IE Student Selected as 2025 DeRocco Fellow
IE Student Selected as 2025 DeRocco Fellow
| Author: | Brenna Losch |
|---|
Cora White, a rising senior in Purdue University's Edwardson School of Industrial Engineering, has been selected as one of eight inaugural 2025 DeRocco Fellows. This prestigious advanced manufacturing fellowship empowers future women leaders through mentorship, professional development, and hands-on experience in the industry.
A Brownsburg, Indiana native, White is pursuing a degree in industrial engineering with a minor in economics, combining her passion for process optimization with real-world applications in supply chain and consulting. This summer, she returned to Endress+Hauser Group in Greenwood, Indiana, for her second internship with the global measurement and automation technology leader.
During her first internship at Endress+Hauser, White made tangible impacts in the Temperature Production Center: optimizing storage space, designing a two-bin system prototype for the production floor, and coding a new product in SAP to streamline manufacturing integration. Beyond technical contributions, she coordinated a charity event that raised $620 for Elevate Indianapolis, showcasing her leadership and community engagement.
White's exceptional performance caught the attention of her manager, who encouraged her to apply for the DeRocco Fellows program. Her selection as a Fellow recognizes both her past achievements and future potential in the manufacturing field.
Cora White
The DeRocco Fellows program, created to honor manufacturing advocate Emily Stover DeRocco, bridges the gender gap in an industry where women represent less than one-third of the workforce. Fellows gain access to executive mentors, professional development workshops (covering financial literacy, salary negotiation, and career planning), and a lasting peer network.
Through the fellowship, White has transitioned to a new role in Endress+Hauser's Solutions and Projects Group. “My current role has given me valuable experience working cross-functionally— translating engineering concepts into streamlined, practical processes for team implementation,” said White. “I’ve also been collaborating with third-party vendors to obtain quotes for our products.”
White was drawn to advanced manufacturing by the precision, organization, and quality behind the products. She said, “Observing the intricate processes involved in creating these technologies sparked my curiosity. The level of detail and innovation required is fascinating, and the technology itself offers a wealth of knowledge that I’m eager to continue exploring.”
Writer:
Brenna Losch