models and prototypes
- Built and tested trebuchets, egg-drop devices, and rockets with both peers and elementary students
- Created engineering decision matrices and carried out user-feedback testing during Capstone
- Founded and lead InnovateHers, a women-in-STEM outreach program
- Coordinated district-level STEM events with Boeing outreach
- Helped raise funding through engineering-related events like Pie-a-Teacher and 3D-printed merchandise
- Attended the SkillsUSA Leadership Conference as part of engineering leadership development
- Managed $800 in supplies for Backpack Buddies supporting Title I students
- Served as student representative on the CAS Student Improvement Council
- Mentored elementary students in STEM and led hands-on engineering workshops
Certification
Certifications
- PLTW Principles of Engineering EoC — Distinguished
- PLTW Aerospace Engineering EoC — Certified
- PLTW Engineering Design & Development (Capstone) EoC — Certified
- PLTW Introduction to Engineering Design EoC — Certified
- STAMP Gold Certification — Advanced Spanish Proficiency
Languages
Spanish
Native or Bilingual
Timeline
PLTW Engineering Club — Special Events Coordinator
Aerospace Engineering Projects
InnovateHers (Women in STEM) — Founder & Leader
Engineering Capstone — Team Designer
High School Diploma -
Wando High School
Honors & Awards
PLTW Principles of Engineering Exam — Distinguished (2025), STAMP Gold Award (2025), Beacon of Light Award (2025), SkillsUSA Statesman award (2025), Hats Off Award (2025), Wando Warrior Award (2025)
Leadership & Service
- Extended Learning Afterschool Program, Counselor, Supervise K–5 students and help with homework and activities, Lead simple STEM projects for younger students, Support teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills
- Student Improvement Council, CAS Representative, Share student feedback about engineering programs at the CAS, Work with teachers and staff to improve student opportunities
- Lighthouse Keepers, Member, Organize CAS showcase events, Help run Backpack Buddies (~$800 in supplies for Title I students), Support Rotary Club service projects